When you're looking to paint kitchen cabinets, you're naturally going to want to know the cost of painting them. Depending on the size of your home, your zip code, the condition of your existing cabinets and more, you're going to see the price vary a lot.
Obviously, painting kitchen cabinets yourself is cheaper than hiring a professional painter, but it requires a lot of time and effort which you may not be able to put into the DIY project. For this reason, we usually recommend hiring a professional for your painting project. You can also learn more about the difference between cabinet refinishing and cabinet refacing if you are interested to know how you can save up on remodeling projects!
Don't risk messing up your lovely kitchen cabinetry! You can learn how to paint thermofoil cabinets in your kitchen here too!
Here we going to look at the total cost to paint kitchen cabinets in the US, whether you're spray painting, rolling, doing it yourself, or working with professional painters. From small budget-conscious projects to large high-end kitchen cabinet painting, we cover it all.
So, how much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets? Let's find out!
Average Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
The average cost to paint kitchen cabinets is $2,500 in the US.
This price is for the average-sized American kitchen painted professionally by a team of painters who charge around the national average for their materials and labor.
If your home is average size and you don't live in a super expensive zip code, then you'll usually be charged around $25 to $60 per linear foot.
Here's how it breaks down for the US national averages:
- $2,500 average cabinets painting price
- $3 to $10 per square foot
- $25 to $60 per linear foot
- $40 to $100 per cabinet door
- $25 to $35 per drawer
- $125 to $175 per cabinet
Of course, the average cost will vary depending on the number of cabinet doors, the painting method, exact square footage, painting quality, and more.
The cost may seem expensive, but painting contractors have the ability to breathe new life into your home and increase your resale value in a relatively cheap and easy way.
If done correctly, it can look like you have brand new cabinets!
How Much Should I Pay to Have My Kitchen Cabinets Painted?
Painting cabinets becomes more expensive if you live in an area where the cost of living is higher or your kitchen has more square feet than average.
Here are some average costs for kitchen cabinet painting of various sizes.
Small Kitchen Cabinet Painting Costs
If you've got a small kitchen or low-end paint, then you can expect to pay around $900 for painting your kitchen cabinets.
Opting for fewer coats of paint can be a good way to save money if you're on a budget, but make sure that it doesn't ruin the overall look of the cabinet paint.
Average Kitchen Cabinet Average Cost
If you've got an average-sized house, then it will usually cost around $2,100 to paint your kitchen cabinets professionally.
If your cabinet design is fairly simple, you may be able to reduce this cost a little. However, more complex and ornate cabinets require paint spraying, which can increase the overall price.
Large or High-End Kitchen Cabinets Average Cost
If you've got a large kitchen and/or you want to use high-quality paint for the job, then you can expect to pay around $3,700 for cabinet painting.
You may be able to get this price down if your cabinet painting is part of a larger kitchen remodeling project, but generally, this home improvement will come close to $4000 for larger homes.
Do I Need To Hire Professional Painters?
When you read the prices charged by painting contractors, it can seem tempting to try painting your cabinets yourself as a DIY painting project.
However, this is not a good idea if you're not very experienced – painting cabinets poorly could ruin the wood, get paint in places it's not supposed to be, and end up costing you more money in the long run.
On the other hand, a professional painter can offer you years of on-the-job experience and skill. Professional cabinet painters may charge a fair amount, but they can significantly boost your property's resale value.
Here's how the costs break down:
Labor Costs
- $20 to $50 per hour on average
- $200 to $500 per day depending on the scope of the project
When you hire professional cabinet painters, you're paying for their labor mostly.
Wages and fees vary depending on the cost of living in your region, but most contractors will charge $20 to $50 per hour depending on their skill and experience level.
Materials Costs
- Cabinet paint & primer is $20 – $50 per gallon
- 1 gallon covers 300-400 square feet on average
Materials are the cheapest part of the price when painting kitchen cabinets, but the cost varies depending on the paint quality and the amount needed for your home.
For example:
- An average kitchen needs 1 gallon of primer & 1-2 gallons of paint = $40 to $150
- A large kitchen needs 1-2 gallons of primer and 2-3 gallons of paint = $60 to $250
While all contractors have their own ways of pricing up a job, the estimate you receive will likely use guidelines like this.
What Does a Painting Professional Charge Extra Fees For?
