Choosing the right tray setup can make darkroom work smoother, cleaner, and less frustrating. The best darkroom print trays give you enough space to move prints safely while keeping chemicals organized.
Below, we focus on practical options for beginners and experienced printers alike, with attention to size, material, and handling features that matter in real use.
Best 8 Darkroom Print Trays Picks for 2026
Best for Beginners
4-Piece Tongs & 3 Darkroom Trays
- 3 trays plus 4 tongs in one kit
- Color-coded stages simplify processing
- Silicone grip helps reduce scratching
Best For: Photography students and home darkroom beginners who want an easy starter kit.
Best for Safe Handling
JJC 10x12” Darkroom Developing Tray
- Chemical-resistant PP plastic build
- Ribbed base helps prevent sticking
- Includes silicone tong and thermometer corner
Best For: Photographers who want a sturdy tray with safer handling features for 10x12-inch processing.
Best for Small-Format Printing
Set of 3 Darkroom Developing Trays
- Three-tray set supports a full developing workflow
- Fits 8x10-inch and smaller prints
- Chemical-resistant plastic handles darkroom use
Best For: Beginners and hobbyists working with 8x10 or smaller prints, film, and cyanotype processes.
Best for Small Spaces
JJC 10x12" Developing Tray with Silicone Tong
- Ribbed base helps keep chemistry moving evenly
- Includes silicone tong for safer wet handling
- Thermometer corner and pouring lip add convenience
Best For: Home darkrooms and beginners who want a sturdy tray with safer handling built in.
Best for Multi-Color Workflow
eTone 3-Color Darkroom Print Trays
- Color-coded trays simplify developer, stop, and fixer steps
- 10" x 12" size suits common small-format print work
- Stackable design helps keep a compact darkroom organized
Best For: Home darkrooms, cyanotype users, and hobbyists who want an organized three-tray workflow.
Best for Color-Coded Workflow
- Color-coded trays simplify chemical separation
- Ribbed base helps prevent sticking and improves flow
- Includes silicone tongs plus thermometer corner
Best For: Photographers who want organized 10x12" tray processing with handy workflow features.
Best for Large-Format Trays
- Deep 13x15 size fits larger film and print sizes
- Includes 3 trays plus 3 silicone-grip tongs
- Stackable, chemical-resistant PP build
Best For: Photographers developing larger film and paper who want roomy, practical darkroom trays.
Best for Large Formats
White 13x15 Darkroom Film Developing Tray
- Fits 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, and 9x12 workflows
- Heat- and chemical-resistant PP build
- Includes silicone-grip tongs and drain hole
Best For: Photographers developing larger film sizes who want a roomy, easy-to-handle tray.
Best for Beginners – 4-Piece Tongs & 3 Darkroom Trays
If you’re setting up a small film or print lab, these darkroom print trays give you a simple, color-coded way to keep developer, stop, and fixer organized. The set also includes four silicone-wrapped tongs, which help reduce scratches and make handling paper more controlled during wet processing.
Best For: Photography students, home darkroom users, and anyone who wants an easy-to-learn tray-and-tongs kit for print developing.
Pros:
- Includes 3 trays and 4 tongs in one starter kit
- Color-coded ends help separate processing stages clearly
- Silicone wrapping improves grip and helps prevent paper scratches
- Suitable for 8×10, 5×7, and 4×5 print workflows
Cons:
- More of a basic kit than a heavy-duty pro setup
- Best suited to smaller darkroom batches, not high-volume work
This is a practical pick if you want darkroom print trays that make the process straightforward rather than specialized. The included tongs and stage labeling add convenience, especially for beginners learning print developing or cyanotype workflows.
Best for Safe Handling – JJC 10×12” Darkroom Developing Tray
If you want darkroom print trays that make routine processing cleaner and easier to control, this JJC 10×12″ tray is a practical pick. Its durable PP plastic build, ribbed base, thermometer corner, and included silicone tong are all geared toward smoother print and film handling in a working darkroom.
Best For: Photographers who want a sturdy, easy-to-use tray with safety-focused handling features for prints up to 10×12 inches.
