Repainting kitchen cabinets is one of the most cost effective ways to transform the look of your kitchen without doing a full renovation. Many homeowners ask how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets in 2025 with reliable data, realistic examples and tips to manage cabinet painting cost. This post covers paint kitchen cabinets pricing, what affects the cost to paint kitchen cabinet surfaces including cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and whether cabinet painting is worth it for your home.
What Is the Average Cabinet Painting Cost in 2025
National Professional vs DIY Cost Ranges
Professional painters charge between $2,000 and $6,500 to paint kitchen cabinets in 2025 depending on kitchen size, cabinet material, prep work, and finish. DIY cost for supplies, paint sprayer, drop cloths, masking tape, and material costs runs between $200‑$600 for a small to medium kitchen.
Cost Per Square Foot, Linear Foot, Door or Drawer
Painting cabinets typically costs between $3 and $10 per square foot, including materials and labor. Per linear foot of cabinetry, you’re often seeing $30‑$60 per linear foot. Cabinet doors often cost $90‑$175 each, with drawer fronts in many cases $30‑$50 each when using professional painters.
Cost by Kitchen Size (Small, Medium, Large)
| Kitchen Size | Number of Cabinet Doors & Drawer Fronts | Professional Cabinet Painting Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (10‑15 doors) | 15‑25 total pieces | $2,000‑$3,500 |
| Medium kitchen (20‑30 doors) | 30‑45 total pieces | $3,500‑$6,500 |
| Large kitchen (35+ doors including island & pantry modules) | 50‑70+ surfaces | $6,500‑$10,000+ |
What Factors Impact the Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
In order to understand why cabinet painting cost varies so much, you need to consider several variables. These affect materials, labor cost, time, and durability of the finished kitchen cabinet painting project.
Condition of Existing Cabinets and Prep Work
If your existing cabinets have old paint, peeling paint, uneven surfaces, or damage, you need more surface preparation. Sanding, filling cracks, cleaning, degreasing, and possibly stripping old paint adds labor costs. Good surface preparation ensures paint can adhere properly and gives you a smooth finish. If you skip prep work or do minimal prep, you risk poor finish, peeling, or uneven color later.
Cabinet Material And Door / Drawer Front Styles
Cabinet material matters a lot. Solid wood surfaces often need more effort to smooth grain or stain. Laminate or MDF might need special primer or bonding agents. Complex door styles with multiple panels, glass inserts, or ornate trims raise labor costs because they require more edge sanding, more masking tape, and more careful finishing. Plain flat panel cabinet doors are cheaper to paint than raised panel or recessed panel styles.
Paint Type, Finish, And Paint Quantity
Paint type such as oil based vs water based enamel or lacquer impacts material cost and labor. Higher end paint gives superior durability but costs more. Choose paint colors carefully, because transitioning from darker to lighter may need extra coats and primer. Using a paint sprayer can produce a more uniform, professional finish but sprayers cost more to use or rent. You’ll need enough paint for the surfaces, including cabinet doors, drawer fronts, frames, and sometimes inside cabinet boxes. One gallon may cover roughly 350‑400 square foot depending on sheen and surface.
Labor Costs And Geographic Location
Labor often represents 60‑85% of the total cost when you hire professional painters. Rates per hour vary widely from market to market. Major metro areas and high cost of living regions have higher rates. Also, how many painters are needed, how many hours of work, and site tasks like removal of cabinet hardware, installing new cabinet hardware, or repositioning doors all impact labor.
Additional Costs: Hardware Repairs Or Replacement, Extras
Replacing or upgrading cabinet hardware like knobs, hinges, or pulls adds to cost. Repairing damage or replacing hinges or broken doors also adds cost. Extras like decorative effects or custom finishes increase time and labor. Supplies like drop cloths, masking tape, or additional materials may seem small individually, but they add up on large projects.
Painting Method: Brush, Roller, Or Spray
Spraying generally gives smoother finishes and more consistent results but requires more prep, more masking, more material, and sometimes specialized equipment which increases cost. Brushing or rolling is cheaper but can leave visible brush marks or roller texture, especially over large flat cabinet surfaces. Using a paint sprayer is often recommended if you want a consistent finish across all cabinet surfaces.
Is Cabinet Painting Worth It
Advantages of Cabinet Painting
You get a fresh look for significantly less money than replacing new cabinets or doing a full renovation. If existing cabinets are structurally sound, you save the cost of demolition and rebuild. Painting lets you update style and paint colors without changing layout, saving money and time. With proper prep work and quality paint, you can achieve superior durability and a result that lasts many years. It’s also less disruptive to your kitchen compared to full replacement.
Disadvantages or Risks To Consider
If cabinets are damaged, warped, cracked, or have moisture issues, painting may only temporarily hide problems instead of solving them. Poor prep work, old paint that is peeling, or uneven surfaces can lead to poor adhesion and inconsistent finish. Cheap materials or paint finishes may lead to faster wear, chipping, or yellowing. In some cases, if you need many extras or repairs, labor costs of painting may approach the cost of replacing cabinets.