Professionals charge extra fees for certain services, so watch out for these things if you're trying to keep your cabinet painting costs down:
Cabinets in bad shape bring up the total cost
If your cabinets are in bad shape – full of dents, knicks, scratches, or repairs – then the cost to paint your kitchen cabinets will be even higher.
Workers will need to repair any issues with the wood and sand it down extensively, creating a good enough surface for the paint to stick to (and just so your cabinets look nice!)
Spray paint kitchen cabinets are expensive
If you've got more ornate cabinets with a lot of wooden carvings and decoration that is hard to paint, then you might need professional spray painting.
This painting method uses high-quality lacquer paint that is very durable, finishing with no drips for a smooth painted texture.
However, it costs $35 to $95 per linear foot for kitchen cabinet spray painting, and the cost of hiring a paint sprayer gun is around $40 to $120 per day depending on your region.
There is no doubt that it costs extra to spray paint kitchen cabinets.
Additional coats of paint & primer increase painting cost
If you want additional coats of paint and/or primer for a really slick finish, then this is going to cost you extra in terms of both paint and the labor required for the extra coats.
If you're happy with just 1-2 coats, you could save a lot of cash.
High-quality paints and lacquers are expensive
If you want good quality paint, primer, lacquer, whatever – it's going to cost more per square foot. There's no way around that.
When discussing paints with your contractors, try to find a balance between budget and paint quality that meets your needs.
However, it's worth remembering that manual labor is the most expensive aspect of painting cabinets professionally, so it may be worth spending a little extra to get the best paint on the market.
Kitchen cabinets above 8 feet tall raise the price
Most kitchen cabinets in the US are around 8 feet tall, so contractors are used to working on cabinets at this height.
However, if you live in a large house or happen to have a high ceiling with high-up kitchen cabinets above 8 feet, then the contractors may need to use special equipment and painting techniques to paint cabinets that are so high up.
The lower your cabinetry, the lower the price!
Is Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets Yourself A Good Idea?
Lots of budget-conscious homeowners want to paint cabinets themselves as part of a DIY project. If you're experienced enough to know what you're doing, then this could be a cost-effective way to paint cabinets for your home.
DIY Cost To Paint Kitchen Cabinets Yourself
If you're going full DIY and not spending any money on labor (i.e. you and a friend do the project) then here's what you can expect to spend:
- $250 to $650 for supplies and materials on average
- 30 to 60 hours to complete the cabinet painting
As well as money, you need to consider the time investment of DIY cabinet painting and whether you can spare a week off work to spend 30-60 hours painting cabinets.
So, how much does it cost to paint cabinets yourself? Somewhere between $250 to $650 depending on the paint's quality, the style of your kitchen cabinets, the method you're using, the square foot size, and more.
Is It Cheaper to Paint or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
Generally speaking, painting cabinets is the cheapest way to give them a new look. Replacing, refacing, and refinishing kitchen cabinets all tend to be more expensive than simply painting them.
“Refacing” is when you replace the cabinet doors and fittings – the parts that the eye can see.
“Refinishing” is when you simply change the color or stain of the wood and rework it to look slightly newer.
Here's how the prices break down:
- Painting cabinets = $800 to $3,700
- Refinishing cabinets = $1,600 to $4,000
- Refacing cabinets = $4,250 to $9,500
- Replacing your cabinets entirely = $9,000 to $18,500
Painting and refinishing kitchen cabinets are similar in price, though the cost to paint kitchen cabinets is slightly cheaper per square foot on average.
Replacing your cabinets entirely tends to be VERY expensive depending on the kitchen design and quality of the doors and drawers etc.
Refacing is a good middle-ground option because it allows you to replace just the parts of the cabinets that are visible to the eye – you get rid of the old cabinet doors but keep the cabinet frames intact.
How Much Does It Cost To Respray Kitchen Cabinets?
If you want to respray your kitchen cabinets, it's going to cost $35 to $95 per linear foot. Hiring a paint spraying machine also costs $40 to $120 per day depending on the area, so keep that in mind too.
Nonetheless, spraying cabinets can reduce the overall time of the project as the cabinetry doesn't need to be removed from the wall, so you could save time if not cash.
