A dull kitchen can drag down your whole home. Old cabinets make cooking less fun and hurt resale value. Painting is the fastest way to revive them.
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The average cost of kitchen cabinet painting ranges from $900 to $3,500. DIY can be done for under $500 in small kitchens, while hiring pros for larger spaces may exceed $6,000. Final prices depend on size, materials, finish, and labor.
These numbers only tell part of the story. To plan better, you need to understand the factors behind the price and whether to paint yourself or call a professional.
What is the average cost of kitchen cabinet painting?
Most homeowners spend between $900 and $3,500 on kitchen cabinet painting. Smaller DIY projects can be cheaper, while high-end professional jobs can cost more than $6,000.
The wide cost range reflects the diversity of kitchens and preferences. A studio kitchen with ten cabinet doors might only need a few gallons of paint and basic prep. In contrast, a large kitchen with 30 doors, drawers, and an island may require sanding, priming, and multiple coats of premium enamel paint.
Cost Breakdown
| Kitchen Size | DIY Cost Range | Pro Cost Range |
| Small (10–15 doors) | $200–$600 | $900–$2,000 |
| Medium (20–25 doors) | $400–$900 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Large (30+ doors) | $700–$1,200 | $3,000–$6,000+ |
Labor often makes up half of the total. Professional painters may charge per linear foot or per door, and rates differ by region. This explains why average costs vary so much across the country.
Which factors affect kitchen cabinet painting prices?
Cabinet painting costs are shaped by kitchen size, cabinet condition, paint type, color choice, finish, and labor rates.
Key Price Drivers
- Kitchen size: More cabinets mean more paint and labor.
- Cabinet condition: Damaged or greasy surfaces require extra prep.
- Paint type: Oil-based paints cost more but last longer. Water-based paints dry faster and emit fewer fumes.
- Color change: Switching from dark to light may require more coats.
- Finish: Glossy finishes reflect light but highlight imperfections. Matte finishes hide flaws but can be harder to clean.
- Labor: Professional rates differ widely, especially in big cities.
Paint technology, such as polyurethane coatings, also changes the cost. These add durability but require careful application.
Understanding these factors helps homeowners plan realistic budgets and avoid surprises once work begins.
How much does DIY cabinet painting cost vs hiring a pro?
DIY kitchen cabinet painting can cost $200–$900, while hiring professionals usually costs $1,500–$6,000 depending on kitchen size and finish.
DIY saves money but requires time and patience. A beginner may spend 3–5 days completing the project, including prep, priming, painting, and drying. Mistakes like skipping primer or rushing coats can shorten the paint’s life.
Hiring pros ensures speed and quality. Most professional jobs finish in 2–3 days with smoother results. Pros use tools like sprayers for even coats, which are harder for DIY painters to match.
Pros and Cons
DIY
- ✅ Lower cost
- ✅ Flexible timing
- ❌ Time consuming
- ❌ Risk of uneven finish
Pro Service
- ✅ High-quality finish
- ✅ Saves time
- ❌ Higher cost
- ❌ Less control over schedule
For homeowners, the choice depends on budget, skill, and tolerance for imperfections. This also connects with design choices — see our linked article on DIY vs Pro Kitchen Cabinet Painting: What’s Better?
Do cabinet colors and finishes change the price?
Yes, colors and finishes directly influence cabinet painting costs. Dark-to-light shifts or glossy finishes often require more coats and higher-quality products.
Changing from espresso to white, for example, may require multiple coats of primer and paint. This increases both material use and labor hours. Similarly, achieving a smooth glossy finish demands more surface prep than a matte finish.
Some trendy colors also use more expensive pigments. Deep blues and greens may require special bases that cost more per gallon.
If you’re exploring color inspiration, read our related article on Kitchen Cabinet Painting Ideas That Actually Work.
Are there hidden costs homeowners should know?
Yes, hidden costs can include hardware replacement, minor repairs, disposal fees, and temporary kitchen disruption.
Common Extra Costs
- Hardware upgrades: New handles or hinges can cost $100–$500.
- Repairs: Fixing chips or warped wood adds labor.
- Disposal: Removing old finishes or damaged pieces may have fees.
- Living adjustments: Cooking in a disrupted kitchen for several days has an indirect cost.
Some contractors also charge more for premium primers or for handling older cabinets with lead paint, which requires special safety measures in compliance with lead paint regulations.
Being aware of these extras ensures homeowners budget more accurately and avoid last-minute stress.
Is painting worth it compared to cabinet replacement?
Painting cabinets costs a fraction of replacement and extends cabinet life 7–10 years with proper care.
New cabinets may cost $10,000–$25,000, depending on kitchen size and material. By comparison, painting usually stays under $5,000, even for large kitchens. While painting cannot fix major structural issues, it can transform a kitchen’s look at a much lower price.
This makes painting an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a budget-friendly refresh before selling or for those who want a design change without the cost of a full remodel.
Conclusion
Kitchen cabinet painting is a cost-effective way to refresh a kitchen, usually priced between $900 and $3,500 depending on size, finish, and labor.
Final CTA
If you are planning a remodel or new build, share your floor plan with us. We will suggest painting options, layouts, and a quick estimate for a full-house solution. Want to begin? Just send us your plan.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to paint cabinets or replace them?
Painting is much cheaper, often under $5,000, while replacement can cost $10,000–$25,000 depending on materials.
How long does kitchen cabinet painting last?
With good prep and quality paint, results can last 7–10 years before needing another refresh.
Do painted cabinets chip easily?
They can chip if surfaces are not prepped well. Using primer and protective topcoats reduces chipping.
What kind of paint is best for kitchen cabinets?
Acrylic enamel or alkyd-based paints are most durable. They resist grease, stains, and frequent cleaning.
Can I paint laminate cabinets?
Yes, but they need special bonding primer. Without it, paint may peel off laminate surfaces.
Does painting cabinets add value to a home?
Yes, freshly painted cabinets improve resale appeal, as buyers see a clean, updated kitchen without the cost of new cabinetry.
How long does cabinet painting take?
DIY may take 3–5 days. Professionals usually finish in 2–3 days, depending on size and drying time.
Does cabinet color choice impact cost?
Yes, darker-to-lighter color changes and glossy finishes require more coats, which increase both paint and labor costs.
