an apparatus for wetting a roller includes a liquid containment area having a first side wall , a second side wall , a first end wall and a second end wall , and a sloping bottom section connected to form a rectangular container capable of holding a liquid . the sloping bottom section slopes such that a first end of the rectangular container is deeper than a distal opposing end such that the liquid tends to drain and pool in the first end . a lip extends inwardly continuously around the top edges of the side walls . the lip reduces spilling of paint , adds stiffness to the tray , and provides a base for the attachment of a roller cleaning mesh . in some embodiments , a roller cleaning mesh is mounted to the lip above the first end for rolling a roller over to remove debris from the roller .