How Much Does It Cost To Paint Kitchen Cabinets? [2023 Data]

By: Andrew Saladino | 5 min
October 25th, 2023

You don't have to demo your entire kitchen to get the look you've always dreamed of. In fact, just painting your existing cabinets can give your space an instant refresh without any major renovations.

The average cost to get your kitchen cabinets professionally painted is $100 per drawer face and $175 per cabinet door - that's about $5,000 for a 10x10 kitchen. However, there are several factors painters consider when calculating how much to charge.

How Much Does It Cost To Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

The average cost of painting kitchen cabinets ranges from $1,000 to $12,000, depending on factors like the size of your kitchen, the types of kitchen cabinets you have, and the quality and color of the paint you choose. To give you a general idea, we determined the average cost to paint kitchen cabinets in a small, medium, and large kitchen:

Small Kitchens

If your kitchen is smaller than 100 square feet, expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 to have your cabinets professionally painted. Because painters are more inclined to offer volume discounts for large kitchens, homeowners with smaller kitchens may end up paying around $10-$20 more per cabinet face.

Medium Kitchens

The cost of painting 21-40 cabinet faces in a medium kitchen will typically cost around $5,000 to $7,000, with an average of $100 per drawer face and $175 per cabinet door. That means a kitchen with 10 cabinet drawers and 25 cabinet doors will cost about $5,375.

Large Kitchens

Homeowners who have large kitchens with 40 or more cabinets to paint will likely receive a volume discount, bringing their total to about $7,000-$12,000. The price per drawer face is typically around $95, and cabinet doors average $165.

Factors That Affect Painting Costs

The size of your kitchen is the biggest factor in determining the cost to paint your cabinets. Because professional cabinet painters typically charge by cabinet face, a large kitchen with 40+ cabinets will likely cost more than a tiny kitchen with half that. However, there's more to consider when calculating painting costs.

Cabinet Type

The type of kitchen cabinets you have can significantly influence the cost of professionally painting them. Different cabinet materials and styles require varying levels of preparation, paint, and labor, which ultimately affect the overall cost. For example:

• Solid wood cabinets are often the most expensive to paint because they typically require more extensive preparation. Wood can have grain patterns and imperfections that need to be sanded and primed properly to achieve a smooth finish.
• MDF and laminate cabinets are more budget-friendly to paint compared to solid wood. They have a smooth surface that can be painted with less effort and fewer coats.
• Cabinets with intricate designs, molding, glass inserts, or multiple panels will require more time and skill to paint, increasing labor costs.
• Frameless cabinets (European style) can be more labor-intensive to paint than framed cabinets due to their lack of a face frame.

Cabinet Condition

The condition of your kitchen cabinets can also play a role in calculating painting costs. Cabinets in good condition with minimal damage and wear typically require less prep work, such as sanding, filling, and priming, which can significantly reduce labor costs.

On the other hand, cabinets with lots of damage, peeling paint, or structural issues will need more extensive repairs and surface restoration before painting, driving up both material and labor expenses. In some cases, it may make more sense to replace your cabinets.

Paint Color and Quality

The type of paint you choose for your cabinets will affect the cost of materials when having them painted. Premium paints typically come with a higher price tag, but they'll provide better coverage, durability, and a smoother finish. A high-quality paint finish can also extend the longevity of your cabinets, saving you money in the long run. Budget paints may cost less but usually require more coats, which may drive up material and labor costs.

Your cabinet paint color can also influence labor costs. Light colors such as whites, creams, and pastels tend to be more forgiving and may require fewer coats to cover existing cabinet colors. Darker paint colors often require additional coats to achieve full coverage and depth.

Paint Method

The method or technique used to paint kitchen cabinets can have a significant impact on the overall cost. Different paint methods require varying levels of labor, materials, and expertise. Here's how different paint methods can affect the cost of painting kitchen cabinets:

Brush/roller painting: Brush and roller painting methods are usually more accessible and budget-friendly than other techniques, but the process is slower than spray painting and may require additional coats and higher labor costs.

