How Much Does It Cost To Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

Painting kitchen cabinets breathes new life into your house. However, there are many things to research before beginning the project.

Besides finding the right color and type of paint, you also need to consider the cost to paint kitchen cabinets.

If you are ready to upgrade your kitchen cabinets, contact your local remodeling pros for FREE ESTIMATES!

Calculating The Cost To Paint Kitchen Cabinets

The cost to paint your kitchen cabinets depends on the following factors:

• Cabinet Design
• Layout
• Surface Area

The average cost to repaint kitchen cabinets is between $2.50 and $9 per square foot. This puts the linear foot cost at $27-$55, including supplies, materials, and labor.

The design, layout, and surface area of your units are among the biggest factors influencing the cost to paint the kitchen cabinets.

For instance, a contractor might give you a flat price per painted cabinet ($70-$140), drawer ($20), or door ($90) if the kitchen cabinets are standard.

Complex or tighter kitchen cabinet layouts with many corners may raise the painting cost because the technician needs to invest more time and effort in the job.

Charging Method	Cost
Per square foot	$2.5-9
Per linear foot	$27-55
Per cabinet	$70-140
Per door	$90
Per drawer	$20

Cabinet Color

The kitchen cabinet color you choose also plays a pivotal role in the cost of repainting.

For example, if you’re looking for a lighter shade of paint, you’ll need to take several preparations into account. For instance, the best first move is to strip off or sand the existing paint on the kitchen cabinets first.

Alternatively, you might want to repaint elements of the kitchen cabinets that are already in good condition.

In this case, make sure to apply primer first to highlight the top color better. This is also essential because it ensures you get the desired hue on all surfaces by getting the paint to adhere more effectively.

Using two paint colors on your kitchen cabinets is another demanding project. It costs more, and the contractor needs to work carefully to make sure the tone complement each other.

Due to the importance of picking the right paint color, consult your professionals beforehand. They can help you select the paint shade and combination for your surface that fits your vision and matches the style of your kitchen cabinets.

Paint Quality And Type

You can achieve various visual effects with different paint types and consistencies on your kitchen cabinets.

Some nuances are glossy, which is why they’re costlier than matte or flat paint.

Satin and eggshell paint hues are an in-between option, which complements many kitchen cabinet surfaces. However, they’re not very durable, so these types of paint may fade prematurely if you use your kitchen cabinets heavily.

Oil-based paints can be a great pick for kitchen cabinets too. They create a brushed appearance that exudes elegance but usually cost more than standard colors.

Latex-based paint products might be your best option if you want kitchen cabinets with a smooth finish at a relatively inexpensive cost.

Regardless of your paint type, you’ll need to find the right primer for the color and wood. Consult a professional to prevent mistakes when shopping for paint for your kitchen cabinets.

Painting Method

There are different techniques professionals can use to paint your kitchen cabinets. The most common methods include paint spraying, rolling, and brushing.

Spraying may be the most efficient one, as it helps the specialist perform the work evenly and quickly.

Conversely, brushing the paint is ideal for kitchen cabinets with recesses and grooves.

Finally, rollers are mostly used on large flat surfaces.

Tools

Irrespective of your method, here are some of the materials and tools you’ll need to purchase:

• Paint Sprayer
• Rollers
• Brushes
• Drop cloths
• Paint pans
• Painter’s tape
• Paint strippers or sanding materials
• Paint
• Primer

If you decide to do paint kitchen cabinets yourself, you’ll need to pay around $180-$540 for the supplies. Therefore, hiring an expert is typically a better option because they usually bring their own materials.

Did you know? It’s better to buy paints with a quick-dry formula. As the name suggests, they dry more quickly than standard products, enabling you to get back to normal life faster.

Kitchen Size

The kitchen size contributes to the abovementioned surface area.

If your room is small, the cost to paint kitchen cabinets is relatively low.

In contrast, large spaces with oversized kitchen cabinets may make the painting job very costly. You’ll need more time and materials, including cloths to shield your countertops and floors from spills.

Condition Of Your Cabinets Impacts Painting Cost

Kitchen cabinets deteriorate over time and show various signs of damage, such as cracked wood, peeling paint, and warped laminate.

Some units require extensive repairs before they can be painted. Other elements may be beyond repair and need to be replaced.

The more you need to do, the higher the cost of the project.

Keep in mind that you should avoid painting over damaged laminate until you reface or repair the kitchen cabinet.

You also need to remove any hardware and strip or sand the original kitchen cabinet surface before applying the primer. This is the only way to make the coat adhere properly.

Cost Of Labor To Paint Cabinets

Many homeowners underestimate labor cost to paint kitchen cabinets when starting the job. The price can be high, with some painters charging more than $40 per hour if you’re in a remote place.