Pros:
- Hard PP plastic is chemical resistant and built for repeated darkroom use
- Ribbed base helps keep chemistry distributed evenly and reduces sticking
- Silicone tong adds safer handling for paper or film in processing baths
- Thermometer corner and pouring lip make workflow checks and emptying easier
Cons:
- Only sized for prints up to 10×12 inches
- Single tray included, so multi-bath setups require additional trays
- Plastic construction is durable, but not as rigid-feeling as heavier pro trays
This is a smart choice if you need darkroom print trays that prioritize everyday usability over fancy extras. The added tong, drainage-friendly shape, and stackable design make it especially appealing for compact, efficient workflows.
Best for Small-Format Printing – Set of 3 Darkroom Developing Trays
Set of 3 Darkroom Print Film Photo Paper Developing Trays for Cyanotype Developing Fixing 8x10
Check Price On AmazonIf you need simple, no-fuss darkroom print trays for film, paper, or cyanotype work, this 3-tray set covers the basics well. The plastic build is resistant to shock, acid, and alkali, and the trays are sized for 8×10-inch materials and smaller.
Best For: Beginners and hobbyists who want a basic tray set for 8×10 printing, developing, fixing, or cyanotype processes.
Pros:
- Set includes three color-coded trays for a complete workflow
- Acid- and alkali-resistant plastic suits common darkroom chemicals
- 8×10-friendly inner size works for small-format prints and paper
- Heat resistant up to 80ºC adds practical durability
Cons:
- Inner size is not ideal for larger-than-8×10 formats
- Basic tray design lacks premium features like pour spouts or reinforced grips
- Plastic construction may feel utilitarian to advanced users
For straightforward processing tasks, these darkroom print trays offer a useful low-cost setup without overcomplicating the workflow. They’re a sensible pick if you mainly work with smaller prints and want a reliable tray trio for developing and fixing.
Best for Small Spaces – JJC 10×12" Developing Tray with Silicone Tong
If you want practical darkroom print trays that make mixing, moving, and draining chemistry easier, this JJC 10×12″ tray is built for everyday print and film processing. The ribbed base helps keep solutions spread evenly and reduces sticking, while the included silicone tong adds a safer way to handle wet materials under safelight conditions.
Best For: Home darkrooms, beginners, and anyone who wants a durable tray with a handling tool included.
Pros:
- Chemical-resistant PP plastic stands up well to routine darkroom use
- Ribbed base helps improve solution flow and reduces print adhesion
- Silicone tong adds safer handling for paper or film
- Thermometer corner and pouring lip make processing more convenient
Cons:
- Single tray only, so multi-bath workflows need additional trays
- 10×12″ capacity may be limiting for larger print sizes
Overall, this is a well-rounded choice for photographers who want dependable darkroom print trays without extra complexity. It focuses on practical features that improve control, safety, and cleanup rather than fancy extras.
Best for Multi-Color Workflow – eTone 3-Color Darkroom Print Trays
If you want practical darkroom print trays for film, paper, or cyanotype work, this eTone set is built around an easy three-tray workflow. The 10″ x 12″ size fits common 4×5, 5×7, and 8×10 processing tasks, while the color-coded design helps keep developer, stop, and fixer organized.
Best For: Home darkrooms and alternative-process users who want a simple, color-coded tray set for print developing, fixing, and rinse steps.
Pros:
- Three-color system helps separate processing stages at a glance
- Stackable polystyrene build saves space when stored
- Grooved interior and shared drain/backrest design improve handling
- Works with small-format film, paper, and cyanotype workflows
Cons:
- Not large enough for bigger print sizes or high-volume processing
- Plastic construction is functional, but not as rigid as pro lab trays
- Best suited to light-to-moderate home darkroom use
Overall, this set stands out if you want color-coded darkroom print trays that make wet processing more organized without taking up much storage space. It is a straightforward choice for beginners and hobbyists who need a compact, multi-use tray kit.
Best for Color-Coded Workflow – JJC 10×12" Darkroom Tray Set
If you want darkroom print trays that make chemical staging easier to manage, this JJC set is built for practical print and film processing. The three color-coded trays help you keep developer, stop, and fixer organized under safelight conditions, while the ribbed base, thermometer corner, and pouring lip add useful workflow details for everyday darkroom work.
Best For: Print makers and film photographers who want a simple, organized tray set for 10×12″ processing.
Pros:
- Color-coded gray, white, and red trays help reduce mix-ups
- Ribbed base helps keep chemistry distributed and prints from sticking
- Includes silicone tongs for safer handling in the darkroom
- Thermometer corner and pouring lip improve day-to-day usability
Cons:
- Only sized for prints up to 10×12″, so larger work needs bigger trays
- Plastic construction is practical, but not as heavy-duty as pro lab trays
For photographers setting up or refining a home lab, these darkroom print trays cover the essentials without extra complexity. They are a solid pick if you value organization, easy handling, and stackable storage more than premium materials or oversized capacity.
