How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?
How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?
$70 – $125 average cost per door
$30 – $70 average cost per linear foot
$2,000 – $6,500 total cost to paint an average kitchen
Average cost to paint kitchen cabinets
The average cost to paint kitchen cabinets is $30 to $70 per linear foot or $2,000 to $6,500 total. The price to repaint kitchen cabinets depends on the material, number of cabinet doors and drawers, painting method, and local labor rates. Professional cabinet painters charge $25 to $75 per hour.
| Kitchen size | Square footage | Average cost to paint cabinets |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen | 70 – 100 | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Average kitchen | 100 – 200 | $2,000 – $6,500 |
| Large kitchen | 200+ | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Professional kitchen cabinet painting costs by charge type
Most kitchen cabinet painters base their estimate on a cost per linear foot or per cabinet door. However, some painters give prices by the square footage of the paintable surface area.
| Charge type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | $3 – $15 |
| Per linear foot | $30 – $70 |
| Per door | $70 – $125 |
| Per drawer | $30 – $110 |
| Per cabinet | $120 – $190 |
*Prices include paint materials and labor.
Cost calculator to repaint kitchen cabinets
The cost to repaint kitchen cabinets varies according to how many coats of paint are necessary and the overall job conditions. The table below shows average labor and material costs:
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Materials & paint | $400 – $1,000 |
| Painting labor | $1,600 – $5,500 |
| Total cost to paint | $2,000 – $6,500 |
The following factors affect the cost:
Kitchen & cabinet size – Costs are highest for large kitchens with more cabinets.
Cabinet height – Painters typically charge up to 10% more to paint cabinets taller than 8 feet.
Cabinet material – Some woods are more resistant to absorbing paint, requiring extra surface prep first. Laminate cabinets need sanding to roughen the surface before painting.
Cabinet detail – Cabinets with complex carvings or extensive detail take longer, which increases labor costs.
Paint type and quality – New alkyd paints cost 15% to 20% more but are more durable and ideal for cabinets.
Color – Going from a darker color to a lighter color may require additional paint coats or primer, increasing costs.
Layout and accessibility – Labor costs increase for kitchens with tight spaces or complex cabinet layouts.
Kitchen cabinet paint costs
Kitchen cabinet paint costs $20 to $70 per gallon, depending on the type. One gallon of paint covers 400 square feet with one coat, and most projects require two coats.
| Paint type | Price per gallon | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Latex / Acrylic | $20 – $60 |
|
| Alkyd | $25 – $70 |
|
Professional painters recommend a satin finish to hide imperfections on kitchen cabinets.
A semi-gloss or gloss sheen creates glare on the cabinets, highlighting imperfections. However, a glossy finish is stain-resistant and makes the kitchen appear larger.
A matte finish shows more dirt and wear.
When changing the paint color, look for paint with an added primer to reduce the number of coats needed.
Labor cost to paint kitchen cabinets
Labor to paint kitchen cabinets costs $25 to $75 per hour and makes up 80% to 85% of the total project cost. Cabinet painters typically charge more per hour than wall painters because cabinets require more prep and detail work.
Factors that affect the labor cost include:
Site prep:
Removing doors and drawers
Disconnecting and moving appliances
Sanding and stripping the old paint or stain
Accessibility – Labor costs increase for kitchens with tight spaces and hard-to-access corners.
Paint method – Brush-and-roll painting is cheaper and less labor-intensive than spray-painting.
Cabinet repairs – Cabinet repairs cost $120 to $600 extra to mend damages before painting.
The cost to hire a painter is $20 to $50 per hour for most other interior painting jobs.
Cost to spray-paint kitchen cabinets
Spray-painting kitchen cabinets costs $40 to $100 per linear foot. Spray painters charge $50 to $100+ per hour. Spraying creates a smooth, even finish that easily covers narrow crevices and detailed woodwork.
Removing the doors or drawer fronts isn’t necessary when spray-painting. However, spray-painting costs more than brush-and-roll painting due to extra surface preparation and masking to protect the rest of the kitchen from overspray.
Cost of painting kitchen cabinets vs. refinishing, refacing, or replacing
Painting or refinishing cabinets is a cost-effective way to update a kitchen’s look. However, cabinets with minor or severe damage may require refacing or a full replacement instead.
| Service | Average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet painting cost | $2,000 – $6,500 |
|
| Cabinet refinishing cost | $1,500 – $4,500 |
|
| Refacing cabinets cost | $5,000 – $13,000 |
|
| Full cabinet replacement cost | $4,500 – $15,000 |
|
| Replace cabinet doors cost | $2,200 – $6,600 |
|
Cost to paint kitchen cabinets DIY
The DIY cost to paint kitchen cabinets is $200 to $600 for paint and supplies. Painting 200 square feet of cabinets yourself takes 30 to 60 hours, including prepping and priming the surface and applying two coats of paint.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Paint | $20 – $70 per gallon |
| Primer | $35 – $50 per gallon |
| Brushes | $10 – $15 |
| Paint roller kit | $8 – $20 |
| Patching compound | $6 – $10 |
| Scraper | $6 – $8 |
| Painter’s masking tape | $5 – $10 |
| Sandpaper | $2 – $5 |
| Drop cloth | $3 – $10 |
| Sprayer rental (optional) | $40 – $100 per day |
Kitchen cabinet painting FAQs
Does painting kitchen cabinets add value?
Painting kitchen cabinets can increase a home’s value if painted in a light, neutral color with high-quality paint. Cabinet painting provides a return on investment (ROI) of 50% to 100%+, depending on the cabinets’ condition and the local real estate market.
Tip: White is the most popular cabinet paint color among home buyers.
How long does it take to paint kitchen cabinets?
Painting kitchen cabinets takes 3 to 5 days on average, depending on the kitchen size, number of cabinet doors and drawers, painting method, and painting crew size.
How long do painted kitchen cabinets last?
Professionally painted kitchen cabinets last 8 to 15 years before needing a fresh coat of paint if properly maintained. Paint begins to chip sooner on door and drawer edges that experience the most use. Keep leftover paint on hand for touch-ups.
What are other projects I can do at the same time?
Consider tackling these other kitchen improvement projects at the same time to speed up kitchen remodeling:
Adding new cabinet hardware costs $6 to $60 per piece on average with installation, depending on the material and style.
Backsplash installation costs $500 to $1,700.
The cost to paint kitchen walls is $1 to $3 per square foot of surface area.
Who paints kitchen cabinets?
Painting contractors and cabinet refinishing specialists paint kitchen cabinets.
Getting estimates from kitchen cabinet painters near me
When hiring a kitchen cabinet painter near you, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates.
Select licensed, bonded, and insured companies with 5+ years of experience.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Review their portfolio of before-and-after photos.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Never pay in full before the project starts.
Questions to ask
How many cabinet painting or staining projects have you worked on?
Can you provide contact information for references?
Do you charge by the linear foot, cabinet, or door?
Which paint do you recommend, and why?
Does the estimate include new hardware and cleanup?
Will you sand the cabinets before painting them?
How long will the project take?
What should I do to prepare the kitchen before you arrive?
Do you offer a warranty, and if so, what does it include?