The Benefits Of Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinet painting can be cheap or expensive depending on a multitude of factors and considerations. But what's so good about painted cabinets anyway, and why should you get cabinet painting done in the first place?
It's the cheapest way to reinvigorate your kitchen
Freshly painted cabinets are one of the first things you will see when you walk into your new kitchen, so cabinet painting is one of the cheapest ways to give the space an entirely new aesthetic.
It might not be as good as a total cabinet replacement, but it will make a large visual difference.
It's easier than replacing or refacing kitchen cabinets
It's oftentimes quicker and easier to paint kitchen cabinets than it is to buy new cabinets or reface your existing kitchen cabinets.
Painting kitchen cabinets will usually take around 3-7 days on average.
Painted cabinets boost your home's resale value
Painted kitchen cabinets can really boost the resale value of your property if carried out in a slick, professional way.
Sometimes a new paint job on the cabinets is that edge that your property needs to really catch the eye of potential buyers and increase the resale value.
It's a pretty quick & simple home improvement
If you want to improve the look of your house without actually doing that much, then kitchen cabinet painting is the way to go.
In terms of house renovations and remodels, a cabinet painting project is one of the simplest and least time-consuming ways that you can make a major visual change to your space.
The Bottom Line – Is It Worth It To Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
So, how much does it cost to paint cabinets? Well, somewhere between $800 and $3,700 in most cases, though that can vary with scope, square footage, painting techniques, the area you live in, and much more.
If you're looking to make your kitchen feel brand new without spending too much cash, painting your kitchen cabinetry is a great way to go about it.
So whether you decide to get new cabinets, reface your kitchen cabinet doors, or hire a cabinet painter for professionally painted kitchen cabinetry… we hope you find the solution you need at an affordable price point.
Good luck!
FAQs
What is the average cost of having 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.
How much does it cost to paint 10 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.
Is it cheaper to paint kitchen cabinets? ›You can expect painting contractors to charge $50 to $100 per door, $120-$170 per cabinet, and $20-$30 per drawer. Painting your kitchen cabinets yourself will be considerably less expensive. Your base cost would be anywhere from $200 to $600, depending on the brand of paint and the supplies you will have to buy.
What is the kitchen trend for 2023? ›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.
Does painting cabinets devalue home? ›On average, this trend alone can boost a home's value by $1,547. By painting your kitchen cabinets and then pairing them with some new hardware that dollar amount can increase significantly.
How long will painted cabinets last? ›A well painted cabinet can last eight to 15 years. You can re-touch hand-painted cabinets. They are affordable.
What do professional painters use for cabinets? ›Oil-based paint is the traditional choice for painting kitchen cabinets. It offers a durable finish and can be used on both wood and laminate cabinet surfaces.
How many coats of paint do kitchen cabinets need? ›For many cabinets, one coat is plenty, but if you're uncertain, a second coat won't hurt as long as it's not applied too thick. When it comes to the actual paint, you will need at least two coats. For some cabinets, though, you may need a third coat.
How long does it take a painter to paint kitchen cabinets? ›Kitchen cabinet painting is time-consuming but well worth it. Read on to receive honest and realistic information, so you know what to expect. For a professional company whose job it is to paint kitchen cabinets, the average time it will take them to paint an average-sized kitchen will range between 4-5 days.
Do you paint the inside of kitchen cabinets? ›
Painting inside cabinets is up to you. Homeowners generally opt to paint inside cabinets if they are open or have glass windows, while others do it to add an extra pop of color into their kitchen.
How do you estimate cabinet painting? ›Average cost of painting kitchen cabinets professionally. The average cost of painting kitchen cabinets is $100 per drawer face and $175 per cabinet door. This usually averages out to a cost of $5,000 for a medium-sized kitchen.
Is it better to hand paint or spray cabinets? ›Ultimately, it depends on your own preferences. If you're willing to take the time to brush paint your cabinets, you'll likely be happy with the results. However, if you're looking for a quick and flawless finish, hiring professional spray painters is the way to go.
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.
What backsplash is out of style? ›Tiny Backsplashes
Skinny backsplashes are out of style, we are happy to report. A ceramic tile or glass backsplash that stretches from counter to cabinets is much easier to keep clean, and is more likely to catch spills and splatters.