Apart from the location, professionals can also base the rates on the total surface area of your kitchen cabinets. Again, they can also charge by the cabinet, drawer, or door.

Additional Costs And Considerations

In-depth research is vital for any home improvement project, including painting kitchen cabinets. Aside from the standard factors, you should also take secondary aspects into account.

Primer and Site Preparation

Your primer and preparation needs to paint kitchen cabinets may vary. Some jobs require you to cover every surface with plastic or tarp to avoid creating spots and stains on hardwood floors, appliances, vents, countertops, and sinks.

This is especially true if you want to spray paint your kitchen cabinets.

You’ll also need more primer and preparation if you wish to apply multiple colors. After applying the first shade, you’ll need to prepare the surface once again. This ensures a strong bond and saturation.

Removing Appliances

Some kitchen cabinets are placed in hard-to-reach areas, blocked by appliances.

In this case, professionals may need to remove your fridge or dishwasher to prepare and paint the kitchen cabinets. The extra work increases labor costs.

Detaching Drawers

Removing drawers is an integral part of preparation.

Repainting kitchen cabinets is hard if the moving components are still in place. Hence, contractors generally remove them to be able to sand the surface easier and apply the paint more effectively.

This takes time, which further raises labor cost to paint kitchen cabinets.

Repainting or Refacing

Many types of wooden kitchen cabinets allow for repainting.

The same goes for laminates if they’re in good shape and adequately prepared.

It’s a simple job that lets you reuse your original cabinets and update their appearance with a new color.

But refacing kitchen cabinets is the most popular alternative. It’s a particularly useful option if you wish to enhance the look of your units without purchasing new cabinets.

For example, the kitchen cabinet doors can be replaced completely or upgraded with new veneers. This process typically includes installing modern hardware, and most people use this method if their kitchen cabinets are beyond repair.

As refacing is more extensive, it requires a higher budget.

Did you know? Professionals install new drawer pulls, handles, and other elements when refacing cabinets. But you can save money by asking them to reuse the original parts if they’re in a decent condition.

Top Reasons To Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Painting kitchen cabinets is a smart investment for several reasons:

Improves Old and Dirty Units

Your kitchen cabinets probably looked amazing when you installed them. But over time, their great looks might have deteriorated, and they’re now covered in dirt or grime. This is the main reason you should repaint the elements of your kitchen cabinets.

Once you clean them out, strip off the original finish, and add the new hue, you’ll make the room feel new again.

The effect is even more pronounced if you’re switching to a lighter color, which can make your area feel much bigger.

More Affordable Than Remodeling

Remodeling your kitchen adds value fast, but your budget might not allow such extensive work.

A quicker and more cost-efficient method is to paint kitchen cabinets.

Performed correctly, your paint can look fabulous and last for many years.

This small investment yields tremendous long-term advantages for both you and potential buyers.

Increases the Value of Your Dwelling

Most people spend a lot of time in their kitchen.

It’s a gathering space where families and friends cook means and hang out, and the space feels open and inviting.

That’s why potential buyers pay special attention to this room if you plan to sell your place.

Enhancing your kitchen cabinets with a trendy paint hue that matches your floors and countertops is an excellent way to make this room more inviting and your home more valuable.

Best of all, you don’t have to pay top dollar for this project. It’s relatively affordable and helps you sell your house more quickly.

A Revamped Look

You might have had your kitchen cabinets for decades and are finally ready to upgrade.

Inspired by blogs and TV shows, you’ve found the right color to revamp the look of your kitchen.

Just add some new hardware to the equation, and you’ll upgrade from a traditional room to a modern space filled with vibrant shades.

DIY Cost To Paint Kitchen Cabinets vs. Hiring A Professional

Many homeowners eagerly try their hands at various DIY projects, such as painting kitchen cabinets.

They may consider this one of the simplest tasks because it doesn’t seem to have many requirements. You buy some paint, a brush, and you’re ready to go. There’s no need for specialized tools or techniques, especially if you’re going for a standard finish.

However, the reality is slightly different. While painting kitchen cabinets is a relatively simple task, it can take longer than most people think.

Say you have around 150 square feet of cabinets to paint. In this case, you’ll need about 15 hours to prepare the kitchen cabinets’ surface and get rid of the original finish. Expect an additional 10-20 hours for the priming, painting, potential refitting, and cleaning. This can make your kitchen unusable for days if you can’t do the work in one go.

Plus, inexperienced homeowners often make a serious mistake when painting their kitchen cabinets for the first time – not preparing the surface appropriately.