When To Paint Existing Cabinets vs Replace Or Reface
If your kitchen cabinets are still structurally sound and the layout works, paint kitchen cabinets as a cost effective way to update. If cabinet doors or drawer fronts are warped, old paint is peeling, or cabinet surfaces are beyond repair, replacing may be better. Refacing with new doors or drawer fronts and adding new cabinet hardware can be a good in-between option. Full cabinet replacement is best if you want to change the layout or fix serious structural issues.
Real‑Life Cost Examples Of Cabinet Painting Projects
Example 1: Budget Project For Small Kitchen
In a small kitchen with about 12 cabinet doors and 4 drawer fronts, if the existing cabinets are in good shape and feature simple flat panel drawer fronts, you can use mid-grade paint in a white or neutral finish. These kitchens need basic cleaning, sanding, and primer with no complex shapes. Using a DIY method with a paint sprayer or brush and roller, and doing most of the prep work yourself, you may spend $400‑$800 on material costs and supplies. If you hire out only certain tasks, the total cost may fall around $1,500‑$3,000. If fully DIY, your total cost might stay around $200‑$600.
Example 2: Mid‑Range Project With More Detail
For a medium-sized kitchen with 20‑25 doors and 10‑15 drawer fronts, expect moderate prep work. This may include sanding, removing peeling paint, surface repairs, and a color change from dark to light. You may also choose a semi-gloss finish and spray the cabinet doors for a more professional finish. With labor and materials, the cabinet painting cost may be $4,000‑$6,000, depending on location, paint type, and additional costs like drop cloths, masking tape, and replacing cabinet hardware.
Example 3: High‑End Finish For Large Kitchen
For a large kitchen with 30‑40 cabinet doors plus cabinet boxes and a large pantry, you may want a high-gloss finish with a custom paint color. This type of project might include replacing old cabinet hardware, using premium paint, and completing multiple coats with a paint sprayer. Expect extensive surface preparation, sanding, and possibly repairing damaged drawer fronts or doors. The total cost from professional painters can range from $7,000‑$10,000 or more, depending on square footage and level of finish.
How To Save Money On Cabinet Painting Cost
Do More Prep Work Yourself
You can significantly reduce labor costs by handling the prep work yourself. This includes cleaning, sanding, removing peeling paint, degreasing, and taking off cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and cabinet hardware before the painters arrive.
Choose More Affordable Paint And Finish
Selecting mid-range paint and finishes like satin or semi-gloss instead of high-gloss or specialty finishes can save money. Using fewer paint colors also helps. Avoid decorative glazing or trims if your goal is to keep your cabinet painting cost low.
Compare Quotes And Plan Properly
Get multiple quotes from professional painters and compare what is included. Does the quote cover cabinet hardware removal? Are materials included? Plan your project during less busy seasons when labor costs may be lower. Purchase supplies like masking tape or drop cloths during sales or in bulk to reduce material costs.
Use Professional Tools Wisely
If you’re taking the DIY route, consider renting a paint sprayer instead of buying one. Use proper tools like masking tape and drop cloths to protect surfaces and minimize labor time. Choose the right primer, such as an oil based primer for laminate or glossy surfaces, to make sure your topcoat adheres properly.
Frequently Asked How Much Does It Cost to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets Questions
Can I Paint My Cabinets Myself?
Yes, you can paint cabinets yourself, and DIY cost for materials and supplies usually falls between $200‑$600. Be prepared to spend time on cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting in layers. Using a paint sprayer can help you achieve a more professional finish.
How Long Does Cabinet Painting Take?
For most medium kitchens, professional painters may need 3‑5 days from prep to final coat. DIY projects can take longer, especially if you work only evenings or weekends. Drying time between coats adds to total duration.
How Durable Is Cabinet Painting?
With good prep work and quality materials, kitchen cabinet painting can last 8‑10 years or longer. Paint durability improves with proper sealing and avoiding cheap paint or shortcuts in surface preparation.
Is It Cheaper To Paint Or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
Painting is almost always cheaper than installing new cabinets. Cabinet replacement costs can reach five figures, especially with custom cabinetry. If your cabinets are in good shape, painting can significantly reduce your total cost and still give a fresh look.
Do I Need To Sand Cabinets Before Painting?
Yes, sanding is essential. It helps paint adhere properly and smooths out any surface imperfections. Even with a deglosser, light sanding improves results. Skipping this step can lead to peeling paint or a poor finish.
Final Thoughts On Cabinet Painting Cost
Repainting kitchen cabinets in 2025 is a cost effective way to refresh your home without the high cost of a full renovation. By understanding what impacts cost to paint kitchen cabinets, you can better plan your budget and expectations. Whether you take the DIY route or hire professional painters, the key to success lies in surface preparation, material quality, and choosing the right paint type for your cabinet surfaces.
If your existing cabinets are structurally sound and you want a new look, painting is a smart and cost effective choice. If you’re ready to explore your options and get a quote for your specific project, reach out to a trusted local expert to guide you.