White kitchens aren't going anywhere in 2023! A white kitchen continues to be a timeless classic design that never truly goes 'out of style'. It may not always be the current trend, but white kitchen cabinets are always beautiful. We'll also continue to see the two-tone cabinet color trend in 2023.
Are white kitchen cabinets going out of style 2023? ›All-White Kitchens
People are tired of these muted palettes, and designers are bringing in color— which we love.” Most designers also agree that white-on-white kitchens will look dated in 2023.
Will Painted Maple or Wood Cabinets Chip? Yes, they will. But this can be said of ANY painted wood or MDF.
What kind of paint is most durable for kitchen cabinets? ›Latex paints are often the best choice for kitchen cabinets, especially acrylic paints. Water-based acrylic paint will have no chemical odor, unlike oil-based paint, and is water-resistant and easy to clean -- all-important distinctions for working in a kitchen space.
What color to paint kitchen cabinets for resale? ›“I have seen cabinets successfully painted shades of white, gray, navy, deep green, and even black,” Lozada says. She says light neutrals are generally the best colors for resale because they appeal to most people, but she advises against painting cabinets taupe or beige.
What colors should you avoid in a kitchen? ›
'Colors to absolutely be avoided are darker colors and shades of green, blue, red, and purple, which will cast a shadow on food and darken the space. Green and orange, in particular, should be avoided in kitchens,' she warns.
What color cabinets sell a house? ›1. Stick with neutral and modern colors. Neutral colors never go out of style simply because you can do anything with them. While bright prints and colors come and go, neutrals continue to be the backbone of valuable homes.
What color kitchen cabinets are timeless? ›White is the most timeless cabinet color of all, with popularity dating back over half a century. It's hard to beat the crisp, clean beauty of bright white cabinets. They lighten the entire room and lend a refreshing, airy feel.
Will painted cabinets peel? ›Dirty Painting Surface
One of the most common causes of peeling, bubbling, or cracking paint is that the surface was not properly prepared by cleaning, sanding and removing grease and dust before painting.
Complete the Job by Sealing Your Cabinets
After all, even the highest-quality paints will fade and deteriorate over time. To prolong the lifespan of your cabinet paint job, then, finish the job by sealing your cabinets with a transparent top-coat.
Paint becomes sticky and tacky when it isn't able to dry thoroughly. Paint has trouble drying when the air is overly humid, or the weather is extremely hot or cold. Also, paint can have trouble drying if applied in thick coats.
What paint does Joanna Gaines use on cabinets? ›Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Cabinet Paint is a water-based acrylic product designed for surfaces such as kitchen and bathroom cabinets, trim, window frames and doors. It offers the hardness of a traditional oil-based paint in an acrylic formula.
Do you paint both sides of kitchen cabinet doors? ›Whether you're using a paint sprayer or brush, start with the doors and drawers; they take the longest, since you need to paint both sides and let them fully dry in between the two top coats. Beginning with the back sides, apply one coat, wait 24 hours, then move on to the second coat.
Do I have to sand cabinets before painting? ›You should sand cabinets before beginning your how to paint kitchen cabinet project to give the new paint a good surface to grip. But you don't need to sand to bare wood. If your cabinets have a factory finish, sand lightly with 120-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge.
Do you paint the front or back of cabinet doors first? ›DO NOT prime the sides of the drawers, only the fronts and backside of the fronts. Prime the cabinet doors. Lay all of the doors with the backsides facing up. The backs should be painted first.
Do you need 2 or 3 coats of paint on cabinets? ›
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.
Do kitchen cabinets need primer before painting? ›Prime Kitchen Cabinets. Applying primer is an important step in the painting process. Primer provides a suitable surface for the paint to stick to and it covers imperfections.
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.
Can you just paint over cabinets? ›Wood, wood-laminate and metal cabinets usually can be repainted without difficulty. Plastic laminate cabinets might not accept a topcoat of paint — those that can be refinished often require special paints and techniques, and results can vary.
How long after painting cabinets can I hang them? ›Not Letting the Cabinets Dry for Long Enough
Until the cabinets are fully cured to a hard, durable surface, they'll be more susceptible to chips and marks. It's best to wait at least 48 hours before reattaching the cabinet doors and hardware, then be careful not to slam or scrape the doors for the first week.
Go with Light Colors
Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy. Light blues, greens, or pale yellows are other great colors to make your space look larger than life.
