How Much Does it Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

Cost to paint kitchen cabinets

The typical cost of painting kitchen cabinets ranges from $1,200 to $7,000, with the price varying according to project location, cabinet design, square footage, paint quality, and painting method. The total cost of painting kitchen cabinets is broken down into two main components: labor and materials. Material costs primarily include paint, primer, rollers, drop cloths, tape, and other supplies. Material costs vary greatly depending on the quality of paint you choose. Labor costs will make up the bulk of the final bill and depend on the contractor you hire, as well as other factors such as project complexity and the amount of prep work required. Projects in high cost-of-living areas and those needing finish removal will typically run in the upper range.

Labor cost to paint kitchen cabinets

The average labor cost to paint kitchen cabinets is $32 to $100 per hour, with a national average of $55 per hour. Labor costs will make up the bulk of the cost of painting or repainting kitchen cabinets. For a kitchen with 300 square feet of cabinet area, a professionally painted project will cost between $875 to $1,997. The total cost will vary based on your location, the contractor your work with, and the complexity of the project.

For older cabinets with a lot of wear and tear, the preparation phase can be labor-intensive. Contractors will account for the preparation phase when considering how much to charge to paint kitchen cabinets. Conversely, some projects require little prep work. Since these types of jobs are fairly easy, companies that paint kitchen cabinets may charge by $2 to $3 per square foot rather than a heftier hourly rate.

Cost per door

The typical cost to paint kitchen cabinet doors ranges from $50 to $100, or $120 to $170 per cabinet. This cost varies according to the size, placement, and style of the cabinet. A cabinet with one large door may be priced similarly to a similarly sized cabinet with two average-sized doors. Small drawers, like those used for utensils, cost an average of $25 to paint.

Cost to paint cabinets per square foot

The average cost to paint cabinets typically ranges from $5 to $10 per square foot when accounting for both materials and labor costs. Contractors often quote kitchen cabinet projects according to linear foot, which involves measuring the total length of the front of the cabinets.

The following table shows the average cost to paint cabinets per square foot:

Cost to paint cabinets per linear foot

The average cost to paint kitchen cabinets per linear foot is $30 to $60. Keep in mind that a project with fewer cabinets and a smaller area to paint will typically end up costing more per square foot than a larger project. This is because the contractor will have additional costs, such as transportation and other overhead, that is independent of the project's square footage.

Cost to repaint kitchen cabinets

Based on an average cost of $5 to $10 per square foot, professionally painting a kitchen with 300 square feet of cabinet surface will cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000. Costs will vary according to the amount of repair work required, whether the cabinets need to be stripped of old paint and sanded, and the project's square footage. For cabinets with old paint or extensive damage, expect to pay in the upper end. For a simple repaint job, you may be able to pay in the lower end. Calculating beforehand will give you a solid ballpark estimate to help you plan your project budget.

Refinishing cabinets cost

The total cost of refinishing cabinets ranges from about $1,700 to $4,000 depending on square footage and project location. Refinishing cabinets is an extensive process that involves removing the existing paint or stain, sanding and patching the surface, and adding a new paint, stain, or varnish to the smooth wood surface. Refinishing is a great way to change the look of your kitchen. It is also significantly cheaper than completely replacing the kitchen cabinets, so it is a good option for cabinets that are structurally intact.

Cost to paint kitchen cabinet doors

You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 per door when calculating the total project cost of painting kitchen cabinets. This cost accounts for the project setup, surface preparation, panting supplies, and cleanup. You will likely pay on the higher end for ornate double entry doors. Contractors may offer a discount for projects with a higher number of doors.

Cost to spray paint kitchen cabinets

Professional contractors charge between $35 to $95 per linear foot on average to spray paint kitchen cabinets. Spray paint is ideal for providing a smooth and even coat across a large surface area. Spraying avoids drips and is perfect for covering intricate woodwork details, complex textures, and small crevices. Spray paint, which requires the use of a spray gun machine, allows you to use high-quality lacquer paint, which is why many contractors prefer this method, particularly for larger surface areas. Spray painting does cost more than rolling, so if you are doing a DIY project on a smaller kitchen, you may be better off rolling than spraying.

Best paint for cabinets

The most popular paint for kitchen cabinets is latex-based paint. Latex paint goes on thin, dries in a few short hours, and is easy to use. While more prone to staining than oil-based paint, it is highly durable and resistant to chipping.

