A carrier for painting panels includes a box-like container including first and second opposing side walls, front and rear walls, and a floor closing the lower end of the container. A stepped track extends along at least one of the side walls, the stepped track including at least first and second channels for engaging first edges of first and second panels, respectively. The first and second channels are spaced from the corresponding side wall by first and second distances, respectively. The second distance exceeds the first distance by at least 0.25 inch, and preferably by 0.50 inch or by 1.0 inch. Preferably, the stepped track includes a third channel for engaging an edge of a third panel; the third channel is spaced from the corresponding side wall by a third distance which exceeds the second distance by at least 0.25 inch, preferably by 0.50 inch or by 1.0 inch.