Before and after photos of my work area. A simple paint stand can remove a lot of the clutter and provide a convenient way to organize hobby tools. 
 
We have all suffered from clutter on our work areas, paints, brushes, glue, tools, etc. strewn about, used often, but never enough storage space to make work easier. I picked up the Hobby Zone tray several years ago and it made a big improvement. With time I acquired more than it could provide, I have been looking for suitable additions and found many, but none met what I needed  a combination paint stand and tool organizer. Also cost of a ready made was expensive, especially as I would have to buy a paint stand and tool organizer separately. Two organizers would also reduce my work area.

 I opted to design and build my own. I picked up a single 1x6 inch x 8 foot MDF board from Home Hardware at a cost of $14.00. Using a table and mitre saw I cut the board into the lengths I needed and then assembled. I took the time to layout the tools I planned on storing on the stand, drilling the holes accordingly.

 I now have space to keep my paints, glues, clear coats, decal set, etc. within easy access along with various files, screwdrivers, clamps and drills.

An additional requirement is portability. My layout, the Trenton Subdivision in N Scale is in our family room and we use it for much more than just running trains. My work station is on my bar, so has to be easily moved for entertaining, wouldn’t want to accidentally mix up isopropyl alcohol for vodka!

Here is a design drawing I created of the paint/tool stand.