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How Much Does it Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

In this article, learn the factors that can impact the total cost of painting cabinets, budgeting tips for hiring a professional, and much more.

How Much to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Professionally?

The national average cost of painting kitchen cabinets professionally can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more.

How Much to Paint Kitchen Cabinets DIY?

In total, the cost to paint your kitchen cabinets yourself, including materials and time, can range from $570 to $1290 or more.

However, one of the most common questions homeowners ask when considering painting their cabinets is, “how much will this cost?”
The answer is not always straightforward, as the cost of painting cabinets can vary depending on a variety of factors.

Ultimately, painting cabinets is a great way to update the look of your kitchen without the expense of a full remodel.
Bringing new life to cabinets is the best way to increase the value of your home.

Factors That Impact the Cost of Painting Cabinets

Whether you are painting a small kitchen, large kitchen, or hiring a professional cabinet painter, there are a variety of factors to consider to determine the final cost to paint kitchen cabinets with new paint.

Number of Cabinets and Cabinet Size

The size and quantity of cabinets you have will have a significant impact on the cost of painting them.

The more cabinets you have, the more paint, materials, and labor will be required to complete the project.
Similarly, larger cabinets will require more paint and materials than smaller cabinets.

Large cabinet layouts often have a drawer with a drawer face above the cabinet door.

cost to paint large kitchen cabinets

Cabinet Surfaces and Condition

The condition of your cabinets can also impact the cost of painting them.

If your cabinets are in good condition, with no damage or significant wear and tear, they may only require a light sanding and cleaning before painting.

However, if your cabinets are in poor condition, with peeling or old paint, or significant damage, they may require more preparation and repair work before they can be painted.
This can increase the cost of the project.

cost to paint kitchen cabinets

Type of Paint

The type of paint you choose impacts the cost of painting your cabinets.

Additionally, if you choose a specialty paint, such as a high-gloss or metallic paint, you can expect to pay more than you would for a standard paint.

Higher quality paints will generally cost more than lower quality paints.
The paint quality provides better coverage, durability, and a smoother finish.

oil-based paint vs latex paint for kitchen cabinets

Considering the high quality latex paints and wide array of paint colors available today, oil-based paints should be used sparingly if at all.

Oil-based paints emit strong fumes, which can be harmful if inhaled.
They also tend to yellow over time, which can be a problem if you are looking for a long-lasting, bright finish.

Latex paints, also known as water-based paints, are made by mixing pigment with a water-based binder. They dry faster than oil-based paints, usually within 1 to 2 hours, and can be cleaned up with soap and water.

One of the benefits of latex paints is their versatility. They come in a variety of finishes, including flat, satin, and glossy, and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and trim.

Labor Costs

cost for pro painter

The national average for a professional cabinet painter ranges between $75 to $90 per hour.
The cost of labor can vary depending on where you live and the level of experience of the painter you hire.

In general, you can expect to pay more for a professional painter than you would for a DIY project.
However, a professional painter can often complete the project more quickly and with better results than an inexperienced painter.

Additional Costs

There may be additional costs associated with painting your cabinets, such as the cost of materials.
These painting supplies include sandpaper, brushes, and drop cloths.

Additionally, if you plan to replace the hardware on your cabinets, you will need to factor in the cost of new knobs or handles.

Estimating the Cost of Painting Cabinets

The cost of painting your cabinets will depend on the factors mentioned above, the size of your kitchen, and other specific details of your project.

Here are some estimates to help you budget for your cabinet painting project.

DIY Cabinet Painting Costs

Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets DIY

If you plan to paint your cabinets yourself, you can expect to pay between $250 and $650 in material costs for items like paint, brushes, and sandpaper.

However, painting cabinets can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive project, especially if you are inexperienced.
You will also need to factor in the cost of your time for prep work and clean-up.
In addition, you may need additional tools such as a high-quality paint sprayer.

Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs:

  1. Materials: As mentioned earlier, the cost of materials can range from $250 to $650 or more, depending on the size of your kitchen and the quality of the materials you choose.
  2. Time
    The amount of time it takes to paint kitchen cabinets can vary depending on your experience level and the size of your kitchen.
    On average, it can take between 2 to 4 days to complete the project.
    This includes time for sanding, priming, painting, and drying time in between coats.

If you factor in the cost of your time, assuming a conservative estimate of 8 hours per day, the total time spent on the project could be between 16 to 32 hours. If you value your time at a $20.00 per hour, this could add an additional cost of $320 to $640 to the total project cost.

In total, the cost to paint your kitchen cabinets yourself, including materials and time, can range from $570 to $1290 or more.

It’s important to keep in mind that this is just an estimate and actual costs may vary depending on your specific situation.

