Painting cabinets is a great way to update your kitchen and give it a fresh look. The cost to repaint kitchen cabinets is about $861, but exactly how much you’ll spend depends on a number of factors. Learn how much it costs to paint kitchen cabinets by square footage, type of paint, material, and how much effort it’ll take to remove any existing varnish or paint.
Based on an average cost of $25 for a gallon of interior latex paint and a total potential coverage of 400 square feet, it costs approximately $0.10 to paint one square foot of your kitchen cabinets, excluding labor and other related costs.
Professional painters usually charge more to paint cabinet doors and drawers, so you’ll want to get an exact quote when trying to select a local cabinet painting pro for your project.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Near You?
The average cost of a gallon of interior latex paint in the U.S. ranges from $17 to $40 with a median price of around $25 per gallon. Costs may vary by location, but on a per-gallon basis, this range is fairly uniform across the country. While most costs associated with a kitchen cabinet painting project are fairly minimal, they can add up quickly.
Paint prices don’t differ that much from city to city, nor does the cost of primer or necessary tools, such as plastic drop cloths and sandpaper. Variations in local cost averages are often caused by labor cost differentials. The list below shows the average total price for painting kitchen cabinets in eight U.S. cities.
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How Many Kitchen Cabinets Can I Paint on My Budget?
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For less than $4,000 in most parts of the U.S., you can hire a pro to strip, prime, and paint all the cabinets in most home kitchens. This estimate includes doors and drawers, but may not always include other parts of your kitchen, such as the baseboards or trim.
To save money on your kitchen cabinet painting project, you can choose to do the work yourself. You can also shop around for less expensive paint. However, be careful to select quality paint that resists chips, dirt, and grime, as kitchen cabinets are particularly prone to daily wear and tear.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Yourself?
For the average DIY cabinet painting project, you’ll save on the labor costs, but you’ll also need to have the necessary equipment. If you do choose to paint your own kitchen cabinets, you can expect to spend approximately $20 to $60 per gallon for the paint. If your cabinets need to be stripped or sanded before you paint, you may need to spend another $150 or so on necessary supplies to prep the cabinet surfaces. Painting kitchen cabinets yourself can be a good way to save on kitchen remodeling costs.
To get the job done right, you’ll need to tackle several paint prep steps:
Remove the cabinet door and drawer faces.
Label the cabinets as you go for easier installation.
Remove the hardware, label it, and set it aside.
Clean each cabinet surface thoroughly.
Degloss or sand the surface to remove old paint or stain.
Repair dents and scratches.
Prime (let it dry), and then paint your cabinets.
(Video) How Much Does It Cost To Paint Kitchen Cabinets? (DIY or Hire A Pro?)After the paint dries, put all the doors, drawers, and hardware back together.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting Cost Breakdown
Your project budget for painting kitchen cabinets will include a number of different materials and tools. The paint is usually the single largest expenditure outside of labor costs, but other necessary supplies can add up.
Paint
The cost of paint ranges widely depending on the type you select. Different finishes in particular can add a few dollars to each gallon. Flat finishes, for instance, average $27 to $40 per gallon, while high-gloss paint can range from $30 to $120.
High-gloss and semi-gloss paints, while more expensive, are typically recommended over flat paints for high-use areas like kitchen cabinets. Glossy paints are more likely to repel stains, stand up against humidity, and are easier to wipe down with soap and water. Flat paints do a better job at covering up existing inconsistencies in walls but will show damage over time.
Labor
Professional interior painters will determine your price by hour or per linear foot. According to HomeAdvisor, hourly prices to paint cabinets range from $20 to $50 per hour or $30 to $60 per linear foot. If the job requires lengthy prep work, like repairing the cabinet surfaces, moving appliances, or replacing hardware, your pro may determine a base rate by combining the two fee structures.
Stripping, Sanding, and Deglossing
To sand away existing paint or varnish, you’ll need sandpaper in 80, 150, and 220 grit with either a hand sander or a power sander. Sandpaper typically costs between $5 and $10 per pack. Alternatively, you can use a chemical stripping agent; your local hardware or home improvement store most likely carries a large selection, priced anywhere from $7 to $50.
Equipment
Depending on which painting method you prefer, you may already have the tools you need on hand. You can pick up a paint roller and set of covers for about $20 or a set of three paint brushes of different sizes for $10 to $20. If you’d prefer a spray paint method, you’ll need to purchase a sprayer, which can cost $200 to $400, or rent one for about $100 per day.
