How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?

Looking for a cost-effective kitchen makeover? You could consider giving your kitchen cabinetry a facelift through a high-quality paint job. It’s much cheaper and hassle-free than a complete cabinet replacement which might cost you anywhere between $3,000 and $25,000. So, how much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets? Let’s find out.  

What do the experts say about the average cost to paint kitchen cabinets?

The average cost runs to approximately $780 – depending on the quality of the paintwork, size of the cabinetry, material cost, and whether it’s a DIY project or entails hiring painting contractors. 

These factors make a huge difference in the total cost of the kitchen remodeling project. For example, a homeowner tackling the work themselves may spend less than $300 on buying the paint supplies for a small kitchen. In contrast, a homeowner who hires professional painters to install luxurious cabinets in a large kitchen may end up with a bill of $2,500.

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Is it worth painting kitchen cabinets yourself?

When you decide to paint the kitchen cabinets (or bathroom cabinets for that matter) yourself, you save on labor costs. However, you’ll need to factor in the extra hours and effort. And the fact that you risk making unsightly painting mistakes which the professionals do not.

If you lack precision and patience, tackling this task can be both time-consuming and demanding. Moreover, any shoddy work will easily show on your cabinets as it will result in an uneven or bubbly finish.

Do remember that a DIY project will take you up to a week while most professional painters will be able to wrap up the work in a day or two.

If you’re a DIYer, you’ll have to calculate the painting requirement. That is, how much cabinet paint will you require? And then pay for the same, the brushes, paint rollers, paint sprayers, sanding materials, drop cloths, and tape.

What is the total material cost when painting cabinets?

The cost of a single gallon of cabinet paint varies from $30 to $100, depending on your choice of paint type, color, and quality. Typically, one gallon can cover an area of 350 to 400 square feet of cabinets with a single coat. But, it’s usually necessary to apply two or more coats to achieve a satisfactory finish. Additionally, you’ll require a primer and a clear top coat.

Professional painters usually provide their own painting supplies when hired for the job.

For a DIY painting method, it’s advisable to budget around $200 to $600 for the supplies. In case you decide to have cabinets professionally painted, you’ll still need to allocate an amount ranging from $60 to $300 for the paints.

And, if you plan to install new hardware such as cabinet knobs and door pulls, you should allocate a budget for those as well. 

What is the average hourly labor cost?

Typically, professional painters charge an hourly rate ranging from $20 to $50. However, in areas with a higher cost of living, the cost may go up to $100 per hour for painters near you.

Alternatively, some painters may base their charges on the linear feet of cabinetry. 

If the painters are responsible for removing appliances before starting the work, the costs will be higher. The same goes for preparation work, removing hardware and hinges, taking down doors, sanding surfaces, and applying primer before painting. All these tasks contribute to the overall project time and cost.

How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets per square foot?

A good way to find out how much you can expect to pay for a paint job is to take the square footage of your kitchen or the linear footage of your cabinets. And then multiply it by the average cost per square foot which can range between $3 and $10.

Keep in mind that there is no set rule regarding the number of cabinets. Every kitchen layout may have a different number of cabinets. For example, a minimalist kitchen may have less than a cluttered large kitchen. So, it’s a good idea to use the linear footage of your cabinets as a measure. Generally, it’s between $30 and $60 per linear foot. 

What are the other factors that add to the cost of kitchen cabinet painting? 

• Paint selection: The type of paint you choose for your kitchen cabinets can affect both quality and cost. For example, flat or matte paints tend to be more budget-friendly, while eggshell and satin finishes are moderately priced. High-quality glossy paints are the most expensive option but offer superior durability, which is crucial for kitchen cabinets that endure high traffic.
• Color choice: The cost of a gallon of paint remains the same regardless of the color chosen. However, selecting the wrong color can result in additional expenses. For example, if you intend to paint cabinets from a dark color to a lighter shade, it may require extra coats to ensure the dark color doesn’t show through. 
• Cabinet type: The complexity of your cabinet design plays a role in the painting cost. Cabinets with flat panels are easier to paint compared to those with intricate edges, grooves, and recesses. If you decide to hire a professional painter, the labor costs may increase if the intricate design of your cabinets slows down the painting progress.
• Cabinet condition: Preparing the existing panels is an essential step before painting cabinets. Cabinets that are dented, scratched, or damaged in any way require additional time and effort to repair. 
• Kitchen layout: The layout of your kitchen can impact the labor costs involved. If your kitchen has a complex layout with numerous corners or cabinets of varying depths, it will take longer for professionals to paint the cabinets.

What are the steps to paint your kitchen cabinets?

Remember to work in a well-ventilated area, use appropriate safety measures such as gloves and goggles, and follow the instructions on the paint and primer products you choose to boost your kitchen cabinet painting project.

Here are the steps to paint your kitchen cabinets:

• Preparation: Remove all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Clean away any grease, dirt, or grime.
• Making way: If possible, move your kitchen appliances out of the way. Understand that while it may be easy to move an oven or a refrigerator, moving a dishwasher may be more challenging.
• Repair work: If any of the existing cabinets require repair work, now is the time to do it. 
• Sanding: Lightly sand the cabinet surfaces to create a smooth base for paint adhesion. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding block.
• Priming: Apply an even coat of primer to the cabinet surfaces with a brush or roller.
• Painting: Once the primer is dry, apply the paint to the cabinet surfaces – allowing each coat to dry.
• Drying and curing: Allow the painted cabinets to dry completely. Let the paint cure for a recommended time to ensure it hardens and becomes durable.
• Upgrading hardware: If you’re looking for a complete cabinet makeover, you might want to upgrade the knobs and drawer pulls at this stage. It might set you back by $50 to $500 depending on the quality, material, and number of knobs.
• Reassembly: Reattach the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware once the paint is fully cured. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why is painting kitchen cabinets a good idea?

• Cabinets have a limited lifespan and require regular updates, replacement, or refacing to give your kitchen a facelift.
• It offers an affordable kitchen update. Complete kitchen remodels typically cost around $25,000 on average. But painting cabinets comes at a fraction of that cost.
• It enhances your home’s value. When selling your home, kitchens play a crucial role in attracting buyers. 

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How long does it take to paint your cabinets?

On average, it usually takes professional painters around 10 to 20 hours to complete the project, depending on the size of your kitchen and the condition of your cabinets. If additional coats of paint are required, the project will take longer and necessitate more paint.

Which questions should you ask a professional painter before hiring them?

At the time of choosing a painter, you can ask them a series of questions such as:

• What is your pricing structure for the job? Do you charge by the hour or by linear feet?
• Have you worked on painting kitchen cabinets before?
• Could you share some referrals and online reviews?
• How long will the project take, and what does it entail?
• Who is responsible for tasks such as repairing cabinets and moving appliances?
• How much prep work do you anticipate the cabinets will require?
• What type, quality, and color of paint do you recommend?
• Do you have any suggestions for primer and top coats?

Can you paint kitchen cabinets on a budget?

If you’re looking to bring your cabinet painting costs down, you could try painting the kitchen cabinets yourself, doing most of the prep work yourself, switching to a darker paint color to avoid too many coats, and getting multiple quotes from various contractors to home onto the best offer.

How long can you expect professionally painted cabinets to last?

Professionally applied paint on cabinets typically maintains its quality for a span of eight to 15 years. Opting for superior-grade paint further enhances durability.

Do you need a protective seal for your cabinets?

In order to maintain the durability of the cabinet paint in the long run, it is advisable to apply a protective sealant or transparent top coat once you have finished painting your kitchen cabinets.

Written by Ramona Sinha. September 25, 2023

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.