The Complete Cost Breakdown of Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets
Giving your kitchen a fresh new look doesn't have to mean splurging on an expensive remodel. Painting the existing cabinets can make a dramatic update for a fraction of the cost. But how much does it really cost to paint kitchen cabinets?
The price can vary quite a bit based on the size of your kitchen, cabinet layout, painting method, and other factors. Here we break down everything that goes into painting kitchen cabinets, so you can get a detailed estimate for your specific project.
Cabinet Paint Cost
The type of paint you choose will be one of the biggest drivers of the total budget. Paint designated for cabinets costs more than standard wall paints, but offers greater durability and a harder finish that stands up well to everyday wear and tear in the kitchen.
Behr Alkyd cabinet paint runs about $45 per gallon, while Sherwin Williams ProClassic Interior Acrylic Latex costs around $70 per gallon. Expect to spend $50 or more for premium cabinet paint brands like Benjamin Moore Advance.
For an average 10x10 kitchen with 15 cabinets, you'll need approximately 2-3 gallons of paint, so budget $100-$200 for the paint alone. The quantity needed can vary based on your kitchen size, cabinet style, and color of paint.
Painting Methods
Labor accounts for a significant portion of your total painting cost. The painting method you choose also affects the time investment and overall price.
Brush Painting
This manual approach requires no special equipment rental, but needs more time and labor. Expect to pay $40-$60 per hour for a professional painter's brush work. DIY brush painting may only cost $10-$20 per hour for supplies.
Pros: Lower upfront costs, gets into fine details
Cons: Very time intensive, risk of brush strokes
Roller Painting
Using paint rollers is faster than brushing but has limitations around edges and trim. Roller painting costs around $30-$50 per hour professionally.
Pros: Works quickly, even coats
Cons: Can't get into cracks well, splattering
Spray Painting
Sprayers allow the fastest application, but require equipment rental. Expect to spend $200+ to rent an HVLP sprayer. Professional spray painting is $40-$70 per hour.
Pros: Fastest method, smooth finish
Cons: Overspray, equipment rental costs
Design of Cabinets
The complexity of your cabinets also factors into painting costs. Simpler shaker style cabinets with flat panels are quicker to paint than ornate designs.
Kitchens with lots of small drawers or cabinets with raised panels, trim, and detailing require extra preparation and hand painting time. Expect to add $200 or more for intricate cabinet designs.
Kitchen Size
Larger kitchens equal more surface area to cover. A 15x15 kitchen could have up to 30 cabinets and cost $1300 or more for painting. A tiny galley kitchen with just 8 cabinets may only run $600-$800.
Measure your total linear or square footage to estimate how much paint and time will be needed. Standard cabinet sizes are 12-24 inches deep and 25-30 inches wide per door.
Paint Color
Darker paint colors often require an extra coat or two to achieve full coverage. Deep blues, greens, reds or bold black cabinets may cost $100-$300 more in labor and extra paint than a light neutral color.
Two-tone designs take more time and supplies to tape off sections and paint separate colors. Add 15% or more to your estimate for specialty finishes.
Cabinet Condition
Prepping damaged or worn cabinets for painting involves extra steps like filling holes, sanding, and priming. Add $200-$400 if your cabinets need repairs or heavy sanding.
Laminate cabinets also require deglossing, sanding, and specialty primer before painting to help the paint adhere. Refinishing laminate adds 30% or more to the cost.
Hiring a Professional
Painters charge an average of $40 per hour, with kitchen cabinet painting jobs running $300 to $1000 or more depending on size. Though pricier than DIY, professionals have the skills and equipment to paint cabinets smoothly and evenly.
They also know techniques for flawlessly cutting in around edges and properly preparing cabinets for long-lasting results. Consider pros if you have a large kitchen or ornate cabinetry.
Additional Costs
Don't overlook miscellaneous supplies when estimating your budget. Primer, brushes, trays, painters tape, tarps, and cleaning products can cost $50-$100 or more. You may also need to rent an orbital sander for sanding worn cabinets.
If you hire painters, they may charge an additional 10%-15% for travel costs. Unexpected repairs like replacing torn-out drawer glides can also drive up the final price.
The total cost to paint kitchen cabinets ranges widely from $300 DIY projects to $3000 professional remodels. Most standard 10x10 kitchens fall between $800-$1500 to paint cabinets. The biggest factors affecting your price include kitchen size, cabinet complexity, painting method, and prep work needed.
Carefully considering all the cost variables will help you create a realistic budget estimate for your kitchen cabinet painting project.