Before your final coat of paint, gently sand your cabinets using 300-400 grit sandpaper. This super-fine sandpaper will knock down any brush strokes and roller marks to give you a super smooth surface to work with. Be sure your paint brush is clean and the bristles are smooth.
What is the average labor cost to paint kitchen cabinets? ›Labor Cost To Paint Kitchen Cabinets
The professional labor alone costs between $20-$50 per hour or $30 and $60 per linear foot. Typically, the painting contractor's labor costs will be about $50 to $100 for each door, $120 to $170 per cabinet, and $20 to $30 per drawer.
A gallon of paint covers about 400 square feet, so one should be enough for your kitchen cabinets.
Is it better to roll on or brush on paint kitchen cabinets? ›On the fronts and backs of drawers and doors, you can use a roller. This will apply the paint in a more smooth and even manner and is much faster than only using a paint brush. Then, use a brush for touching up small areas or for hard-to-reach spots.
Is it better to use satin or semi gloss for kitchen cabinets? ›
Because it is easy to clean your cabinet with satin finishes, this means that satin finish is the best choice for high-traffic areas in your kitchen.
What is the best and easiest way to paint kitchen cabinets? ›- Clean cabinet doors.
- Prime cabinet door fronts and edges, if needed.
- Paint cabinet door fronts.
- Remove cabinet doors.
- Clean, prime, and paint frames.
- Paint edges of cabinet doors.
- Reattach doors.
Although professionally painted cabinets should last 8-10 years there are a few factors that can drastically impact your cabinet's lifetime, requiring repainting only 3-4 years later. How long your kitchen cabinets will last depends largely on the way the paint was applied, and with what tools.
Is painting cabinets a good idea? ›If you need to make an economical choice, painting is the way to go. Even if you are not forced into making the most economical decision, painting is still an attractive option because it gives you more money to spend elsewhere. New cabinets plus installation can cost almost half of your kitchen renovation budget.
What is a good cabinet paint? ›- Best Overall Waterborne Alkyd Cabinet Paint: Benjamin Moore Advance.
- Best Value Waterborne Alkyd Cabinet Paint: Behr Urethane Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel.
- Best Overall Latex Cabinet Paint: Sherwin-Williams Infinity.
- Best Value Latex Cabinet Paint: Behr Premium Plus.
On average, this trend alone can boost a home's value by $1,547. By painting your kitchen cabinets and then pairing them with some new hardware that dollar amount can increase significantly.
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.
Which is cheaper refacing or painting kitchen cabinets? ›While painting tends to be the cheaper of the two, painted cabinets build up grease and dust more easily than refaced cabinets, so they'll require more maintenance.
What color kitchen cabinets are best for resale value 2022? ›White – White is still the most popular color choice for kitchen cabinets. White cabinets are timeless and a great choice for resale value.
What color cabinets have the best resale value? ›“I have seen cabinets successfully painted shades of white, gray, navy, deep green, and even black,” Lozada says. She says light neutrals are generally the best colors for resale because they appeal to most people, but she advises against painting cabinets taupe or beige.
What makes kitchen cabinets look expensive? ›
Colours such as creams and beiges can make a kitchen look elegant and expensive. If your kitchen is modern, you can use dark colours, such as blacks and greys, which can make it look lavish and extravagant. White reflects light and makes the space look bigger, so complement white with some wood and metallic highlights.
Can you paint kitchen cabinets without taking doors off? ›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.
What are the pros and cons of painting kitchen cabinets? ›- Pro: Paint offers a clean aesthetic. ...
- Pro: Paint allows you to get more colorful. ...
- Pro: Paint applies better to MDF. ...
- Con: Paint hides character features. ...
- Con: Paint tends to cost more. ...
- Con: Paint is harder to touch up. ...
- Pro: Stain showcases more wood features.
If your goal is to update the look of your existing cabinets, the cheapest route is to simply reface them. This process involves either stripping the stain or paint from the existing cabinets and adding new stain, varnish or paint; in some cases, you might even want to refinish the cabinets with a stick-on veneer.
How long should painting cabinets take? ›It can take anywhere from a few hours to a day or two to paint kitchen cabinets, depending on the size of the cabinets and how much prep work needs to be done. It can take longer for professionals to paint cabinets as they follow a more in-depth process than DIY painters.