How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets? Full cost breakdown

If your kitchen cabinet is chipping and shows signs of wear, you have two options for a fresh look: replace them with new cabinets or give them a fresh coat of paint. 

Replacing your kitchen cabinets can be costly and take up to 12 weeks to complete. On the other hand, repainting your kitchen cabinets is a more affordable and efficient way to restore their appearance, especially if the cabinets are still in relatively good condition.

But how much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?

Keep reading for a complete breakdown, including the cost per kitchen size, price differences between DIY and hiring a professional, and the key factors influencing the overall cost. We'll also share tips to save money without compromising on quality.

Understanding the cost to paint kitchen cabinets

The cost to paint kitchen cabinets varies depending on several factors, such as the labor cost, materials, and prep work needed. On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $5,500. The cost is typically measured per square foot or linear foot, with prices falling between $4 and $15 per square foot or $30 and $70 per linear foot.

To better understand these costs, let’s look at the key factors that affect the price of a kitchen cabinet paint project.

Key factors affecting the cost of painting kitchen cabinets

The cost of painting kitchen cabinets depends on the cabinet material, paint type, finish, kitchen size, job complexity, and location. Also factor in whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a professional.

Kitchen size and layout

A larger kitchen usually means more cabinets and more surface area to cover, which increases the prep work needed and labor and material costs. The complexity of the layout also plays a role. If your kitchen has tall cabinets, intricate designs, or hard-to-reach areas (such as corners or high spaces), it will take more time to complete the job and might require special tools or techniques, all of which can add to the expense.

The average cost to paint kitchen cabinets for a smaller kitchen of 60 square feet is between $700 and $1,700, accounting for labor costs, material, prep work, and cleanup. Likewise, a kitchen of 100 square feet will average $1,200 on the low end and $2,800 on the high end. A 200-square-foot kitchen will cost between $2,000 and $5,500.

Cabinet material

Different materials require varying levels of preparation, including sanding, priming, or special coatings, which directly influence the cost. 

For instance, wood cabinets require sanding to ensure the paint adheres properly. This adds an extra $5 to $10 for sandpaper and $10 to $20 for chemical paint deglosser to smooth the surface. Wood veneer cabinets require more care when priming and ensuring adhesion. You will need $45 per gallon for a primer designed for wood veneer and $10 per 8 oz. bottle of wood glue to ensure the veneer stays intact during the painting process. 

In comparison, laminate cabinets are tricky to paint, requiring special primers to adhere properly. You'll need to purchase $5 to $10 sanding materials to rough up the surface for better adhesion and $20 to $80 laminate primer, depending on the quality and amount needed. MDF requires about $10 on a 3½-quart bucket of drywall joint compound to fill any imperfections and $30 to $60 per gallon of oil-based primer to create a solid base for the paint.

Paint type and finish

The type of paint you use affects the overall cost of repainting your kitchen cabinets and has different performance attributes.

Latex-based paint is commonly used for cabinets due to its ease of use, fast drying time, and general durability. It typically costs between $20 and $50 per gallon, depending on whether it's a standard or premium brand, and covers 350 to 400 sq. ft. per gallon. Like latex, acrylic paint is water-based and offers a flexible, crack-resistant finish. It is priced between $20 and $50 per gallon and provides the same coverage as latex paint. 

On the other hand, oil-based paint, known for its smooth, durable finish, is a popular choice for high-traffic areas like kitchen cabinets. It costs between $20 and $80 per gallon, with the higher-end options offering improved quality.

The finish you select impacts the outcome and durability. Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are the best choices for kitchen cabinets because they are highly durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean. Matte and eggshell finish work well in low-traffic areas or decorative cabinets. However, they are less durable than glossier options and not ideal for the kitchen, where cabinets need to endure constant use and exposure to grease, moisture, and food spills.

Labor costs

Professional painters typically charge between $25 and $100 per hour, with labor making up 50% to 80% of the total project cost. The time required will depend on the size of the kitchen, the number of cabinets, and the level of detail involved. Painters sometimes charge based on the number of cabinet doors or drawers rather than an hourly rate. For example, it may cost $75 to $200 per cabinet door or $25 to $100 per drawer, depending on the type of paint, cabinet material, and the job's complexity. Labor costs also vary across regions. 

DIY vs. hiring a professional

If you paint your kitchen cabinets yourself, you can save on labor costs. However, it still requires a significant investment in materials and tools. Plus, you’ll need to handle all the prep work yourself: stripping, sanding, removing your cabinet doors, and possibly stripping varnish while ensuring a high-quality finish. 

Hiring a house painter can be well worth it if you have the budget. A professional painter will save you time and effort and ensure the job is done right, reducing the risk of damaging your cabinet surfaces or hinges.

Let’s break down the DIY costs vs painting it professionally to help you decide.

Cost to paint kitchen cabinets yourself

The DIY cost to paint cabinets ranges from $200 to $600, depending on the materials you select and whether you already own the necessary tools.

Essential supplies for the job include: 

• Paint: $20 to $80 per gallon.
• Primer: $30 to $60 per gallon.
• Sandpaper: $5 to $10 for a pack of assorted grits.
• Brushes and rollers: $10 to $50.
• Drop cloths: $5 to $20 (you can save money by using thick rags or old unused clothes).
• Tape: $5 to $10.
• Patching compound (if needed for kitchen cabinet repair): $6 to $13.
• Sprayer rental (if you're aiming for a smoother finish): $100 to $170 per day.

How much does it cost to have kitchen cabinets painted professionally?

Professional painting typically costs between $700 and $5,500, with an average of $1,500 for a standard kitchen. The total cost depends on factors such as the kitchen's size, the work's complexity, and the quality of the materials. 

Here's a breakdown of the costs involved:

• Labor: $400 to $1,000.
• Paint & primer: $150 to $400.
• Materials (tape, rollers, etc): $50 to $100.
• Optional hardware replacement: $100 to $500 (depending on the cabinet hardware to be replaced).

How to save money when painting kitchen cabinets

If you want to save money when painting cupboards or kitchen cabinets, here is how to do so without sacrificing quality.

• DIY where possible. If you have the technical know-how, do the prep work to save significant labor costs. Leave the more specialized painting work to a professional.
• Opt for mid-range paint brands that offer durability and finish at a much lower price.
• Get multiple quotes from different painters to ensure that you're getting the best deal for your budget. Ask for itemized quotes so you know what you’re paying for and can negotiate where possible.
• Reuse your cabinet hardware instead of replacing it. If your knobs, handles, or hinges are still in good condition, you can refinish them. Alternatively, buy budget-friendly hardware or look for sales to keep this cost down.

How much does it cost to get kitchen cabinets painted?

The cost to get your kitchen cabinets painted depends on your kitchen size, the type of paint and finish you choose, and the labor involved. While DIY can be a more cost-effective option, achieving good results requires significant time and effort. On the other hand, hiring a professional ensures high-quality work, a smoother, more durable finish, and the safety of your cabinets, even though it comes at a slightly higher price. 

Ultimately, the choice between DIY and professional services depends on your budget, time, and desired outcome for your kitchen.