Suvechha Sarkar
Chasing sustainability has now become more than just a trend because it shapes the way people approach everyday tasks. For decades, painters and DIY enthusiasts have relied on disposable plastic trays and liners, unknowingly contributing to environmental waste. However, the Repaint Tray by Repaint Studios aims to solve that problem by making painting both efficient and eco-conscious. Their appearance in season 17, episode 3 of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ offered the perfect platform to show that sustainability and creativity can go hand-in-hand.
Repaint Tray: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
Before the Repaint Tray by Repaint Studios came to life, Billie Asmus was already crafting her own path. She began pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communication and Marketing, with a minor in Leadership Studies, at Bethel University in 2011. Before graduating in 2015, she went abroad and completed a degree in Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics from the University of Vienna in 2013. Billie then stepped into her career as a Communication and Marketing Director for Asmus Farm Supply in June 2016 and worked there till December 2020. In May of the same year, she also became the owner of Hive and Home Co., a business that specialized in the refurbishment and refinishing of furniture.
Inspiration struck as Billie worked on that venture from her modest basement studio. Day after day, she noticed an alarming amount of plastic waste piling up from disposable paint trays and liners. Since she realized that it was unsustainable in the long term, she went online to find a reusable alternative. Surprisingly, she was unable to find any such product. It ultimately led to the spark going off, and she returned to school to understand product development from scratch. Following that, Repaint Tray finally came into existence, and Billie officially filed for its patent on February 21, 2022. Hence, she became the CEO and founder of Repaint Studios in February 2022, leaving her previous position four months later.
In June 2022, the company was named one of Iowa’s Top 10 startups, and Billie even pitched Repaint Tray at a statewide competition. She finished in third place and won $5,000. By January of the following year, she had raised $4,000 in a Grant. Although Repaint Tray was developed earlier, it was launched in the market on February 1, 2024. On August 22 of the same year, Billie participated in the Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition and secured first place, earning a $40,000 prize for Repaint Studios. Most recently, on December 1, 2024, she received a Grant of $100,000.
Within just a few months of its launch, the company signed deals with renowned retailers, including Lowe’s and Home Depot. The Repaint Tray is a sustainable and thoughtfully created paint tray made with a durable metal base. It comes with a reusable silicone liner and lid, which is designed keeping the customer’s convenience in mind. Furthermore, its resealable and airtight lid keeps the paint stored inside fresh for a period of up to 3 weeks. It is built to fit the country’s standard 9-inch roller and reduces waste significantly. If customers prefer, they can let the paint dry on the liner and peel it off later.
Repaint Tray: Where Are They Now?
Within just four months of its launch, the first collection of Repaint Tray inventory was completely sold out, indicating that it has been a hit among people who often indulge in home or DIY projects. The tray can be purchased directly from Repaint Studios’ website for just $39.95. While ordering, customers can select the number of products they want and even pay in two installments. If needed, one can separately buy an extra Liner and Lid, which fits only Repaint Metal Trays at just $21.99. Apart from that, the brand offers a range of merchandise clothing items, including Women’s Boxy Tee, Unisex Long-sleeve T-shirts, Creative Committee T-shirt, and Creative Committee – Boxy Tee, priced from $26 to $38.28.
Other items available on their website include Refuel & Repaint – DIY Coffee Blend, which is available at $25, and Painters Coffee Mug for $25.27. Repaint Studios also offers consumers products such as the Repaint Vacuum Insulated Tumbler in gray and turquoise colors, priced at $28.12, and the Repaint Skinny Matte Tumbler, priced at $37.53. The latter is available in six color variants, like indigo, green, grey, and so on. Beyond products, this woman-owned business fosters a creative community through its blog, offering painting tips and product insights. In addition to nationwide shipping, Repaint Tray is now being delivered internationally. The product can also be bought from the TikTok shop, selected Ace Hardware stores, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.
The company often engages in partnerships, product swaps, and press collaborations to expand its visibility. Retailers and wholesalers alike can contact them directly through their website. They kicked off 2025 with a giveaway of not just their Repaint Tray, but also the extra liner and lid, along with several of their merchandise items and $50 Visa gift card. In the very same month, the product officially hit shelves across 416 Lowe’s stores nationwide and was featured on the ’12 About Town’ show by WWBT. Two months later, it took center stage at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Billie even won the Sustainability Advocate Award for Women in Hardware.
The brand further collaborated with GreenSheen Paint in March 2025. In the following June, they also partnered with the artist, Skye Walker, who is also an amazing muralist, and helped promote Repaint Tray. Even through the following month, he shared his vision and tips to use painter’s tape during painting. In August, the company attended the Fall Ace Hardware Convention, where they provided a live demo of their famous paint-peeling demonstration from the Repaint Tray. Moreover, they succeeded in becoming the third Best New Vendor at the event. Recently, they have focused on promoting the product and building a community of loyal supporters, which has earned them incredible reviews.
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