Even worse, they may overlook the step altogether, which can drastically reduce the lifespan of the paint and actually make the cabinets look worse.

Did you know? Sanding cabinets can be dangerous if you inhale the airborne particles. To avoid health risks, wear a mask and safety goggles.

Although hiring professional painters is expensive (compared to DIY jobs where you only need to buy materials), it provides many significant benefits.

First, a company can dispatch a skilled team to work 8-9 hours every day on your kitchen cabinets. This allows them to complete the work in less time, resulting in fewer disruptions to your routine.

Second, experts have all the gear to protect your kitchen correctly. They closely inspect the surface before starting the project so they know what supplies they need to remove the finish, for priming, and for painting the kitchen cabinets.

Finally, their experience is invaluable. They’ve done similar projects numerous times, making them more likely to get it right the first time around.

Therefore, spending some money on specialists can give you peace of mind. You’ll need a higher budget, but you’ll save time, and your kitchen cabinets will likely serve you longer.

How To Save Money On Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Many factors influencing the cost to paint kitchen cabinets – such as the price of materials, etc. – are out of your hands. Still, there are some things you can do to help lower the price of your investment.

Some examples are:

Accurately determine the surface area that will be painted.

Don’t overestimate the amount of paint you need.

Ask your provider if the cabinets can handle paints with built-in primer or if they need a separate primer.

Use old bedsheets and tarps as your drop cloths if you’re working alone. If you schedule professional painting, you won’t need to worry about this.

Buy paint that fits your vision and budget. For example, you don’t need a high-gloss nuance if you’re looking for a subtler appearance.

Purchase high-quality paint. What good is a low-quality product if you need to repaint your cabinets again in a year or two?

Be on the lookout for sales by following paint providers on their social media accounts.

Remove drawers and cabinets on your own.

Ask for quotes on any hardware you want to update.

If you want to have multiple rooms painted, see if you can get a discount for performing the jobs simultaneously.

Questions To Ask About Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

Finding the right painter is paramount to upgrading your kitchen cabinets. There could be dozens of providers in your area, and these questions will help you narrow down your choice.

• How long have you been painting kitchen cabinets?
• Can I review your portfolio?
• Can you provide any references?
• Which contractors will do the work?
• How do you charge?
• What paint do you recommend?
• How much preparation does the project require?
• What should I do before the job?
• What if a drawer or door needs repairs?
• How long does the project take?
• Will I be able to use my appliances while you paint?
• Do you use top coats?
• What if you need more paint?
• Do you provide warranties or guarantees?
• How do I maintain the cabinets after the painting?

Is It worth It To Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

In general, painting kitchen cabinets is worth it. The cost to paint kitchen cabinets is relatively low yet it adds a ton of elegance to your house.

Still, the investment is sometimes ill-advised. Your cabinets might be too deteriorated, so there’s no way to create a strong bond between the surface and paint.

Alternatively, you may want to update your elements or change the layout of the room. Replacing the kitchen cabinets might fit your vision better.

How Much Does It Cost to Have Cabinets Professionally Painted?

The average cost to paint kitchen cabinets professionally is about $700, including labor and material costs.

Did you know? Exposure to UV rays can wreak havoc on your new paint. It can lead to fading and discoloration. Consider installing blinds or sunlight-blocking drapery to keep the finish intact.

Is It Hard To Paint Cabinets?

The act to paint kitchen cabinets itself isn’t challenging or time-consuming, but the entire process can take quite a while.

The most difficult part is preparing the elements. You need great skill and attention to detail to prepare the surface and ensure the new paint adheres to it.

Is It Better To Spray Or Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

The choice between spraying or painting kitchen cabinets depends on what you want to achieve with your new color.

If you want to achieve a rich texture by using oil-based paints, hand-painting the units is your best option.

But if you wish to ensure even distribution across each cabinet, spray painting will give you great results.

Do I Need To Add A Protective Seal To Cabinets After Painting?

Experts recommend adding a protective sealant after painting kitchen cabinets.

The reason is simple – you’ve just revamped your elements, and applying a sealant is the only way to protect your investment.

Is It Cheaper To Paint Or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?

Painting kitchen cabinets is much cheaper than replacing them.

The cost to paint kitchen cabinets can be high if the project is large, but it’s still incomparable to the price of replacing them.

In particular, homeowners usually pay between $90-$250 per linear foot when installing new elements.

Should Your Repaint Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Every project needs to be planned out to ensure excellent results and minimize associated risks.

That said, painting kitchen cabinets is a relatively low-risk investment.

Professional services are affordable and don’t take too long.

In some cases, you can apply a fresh coat of paint in less than a day, taking the aesthetics of your abode to a whole new level.