Spray painting: Spray painting typically involves the use of specialized equipment like paint sprayers and paint booths that can be expensive to acquire and maintain. However, this equipment allows for faster application and more even coverage compared to traditional brush and roller methods.

Hand-painted or artistic techniques: For cabinets that require hand-painted or artistic techniques, such as faux finishes, distressed looks, or intricate designs, labor costs can be significantly higher due to the level of expertise and time involved.

Location

Labor and material costs associated with cabinet painting vary significantly based on where you live. Expect to pay more if you live in an urban area than a suburban or rural community. For example, the average cost to paint cabinets in Omaha, Nebraska, is around $3,000 -about half of what it would cost in Los Angeles.

Average Cost To Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets Yourself

If you're planning on painting your kitchen cabinets yourself, expect to pay between $200 and $600 for materials. The price will depend on the size of your kitchen and the paint quality and color you choose. Keep in mind that while painting your kitchen cabinets can be a DIY project, the extensive time and effort it requires may justify the costs of a professional, especially if you're looking for high-quality results.

Painting vs. Staining Kitchen Cabinets

In terms of cost, it's typically 10%-15% more expensive to paint kitchen cabinets than staining them. That's because paint costs more at face value than stain, although that may vary if you choose a custom color or high-end paint. Labor costs for painting vs. staining cabinets are also higher since painting requires much more preparation and coats.

Cost To Paint vs. Replace Kitchen Cabinets

Having your kitchen cabinets professionally painted will cost you a pretty penny - but the money you spend is only a fraction of what it would cost to replace your cabinets. The average cost of new kitchen cabinets is between $4,000 and $12,000, plus $3,000 to $8,000 for professional installation.

However, if your existing cabinets have significant wear and tear or are low-quality, extensive repairs and a new paint job may be more trouble than they're worth. In this case, high-quality stock cabinets in classic colors like crisp white or navy blue are a great cost-effective cabinet option that'll give your kitchen a high-end feel without breaking the bank.

Tips To Save on Kitchen Cabinet Painting Costs

Cabinet painting can save you thousands during a kitchen remodel as opposed to buying new cabinets, but it's still a costly investment. Here are a few best practices we recommend for cutting painting costs, whether you're paying a professional or taking on the task yourself:

• Don't settle on the first quote: Compare the project's estimated cost from at least three reputable professionals before making a decision.
• Select affordable paint and supplies: Choose quality paint that fits your budget, like mid-range paints that offer good coverage and durability without breaking the bank. Look for sales, discounts, and coupons on paint and supplies, and buy in bulk if possible.
• Skip special finishes: Stick to standard paint finishes like satin or semi-gloss instead of opting for specialty finishes like glazes or metallics, which can be more expensive.
• Limit color changes: If possible, stick with your current cabinet color or choose a similar shade to reduce the need for extra coats. Drastic color changes often require additional paint and time.
• Reuse hardware: Keep your existing cabinet knobs and pulls if they're in good condition. Replacing hardware can add to your expenses.
• Protect surrounding areas: Take the time to properly mask and protect surrounding areas, such as countertops, backsplash, and flooring, to avoid accidental paint spills and splatters. This can save you from costly cleanup and repair.
• Optimize application: Use a high-quality brush or roller for smoother and more efficient paint application. Proper technique can help you achieve a professional finish with fewer coats.

Painting your existing kitchen cabinets is an affordable way to completely update the look of your kitchen without starting from the ground up. However, if your cabinet doors or boxes are beyond repair or you want to update your kitchen layout, you'll need to replace your cabinets. Luckily, ready-to-assemble and pre-assembled kitchen cabinets are cost-effective options that won't have you choosing between quality and price. Browse our selection of modern and classic kitchen cabinets to find the perfect fit for your home and budget.