Some homeowners may still opt for oil-based paints for their kitchen cabinets. Oil-based paints are stain-resistant and create a sleek look that is often preferred for kitchen cabinets. The big downside to oil paint is that it takes much longer to dry and can therefore increase labor time.

Most kitchen cabinet projects will benefit from applying a layer of pigmented shellac as a base coat beneath the paint. Pigmented shellac serves as a stain blocker and will prevent the pattern of the wood from seeping through the paint layer. It also provides a smooth base coat for whatever paint is applied on top.

Cost of paint

Kitchen cabinet paint typically costs $20 to $70 dollars per gallon, and pigmented shellac primer averages $46 per gallon. The bulk of the project cost to paint kitchen cabinets will be in labor, so the paint you choose to work with will have minimal impact on your overall project cost. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to have an idea of the materials costs at the outset to plan your budget and avoid sticker shock.

Oil

The cost of oil paint varies widely based on quality ranging from $20 to $70 per gallon.

Latex

Latex paint costs in a similar range to oil-based paint at $20 to $70 per gallon.

Pigmented shellac

Pigmented shellac primer typically runs around $46 per gallon.

Cost factors

There are several factors that will impact the total cost to paint your kitchen cabinets, including the area where you live, the method of painting, and the extent of prep work required. Two of the biggest factors to keep in mind are kitchen size and cabinet layout:

Kitchen size

The square footage of your kitchen will influence the total cost of your project. Contractors will typically charge by linear foot or individual cabinet. The more cabinet space you have, the more the project will cost.

Cabinet layout

The layout of the existing cabinetry can add to the complexity and labor time of a paint job. If your kitchen cabinets include tight angles, constricted spaces, and corner cabinets with double-hinged doors, expect a higher overall cost. Contractors often charge extra for projects with tight, complicated layouts.

Cabinet repairing cost

The cost to repair kitchen cabinets ranges from $55 to $900 depending on the type of damage and the project location. Here are some of the most common types of damage and what the repairs might cost you:

Damage to painted surface

The most common type of repair is touching up minor scratches and scuffs to the paint. Many homeowners will be able to tackle this repair themselves. However, for more extensive damage across larger areas, you will be better off hiring a contractor. This type of repair will cost upwards of $490.

Damage to wooden cabinets

Dings and scratches to wooden cabinets aren't easily disguised by paint, so repair work can be costly. Widespread scuffs and scratches can be repaired by removing the panels, sanding them down, and refinishing with a new stain or sealant. This will cost anywhere from $420 to $796 per 100 square feet of wooden surface.

Damage to hardware

Repairing hardware such as knobs and hinges is easy, so most homeowners will be able to undertake this on their own. If you do hire a professional to remount a hinge or replace a broken knob, expect to pay about $50 for a job requiring an hour of labor.

Enhancements and improvements

Painting cabinets is a pretty big undertaking, so you may want to take this opportunity to make a few other enhancements and improvements to your kitchen. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Strippling

Strippling is a textured style of painting that was popular for walls and ceilings in the '60s and '70s. This style fallen out of favor in recent years, and many homeowners are eager to replace hard-to-clean textured surfaces with smooth paint or tile. Removing strippling is a messy, time-consumer process, so it's a good idea to accomplish this at the same time as redoing your cabinets.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is an excellent way to instantly transform your kitchen's appearance. Kitchen surface areas are usually subject to concentrated humidity and cooking splatters, so opt for long-lasting, easy-to-clean vinyl, Novemura, or washable wallpaper options.

DIY vs Hire a Pro

As the bulk of the cost of painting cabinets is in labor, you may want to cut your project budget by repainting on your own. However, before you commit to a DIY project, here are some key factors to consider:

• Professionals are highly efficient. It can take weeks for a novice to complete a cabinet painting project, whereas a crew of professionals can complete an entire kitchen in 2-3 days. Most homeowners with a 9-5 job and other commitments will be better off financially hiring out the project.
• If you've never painted kitchen cabinets before, you're likely to make costly and time-consuming mistakes. With plenty of experience and technical skills, professionals will be able to complete the work perfectly the first time.
• If your cabinet has a complex design, then you will need a sprayer to do the work. Quality paint sprayers are pricy and can range from $1,000 to $8,000. And although you can rent one for the project, professional painters know how to use paint sprayers the right way to ensure a smooth, flawless finish.
• Professionals often provide warranties for their work. That means that if anything goes wrong within the warranty period, they will come back and repair it at no additional cost.