Other Recommended Materials
If your cabinets need any repair work, it's best to get it completed before you paint or repaint them. On average, repairing kitchen cabinets costs $300.
Additionally, you’ll need to have all the necessary supplies ready to keep the rest of your kitchen splatter-free and get the job done safely (see the items in the table below).
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Masks | $10 – $35, depending on type |
| Tarps or drop cloths | $25 – $50 |
| Protective tape for glass edges and hardware on doors (be sure to get painter’s tape made for delicate surfaces) | $10 – $20 |
| Clean-up supplies (for latex paint, that’s soap and water, but you might also want to add a scraper) | $10 |
So, for these additional supplies, expect to pay another $55 to $100 or so, depending on your circumstances.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets by Type?
Photo: Jason / Adobe Stock
Kitchen cabinets come in several materials, and each one requires a slightly different painting approach to achieve that smooth, uniform finish you expect for your kitchen cabinets. Take some time to identify the material you’re working with to ensure you’re using the best strategy in prepping and painting.
Wood
If your wood cabinets are already painted or stained, you’ll need to sand the surface so it will hold onto the paint more evenly and yield a more consistent, uniform look. If the surface is glossy, you can also use a liquid or chemical deglossing agent.
Wood cabinets that aren’t painted or stained at all won’t need this kind of pre-painting prep work, saving you those costs. However, you’ll have to use a primer as the unfinished surface absorbs paint quite a bit, adding approximately $15 to $20 per gallon of primer to your costs.
Wood Veneer
Wood veneer cabinets are faced by a thin layer of actual hardwood on top of a thinner layer of pressed material. It’s certainly possible to repaint veneer cabinets. However, you’ll need to take a little extra care.
Before you begin to prep the surface with sandpaper, carefully check your cabinet surfaces for any cracks, chips, or loose edges. Use wood glue to fix those blemishes, then sand lightly. This should only add approximately $5 to $10 to your cost to repaint kitchen cabinets.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
If your cabinets are made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), you’ll first need to seal the porous MDF edge with a bit of drywall compound, which costs between $10 and $20, depending on the brand and quantity.
You’ll next need to apply a thorough coat of oil-based primer, which should be available in your local hardware or home repair store. It typically costs $60 to $70 for enough to cover 100 square feet.
Laminate
Laminate cabinets are topped with a layer of plastic on top of a composite base material with a slick finish. The best approach for painting laminate surfaces is to start with a good sanding to “rough up” the surface, then prime with a formula designed specifically for laminate surfaces, and end with a second sanding before applying the final coats of paint. Use fine-grained sandpaper and a gentle touch.
The sandpaper will add approximately $5 to $10 to your total project cost. For the specialized primer, you can choose an acrylic-based adhesion primer or a chalk paint formula, costing anywhere from $20 to $80, depending on the brand and amount you choose.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Painting Kitchen Cabinets?
In addition to the material used in building your kitchen cabinets, other factors can also affect the total cost of your painting project. Examining these factors in your kitchen will help you anticipate any additional costs and ensure you have all the supplies before picking up a paintbrush.
Size or Quantity of Cabinets
The more surface area you have to paint, the higher the cost will be on average. Your cabinets may also require more prep work if you have numerous large cabinets. Cabinets already sporting a paint or stain coat will need to be stripped of the existing coverage, sanded, and possibly primed. In other words, the greater the cabinet surface area you’re working with, the more you’ll pay for overall project costs.
Quality of Paint
Paint can vary widely in price depending on the quality. Even if you’re strictly evaluating interior latex semi-gloss paint, you’ll find a large range in the U.S., from $20 to $60 per gallon.
Existing Surface
If your cabinets are already sporting a heavy coat or two of paint, or if they’ve been varnished, they’ll need extra attention before you can apply color. Otherwise, the surface won’t “take” the new paint, and you’ll get an uneven finish. This means you’ll spend more to get the sandpaper, scrapers, and deglossers, in addition to higher labor costs.
Condition of Cabinets
In some instances, extensive damage to your cabinets may require more work. If you have warped cabinets, you may need to consider the cost of cabinet refacing, which ranges from $90 to $450 per linear foot. Refacing—not to be confused with total cabinet replacement—involves swapping out your cabinet doors and drawer faces.
The price to install new cabinet hardware can also range quite a bit, with knobs and handles starting at a few dollars each and ranging into the hundreds for high-end materials. Lastly, any additional prep work, such as removing peeled paint or adding wood putty to dents and dings, can add to your labor total as well.