Best for Large-Format Trays – JJC 13×15 Darkroom Tray Set
If you need darkroom print trays that can comfortably handle bigger sheets, this JJC set is built for 4×5, 5×7, 8×10, and even 9×12 workflow. The deepened tray shape, drain hole, and thermometer slot make it easier to keep processing organized, while the included tongs add a little extra control and safety at the sink.
Best For: Photographers developing larger film and photo paper who want a practical, space-saving tray set for home darkroom work.
Pros:
- Deep 13×15 trays suit large-format film and print processing
- PP construction resists heat and common darkroom chemicals
- Includes three trays and three silicone-grip tongs
- Stackable design helps save storage space between sessions
Cons:
- Not as compact as smaller trays for limited workspaces
- No built-in grading or measurement markings
- Color options matter if you want a stage-specific workflow
Overall, this is a strong pick if your darkroom print trays need to handle oversized paper without feeling cramped. It focuses on practical features rather than extras, which makes it a useful buy for photographers who want straightforward, reliable processing gear.
Best for Large Formats – White 13×15 Darkroom Film Developing Tray
If you need darkroom print trays that can handle larger sheets without feeling cramped, this 13 x 15 tray is a practical pick. The deepened design, smooth PP interior, and included tongs make it a straightforward setup for film and paper processing, especially when you want more control in a small darkroom workflow.
Best For: Photographers developing 4×5, 5×7, 8×10, or 9×12 film and paper who want a spacious tray with added chemical handling convenience.
Pros:
- Large 13.15 x 15.12-inch footprint fits bigger formats comfortably
- PP construction resists heat and darkroom chemicals
- Includes silicone-grip tongs for safer handling and less scratching
- Drain hole, thermometer slot, and stackable storage add convenience
Cons:
- Single tray set may not be enough for a full multi-bath processing workflow
- Best suited to larger-format users, so it may feel oversized for small prints
For photographers shopping for darkroom print trays that prioritize space and practicality, this model stands out for its deep profile and useful handling features. It’s a solid choice if you want a simple, durable tray that supports larger negatives and print development with less fuss.
How We Picked These Darkroom Print Trays
We looked for trays that fit common print sizes, support a sensible developing workflow, and offer features that reduce spills and cross-contamination. That means usable depth, a stable base, easy-pour edges, and accessories such as tongs or thermometers where they add real value.
We also favored sets that make sense for typical darkroom use: small-format trays for compact spaces, and larger trays for people working with 8×10 or bigger prints. For Darkroom Print Trays, practicality matters more than extra claims.
Quick Comparison
If you mainly print 5×7 or 8×10, a mid-size tray set is usually the most flexible choice. If you work with larger sheets or want more room to keep developer, stop, and fixer separate, a 10×12 or 13×15 setup is a better fit. Tray color, ribbed bottoms, and included tongs can improve visibility and handling, but the right size is still the biggest decision.
Key Buying Factors for Darkroom Print Trays
Size and Print Capacity
Choose trays that are comfortably larger than your paper size. A tray that is too tight makes agitation harder and increases the chance of bent corners or accidental contact with adjacent chemicals.
Material and Stability
Look for rigid plastic that resists flexing when filled. A stable tray is easier to move, stack, and rinse, especially in a cramped workspace.
Interior Design
Ribbed bases, thermometer corners, and molded pour spouts can improve usability. These details are not essential, but they can help with drainage, temperature checks, and consistent handling.
Workflow Extras
Included tongs may be useful for beginners or for keeping separate tools for each bath. If you already have dedicated accessories, you may prefer a simpler tray set and focus your budget on size and build quality.
Who Should Buy Which Darkroom Print Trays?
Beginners should usually start with a mid-size set that includes clear handling features and enough room for standard prints. Hobbyists making cyanotypes or small-format work can prioritize compact, affordable trays that store easily. Photographers processing larger sheets or wanting more separation between baths should look at bigger Darkroom Print Trays with a generous working footprint.
If you value an easy, low-stress workflow, choose the largest tray size your space can comfortably support. In most cases, that gives you the most flexibility as your printing habits grow.