1. The paint tray trick

The first entry on our list of genius painting tricks is one that will extend your paint tray’s life. Paint trays make the painting process easier by giving your roller a convenient spot to take a drip.

Trays come in a wide range of materials with varying levels of durability, but no matter what tray you’re using, whether it’s made of throwaway plastic or sturdy metal, you can extend its life by simply using a roll of aluminum foil.

All you have to do is lay sheets of foil along the tray’s interior. Make sure to not leave gaps where stubborn paint can seep through. Repeat this hack for all future paint jobs to save materials and money every time.