Removing Doors, Drawers, and Appliances
Keep in mind that removing doors and drawers is a common step in the preparation process, and you may need to disconnect and move appliances such as stoves, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Pros may add this to the final price in their per-hour breakdown.
Cost of Other Projects You Can Tackle
While your painting pros might need the entire kitchen space to complete their work, you might want to explore completing other kitchen jobs simultaneously to minimize household disruption.
Some example projects and their costs include:
Cost to upgrade cabinet hardware: starting at $100
Cost to paint kitchen walls: $2 to $6 per square foot
Cost to add a backsplash: starting at $600
FAQs
How much does it cost to get your kitchen cabinets painted? ›
The average cost to paint kitchen cabinets is around $750, ranging from $400 on the low end to $1,250 on the high end. While painting kitchen cabinets requires plenty of time and prep work, it is a much cheaper alternative to purchasing new cabinets or refacing your existing ones.
Is it worth it to have kitchen cabinets professionally painted? ›If you're feeling anxious about painting your cabinets yourself, you might want to consider having them professionally painted. Professional painters have the skills and expertise to get the job done as quickly as possible, while making sure the final result is one you'll be happy with.
Is it cheaper to paint or replace kitchen cabinets? ›It's always less expensive if you apply new paint instead of replacing or resurfacing. Let's look at some of the reasons you might consider repainting your kitchen cabinets. Typically homeowners consider repainting cabinets because they are outdated and ready for a new look.
How much does it cost to sand and paint kitchen cabinets? ›It costs $3 to $10 per square foot to paint kitchen cabinets, or an average of $30 to $60 per linear foot, including labor, materials, and supplies. This does depend on the condition of the cabinets and how much work is needed to remove doors and hardware.
How long does it take a painter to paint kitchen cabinets? ›It usually take a professional 1.5 hours to strip the old paint, sand, prime, and paint two top coats of paint per cabinet door.
How many coats of paint do kitchen cabinets need? ›Two coats of paint are essential for cabinets—you're building a surface. By the way, to get the nicest finish, use a brush, a 2- to 2 1/2-inch fine bristle brush.
What is the downside of painting cabinets? ›The Cons Of Painting Kitchen Cabinets
While cheaper than replacing, painting kitchen cabinets is more expensive than staining. Plus, painting doesn't work if the cabinets have damages. They'll either stand out more or make the paint crack more quickly. Painting is also not very DIY-friendly.
While white will continue to be a popular choice for kitchens in 2023, we can expect to see kitchens get a bit more colorful in the new year. In particular, homeowners are embracing warmer tones and bold pops of color rather than monochromatic, Scandinavian-style minimalism or white and gray farmhouse-style kitchens.
What do professional painters use for cabinets? ›“Oil-based paint is the preferred formulation for cabinets due to its leveling qualities while painting, and stain-resistance and clean-up once they're in use,” says Hathaway. “Latex paint offers easy cleanup but doesn't have the ease of care that oil-based paint offers.”
Does painting cabinets decrease home value? ›According to Zillow.com and HGTV.com, repainting your kitchen cabinets as part of enhancing your kitchen can increase your home's value. Given how much time most of us spend in our kitchens, it's no surprise. Kitchens help sell a home.
Can you paint cabinets without removing them? ›
You don't have to remove the cabinet doors to repaint them, so leave them on their hinges if you're not going to replace them. However, it is easier to paint the cabinet's façade with the doors off. You can paint the hinges to match the cabinets or mask them with painter's tape to keep them as they are.
How long do painted cabinets last? ›If properly painted and cared for, your newly painted kitchen cabinets can last up to 15 years before needing another coat of paint.
Is it better to hand paint or spray cabinets? ›Spray painting is a much faster and more efficient method than brush painting, thanks to the specialised equipment professionals like ourselves use to create a factor finish coat. Every nook and cranny is sprayed, leaving no spots or brush strokes.
Do professionally painted cabinets last? ›The answer is, “yes.” Your painted finish should hold up well to normal use. Our materials, our process, as well as testing conducted by KCMA all assure you the finish meets high standards of durability. With basic care and maintenance, your cabinetry will be beautiful for many years to come.
Are painted kitchen cabinets more expensive? ›All cabinet details being equal, a painted cabinet can typically cost 10 to 20% more than a stained cabinet. The process required for the paint application is much more involved and begins with several coats of primer. The primer is followed by several layers of quality paint, with sanding in between each coat.
Are painted cabinets less expensive than wood? ›Painted cabinets typically involve medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which tends to cost less than the hardwood associated with staining.