How Much to Paint Cabinets Professionally?

how much it costs to paint kitchen cabinets

The cost to paint cabinets professionally can vary depending on several factors such as the size of the cabinets, the materials they are made of, the complexity of the job, coats of paint, and your location.
However, this is just a rough estimate.
The actual cost may be higher or lower depending on the specific details of the job.

It’s always a good idea to get a few quotes from different professionals to compare prices and services before making a decision.

Please note, not all professional cabinet painters will charge the same amount.
A painting contractor may charge a flat fee for the entire project, while others may charge an hourly rate.
Similarly, some painters charge by square footage of the cabinet surface or by linear foot.

You should also ask for a detailed estimate that outlines the cost of materials and labor before hiring a professional painter.

Refacing Cabinets

Another option to consider is cabinet refacing.
This involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, but leaving the existing cabinet boxes intact.

This can be a more affordable option than painting or replacing cabinets entirely.
Costs for refacing cabinets range from $4,000 to $9,000 for medium kitchens.

However, refacing may not be possible if your cabinet boxes are in poor condition.
Or, if you want to change the layout of your cabinets.

Additionally, refacing may not provide the same level of customization as painting or replacing your cabinets.

Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Versus Refacing

Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Versus Refacing

Kitchen cabinet refinishing and refacing are two options for updating the look of your kitchen cabinets.
However, they involve different processes and outcomes.

Kitchen cabinet refinishing involves updating the appearance of your existing cabinets.
You can accomplish this by sanding down the old finish, fixing imperfections, and applying a new coat of paint.
This process can also involve replacing or updating the hardware on the cabinets, such as the knobs and handles.

Refinishing is a good option if you want to change the color or finish of your cabinets.
Keep in mind, the overall structure and layout of the cabinets is still functional and in good condition.

On the other hand, kitchen cabinet refacing involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
Moreover, the existing cabinet carcass remains in place.
This process typically involves installing a veneer or laminate over the exposed surfaces of the cabinets.
This veneer matches the new doors and drawer fronts.

Refacing is a good option if you want to update the look of your cabinets and change the door style.

In summary, refinishing involves updating the existing finish of your cabinets.
Conversely, refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts.
Then, covering the existing cabinet boxes with a veneer or laminate.

Tips for Saving Money on Cabinet Painting

money saving tips kitchen cabinet painting

If you are looking to save money on your cabinet painting project, here are some tips to keep in mind.
By following these tips, you can save money on your cabinet painting project without sacrificing the quality of the finish.

  • Choose a Lower-Cost Paint
    While higher quality paints may provide better durability and coverage, they can also be more expensive. Choosing a lower-cost paint can help you save money on your project.
  • Paint the Cabinets Yourself
    While painting cabinets can be a labor-intensive project, doing it yourself can save you money on labor costs. Just be sure to properly prepare and prime the cabinets before painting to ensure a smooth finish.
  • Use a Paint Sprayer
    Using a paint sprayer instead of a brush or roller can help you achieve a smoother finish with less paint.
    This will save you money in the long run.
  • Keep the Existing Hardware
    If your cabinet hardware is in good condition, consider painting it instead of replacing it. This can help you save money on new hardware costs.
  • Be Mindful of Additional Costs
    Before starting your project, be sure to factor in any additional costs like sandpaper, brushes, and drop cloths. Additionally, if you plan to replace hardware, be sure to factor in the cost of new knobs or handles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of painting cabinets can vary depending on a variety of factors.
These factors include cabinet size and quantity, cabinet condition, type of paint, labor costs, and additional costs.

If you are considering painting your cabinets, be sure to factor in these costs.
Consider your options carefully before making a decision.

Whether you choose to paint your cabinets yourself or hire a professional painter, updating your cabinets refreshes your home.
Moreover, it will add value to your home.

Related Posts:

How Long Does it Take to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

On average, it can take anywhere from 3-5 days to paint kitchen cabinets. This includes time for preparation, painting, and allowing the paint to dry. The time it takes to paint kitchen cabinets varies depending on the size of your kitchen and the complexity.

Is it Cheaper to Paint or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?

Painting kitchen cabinets is generally much cheaper than replacing them. In fact, it can cost up to 80% less to paint your cabinets than to replace them. This is because painting requires less materials and labor, and can be done in a shorter amount of time.

Can I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets Myself?

Yes, you can paint your kitchen cabinets yourself. You will need to properly prepare the cabinets, apply multiple coats of paint, and ensure the finish is smooth. However, it is important to note that putting a fresh coat of paint takes a lot of time. If you are not experienced with painting or DIY projects, it may be best to hire a professional.

What Factors Can Affect the Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

The cost to paint kitchen cabinets can be affected by several factors, including the size of your kitchen, the type of paint you use, and the number of coats required. Additionally, the condition of the cabinets can also increase the costs.