You'll want to know everything about how much to paint kitchen cabinets in 2026
If your cabinets look old, scratched, or no longer match your current style and taste, replacing them can be a time-consuming and costly endeavor. Perhaps there’s an eco-friendly and straightforward way to refresh our beloved cabinets—and repainting is just such a solution. It stands as one of the most effective and economical methods for transforming your cabinets.
But before you pick up the brush, the most pressing question is probably: how much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets? In this guide, I will analyze the cost of painting cabinets and the factors that influence that cost in detail. You can refer to this information before deciding whether to repaint your kitchen cabinets.
Do Your Kitchen Cabinets Need Repainting?
Before you begin repainting your kitchen cabinets, take three seconds to observe them. Check the cabinet structure for any damage or warping, the overall paint finish for any peeling or chipping, and look for any severe water stains or rot. If all of these conditions are met, your cabinets are perfectly ready for repainting.
What is the Average Cost to Paint a Kitchen Now?
I know everyone is interested in the specific prices for painting kitchen cabinets, so I’ve compiled a table for your reference. This table shows the exact costs for hiring professionals, which are quite expensive. It includes a price range per square foot, and different spaces and layouts will result in different prices.
| Cost Factor | Average Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
Small Kitchen (Over 70 sq. ft) |
$1,200 – $3,500 |
Approx. <15 doors/drawers |
Medium Kitchen (100-200 sq. ft) |
$3,000 – $6,500 |
Approx. 15-30 doors/drawers |
Large Kitchen (200+ sq. ft) |
$6,000 – $10,000+ |
Approx. 30-50 doors/drawers |
Per Door / Drawer Front |
$60 – $130 |
Price depends on detail style |
Per Linear Foot |
$30 – $70 |
Includes upper & lower cabinets |
Per Square Foot |
$4 – $15 |
Based on paintable surface area |
Specific costs of DIY
After looking at the previous table, and then at this DIY price list, doesn’t the cost seem quite affordable? Doing things yourself not only improves your practical skills but also allows you to completely customize the project to your own ideas, saving a significant amount of money. This is perhaps a very worthwhile and meaningful activity.If you don’t know how to paint your kitchen cabinets, you can check out this blog.
| Supply Item | Estimated Cost | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
High-Quality Paint & Primer |
$100 – $200 |
1-2 gallons of cabinet enamel + bonding primer. |
Prep Essentials |
$50 – $80 |
Degreaser (TSP), sandpaper, wood filler, and tack cloths. |
Tools & Applicators |
$40 – $80 |
Angled brushes, mini foam rollers, and paint trays. |
Protection |
$20 – $40 |
Painter’s tape, drop cloths, and plastic sheeting. |
TOTAL DIY ESTIMATE |
$200 – $600 |
Significantly cheaper than hiring a pro. |
Main Factors Affecting Spray Painting Costs
Why is there such a big price range? Determining exactly how much to paint kitchen cabinets depends on three main variables.
Labor
If you hire professionals(Professional technicians earn $350–$800 per day), labor costs will be your biggest expense. Cabinet painting is a labor-intensive job, involving disassembling cabinet doors, cleaning, sanding, applying primer, topcoat, and reassembly.A standard kitchen (10-15 cabinet doors) typically takes 4-8 days to complete. A meticulous painter will charge based on the time and skill required.Labor costs are approximately $2,000–$6,000.
Materials
Not all paints are created equal. Generally speaking, environmentally friendly paints are healthier, both in terms of quality and price.High-quality primers and topcoats typically range in price from $250 to $600.The cost of new hardware handles (20-40 pieces) ranges from $150 to $800.Spray painting equipment rental/consumables: $200–$400.
Kitchen Space
Size is important. The kitchen layout determines the final quote. The number of doors and drawers determines the final labor and material costs. Secondly, the layout of your kitchen matters; complex layouts, such as intricate crown trim or narrow corners, will also incur additional charges.
- Small kitchen with 10 cabinet doors: $2,500–$5,000
- Medium kitchen with 15-25 cabinet doors: $4,000–$8,000
- Large kitchen or kitchen with island: 30+ cabinet doors: $8,000+
DIY cabinet painting: Not only saves money, but also gives your kitchen and home a "second spring".
In one of our YoloDeco home renovation projects, a client chose to repaint their kitchen cabinets using a DIY approach with our professional guidance. The whole family pitched in: the husband handled removing handles and moving cabinet doors, the children helped sand with sandpaper, while the parents and client worked together to apply tape and mix paint colors. The air was filled with the scent of paint and laughter—a priceless moment of warmth. We provided material selection advice and technical guidance to ensure a safe and efficient process, keeping the total cost under $500.
Conclusion
So, how much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets? It depends on the method you choose, but one thing is certain: whether you hire professionals to create a perfect finish or try to save money by doing it yourself, a fresh coat of paint can make your home look brand new. However, if you really want to replace your cabinets entirely, that’s also a viable option. Feel free to check out YoloDeco’s cabinet products; they might inspire your creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: It is significantly cheaper to paint. Painting costs a fraction of the price of purchasing and installing new cabinets.
A: With proper preparation and high-quality paint, painted cabinets can look great for 8-15 years.
A: Yes. Even with “no-sand” primers, light sanding is highly recommended to help the paint adhere and ensure a durable finish.
