When it comes to updating your kitchen, one of the most cost-effective options is to paint your cabinets. Whether you're looking to refresh outdated cabinetry or completely change the look of your kitchen, understanding the cost of painting kitchen cabinets is crucial to setting the right budget.
From the cost of painting kitchen cabinets to how long it takes, this guide will break down all the important details to help you navigate your kitchen painting project.
The cost to paint kitchen cabinets can vary widely depending on various factors. On average, homeowners can expect to spend anywhere between $1,500 and $4,000 for professional cabinet painting. The price may go higher or lower based on the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the cabinets, and the type of paint used.
When figuring out the cost of painting kitchen cabinets, several factors come into play. Understanding these aspects will help you budget appropriately and set realistic expectations for the time involved.
A larger kitchen with more cabinets will naturally cost more to paint. The square footage of the area you need to cover plays a significant role in determining the cost.
Cabinets made from different materials, like wood, laminate, or metal, may require different amounts of preparation and painting. Solid wood cabinets typically cost less to paint than laminate or metal cabinets because they don't require special primers or extensive prep work.
The type of paint used can have a huge impact on the cost. High-quality, durable paint options like enamel or acrylic cost more upfront but often provide better results and longer-lasting finishes.
If you hire professionals, labor will account for a significant portion of your budget. Labor costs vary depending on your location, with professionals typically charging between $50 and $100 per hour.
If your cabinets need repairs, extra coats of paint, or other services like sanding or priming, these will increase the total cost of painting.
Repainting kitchen cabinets is a slightly different process than a fresh coat of paint. If your cabinets already have layers of paint that are chipped or worn, you will likely need to strip off the old layers before applying new paint. The cost to repaint kitchen cabinets can be similar to painting them for the first time, but additional prep work can increase the price.
On average, the cost to repaint kitchen cabinets ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, similar to a full paint job. However, if your cabinets are in poor condition and require extensive preparation (e.g., sanding, priming, or fixing damaged areas), the cost could be higher.
Before applying new paint, it's important to remove any old layers to ensure the best results. Old paint can cause new paint to peel or bubble if not properly stripped. This step helps the new paint adhere better, creating a smoother and longer-lasting finish. Proper removal also prevents any imperfections or unevenness from showing up on the final coat.
It can take a lot of time to remove old paint or varnish. This is particularly true in cases where the prior layers are thick, flaking, or chipping.
Once the old paint is removed, the cabinets must be thoroughly cleaned and sanded. Any nicks, dents, or cracks will need to be repaired before painting can begin.
In many cases, repainting cabinets may require more coats of paint for an even and smooth finish. Darker colors or lighter cabinets may need extra layers to ensure the best appearance.
Since repainting can require more work, the overall cost may increase, especially if professional help is needed for the prep work.
If you choose to do it yourself, the cost of painting kitchen cabinets will primarily be determined by the cost of materials. DIY projects usually cost between $200 and $600, depending on the size of your kitchen and the quality of materials used.
Paint: Depending on the quality and amount required, paint can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 per gallon.
Primer: If your cabinets have a darker color, a primer may be necessary. High-quality primer prices range from $20 to $50 per gallon.
Brushes and Rollers: Expect to pay around $20 to $50 for brushes, rollers, and other necessary tools like painter’s tape, drop cloths, and paint trays.
Sandpaper and Other Tools: To prep the cabinets, you will need sandpaper (or a sander), which will add another $10 to $30 to the total cost.
While a DIY approach can save you a significant amount of money, keep in mind that it will require time and effort to complete the project. Plus, mistakes can add to your costs if they require additional paint or supplies.
One of the most frequently asked questions is how long it takes to paint kitchen cabinets. The answer depends on whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a professional. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:
For a DIY painting project, expect to spend several days working on your cabinets. The process has several stages:
Preparation: This includes removing hardware, cleaning, sanding, and priming. Expect this stage to take 1 to 2 days.
Painting: Applying the paint, including drying time between coats, will likely take 2 to 4 days. For best results, you’ll want to apply at least two coats of paint, especially for light colors.
Drying and Reassembling: After painting, your cabinets will need time to dry completely before reattaching hardware and doors. This can take another 1 to 2 days.
Professional painters often have a faster turnaround time, as they use specialized equipment and techniques. If you hire professionals, the entire job—preparation, painting, and drying—typically takes 2 to 4 days.
However, if your cabinets are particularly intricate or require additional prep work (like sanding or priming), the timeline may be extended.
When it comes to the cost of repainting cabinets, many of the same factors affect the price of a standard painting project. This includes the size and condition of the cabinets, as well as the amount of prep work required. However, since repainting usually involves additional sanding, stripping, and priming, expect to pay a bit more for repainting compared to a fresh paint job.
On average, the cost to repaint cabinets ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. The overall cost can increase if your cabinets need repairs or if additional coats of paint are necessary to achieve a smooth, even finish.
If you’re planning on painting both the kitchen walls and cabinets, the average cost to paint kitchen walls and cabinets is higher than painting the cabinets alone. Typically, you’ll be looking at a price range between $2,500 and $5,000 for a combined kitchen painting job.
The cost will depend on:
The kitchen's dimensions and cabinet count
The type of paint used for both the cabinets and the walls
Labor costs in your area
Combining wall and cabinet painting may offer better value than separate projects, especially if the same painter can handle both jobs.
The cost to paint kitchen cabinets varies greatly based on several factors such as size, material, and whether you're doing it yourself or hiring professionals. On average, how much it costs to paint kitchen cabinets can range from $1,500 to $4,000 for professional jobs.
Whether you're painting or repainting kitchen cabinets, the time required can range from 2 to 7 days depending on the complexity and method chosen. Repainting may take longer if old paint needs to be stripped and cabinets require more preparation.
Want to give your kitchen a new look? Contact Q1painting now for a free quote and professional help with painting your cabinets. Your kitchen makeover is just one step away!