average price to have kitchen cabinets painted
May 19, 2025
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Average Price to Have Kitchen Cabinets Painted (2023–2024)
Painting kitchen cabinets is a cost-effective way to refresh your kitchen without replacing them. Costs depend on whether you DIY or hire a professional painter, as well as cabinet size, prep work, and paint quality. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Average Cost Range
| Option | Price Range (10x10 Kitchen) |
|---|---|
| DIY Painting | 200–200–200–800 |
| Professional Painting | 1,500–1,500–1,500–5,000+ |
Cost Breakdown
DIY Painting Costs
Materials:Paint: 30–30–30–70/gallon (2–3 gallons needed).
Best options: Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane.
Primer: 20–20–20–50/gallon (1–2 gallons).
Supplies: Sandpaper, brushes, rollers, degreaser (50–50–50–150).
Tools: Paint sprayer (100–100–100–300) or foam rollers (10–10–10–20).
Total DIY Cost: 200–200–200–800.
Professional Painting Costs
Labor: 3–3–3–10 per sq. ft. or 40–40–40–100/hour.
Materials: Typically included in quotes (higher-quality paints/primers).
Average Total:
Basic Job: 1,500–1,500–1,500–3,000 (cleaning, sanding, 2–3 coats).
High-End Job: 3,000–3,000–3,000–5,000+ (repairs, glazing, custom finishes).
Factors Affecting Cost
Cabinet Size:
Small kitchen (10–15 cabinets): 1,500–1,500–1,500–3,500 (pro) / 200–200–200–500 (DIY).
Large kitchen (20+ cabinets): 3,000–3,000–3,000–7,000+ (pro) / 500–500–500–800 (DIY).
Prep Work:
Cleaning/Degreasing: 100–100–100–300 (pro) / 20–20–20–50 (DIY).
Sanding/Repairs: Filling dents, scratches, or water damage (+200–200–200–1,000).
Paint Quality:
Budget paint: 30–30–30–50/gallon (e.g., Behr Marquee).
Premium paint: 60–60–60–100/gallon (e.g., Benjamin Moore Advance).
Finish Type:
Glazing, distressing, or two-tone designs: +500–500–500–2,000.
Location: Urban areas (NYC, LA) cost 20–30% more.
DIY vs. Professional Comparison
| Aspect | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 200–200–200–800 | 1,500–1,500–1,500–5,000+ |
| Time | 3–7 days | 3–5 days |
| Quality | Risk of brush marks/unevenness | Smooth, spray-painted finish. |
| Durability | 3–7 years (with proper prep) | 7–15+ years (pro prep/paint). |
| Warranty | None | Often 1–3 years. |
Steps Involved in Painting
Remove Doors/Drawers: Label for easy reassembly.
Clean: Use TSP cleaner or Krud Kutter to remove grease.
Sand: 120–220 grit sandpaper for adhesion.
Prime: 1–2 coats of bonding primer.
Paint: 2–3 thin coats of acrylic enamel or cabinet-grade paint.
Cure: Wait 7–30 days before heavy use.
Cost-Saving Tips
DIY Prep: Clean, sand, and remove hardware yourself.
Use a Paint Sprayer: Achieve a smoother finish than brushes/rollers.
Skip Custom Finishes: Stick to solid colors.
Reuse Hardware: Polish existing knobs/hinges instead of buying new.
When to Hire a Pro
You want a flawless, long-lasting finish.
Cabinets have intricate details (e.g., raised panels, carvings).
You lack time, tools, or painting experience.
Final Recommendation:
Budget-Friendly: DIY with quality paint (200–200–200–800).
Mid-Range: Hire a pro for 2,000–2,000–2,000–3,500 (durable, low-maintenance).
Luxury: Custom finishes/glazing ($3,500+).
Painting cabinets costs 10–25% of replacement and can transform your kitchen in days. Prioritize thorough prep work for a lasting result! 🎨✨