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When your kitchen cabinets start to fade or paint becomes chipped, fully replacing the kitchen cabinets is one way to go. However, this is a costly process that may not be necessary if the cabinets are in relatively good condition. Instead, the cost to paint kitchen cabinets might be worth your while. Painting kitchen cabinets costs between $3 and $10 per square foot or between $30 and $60 per linear foot.
If the cabinet material itself is in good shape and needs a new surface refinished, it’s a good idea to give it a second chance. The cost of painting kitchen cabinets can fluctuate based on the size of the cabinets, the cabinet material, the local labor rate, and several additional factors. Keep in mind that replacing cabinets can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $28,000 or more. Keep reading for everything you need to know about painting kitchen cabinets.
| Average cost | $919 |
| Low end | $423 |
| High end | $1,441 |
| Cost per square foot | $3 to $10 |
| Cost per linear foot | $30 to $60 |
| DIY cost | $200 to $600 |
Labor Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Hiring professional painters to update the kitchen cabinets is a good choice. Skilled pros will be able to complete this job in a couple of days, including prep work, priming, painting, and cleanup.
Typically, professional painters will charge about $6 to $14 per square foot, so you can expect to pay between $400 and $1,300 in total for the cost of painting kitchen cabinets. Generally, the labor costs will account for about 85 percent of the cost to paint kitchen cabinets, so be sure that you are happy with the company or contractor you hire.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Painting the cabinets yourself can significantly reduce the cost to between $35 to $75 per hour. The cost to paint kitchen cabinets can vary depending on the type of paint, type of cabinet, and the size of the cabinetry. If you choose to DIY this job, you’ll need to prepare the kitchen, including setting up the space, stripping, sanding (if necessary), removing appliances, removing doors, and pulling out drawers. Make sure the cabinetry is cleaned and the surrounding area is properly tarped and protected.
Factors That Impact Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen Cabinet Material
The cost to paint kitchen cabinets can vary depending on the type of cabinet material. Common options include wood cabinets, wood veneer cabinets, laminate cabinets, and MDF cabinets.
- Wood cabinets will require an additional $5 to $10 for sandpaper to use on cabinets that have been painted, stained, or sealed, and $10 to$20 for a chemical paint deglosser to prepare the wood cabinets for painting.
- Wood veneer cabinets require you to purchase wood glue at about $10 per bottle to repair any chips or cracks in the material. Primer is also needed at about $45 per gallon to ensure that the paint adheres well to the wood veneer.
- Laminate cabinets will require between $5 to $10 for sandpaper and between $20 to $80 for a laminate primer to get the best results when painting.
- Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) cabinets require adding about $10 to the budget for the drywall joint compound to seal the cabinets and an additional $30 to $60 per gallon for oil-based primer.
Paint Type
Generally, one gallon of paint will cover about 350 square feet. A standard gallon of paint will cost about $15 to $50, while a gallon of paint from a premium brand can cost between $50 to $100. Latex-based paint is relatively affordable, ranging in cost from about $15 to $50 per gallon. Acrylic paint is similarly priced, with a gallon of acrylic paint costing about $15 to $50. Oil-based paint is more expensive than latex-based or acrylic, at about $20 to $80 per gallon.
If you want a glossy finish, you’ll need to spend about $2 extra per gloss level, so paints with a high gloss finish will typically cost more than paints with a matte or eggshell finish.
Kitchen Cabinet Size
Generally, painting a cabinet will cost about $3 to $10 per square foot, or about $30 to $60 per linear foot, including the cost of supplies, materials, and labor.
Some contractors may choose to charge based on the sections of cabinetry. On average, it can cost $100 per door, $25 per drawer, and between $75 to $150 per cabinet, depending on the size, type of paint, and cabinet material.
Kitchen Cabinet Condition
Damaged cabinetry that is cracked, chipped, missing hardware, or has peeling paint will need to be fixed before it can be painted. On average, cabinet repairs will cost about $130 to $470, depending on the extent of the damage.
If the painters need to remove the existing finish, then this can add between $600 to $1,500 to the overall project cost.
Hardware
Depending on the design, new cabinet hardware usually costs less than $100 but could increase to over $1,000 for high-end or antique options, if you choose to replace the hardware.
Why You Should Paint Kitchen Cabinets
A professional paint job can increase the life of the existing cabinets, allowing you to put off a full cabinetry replacement project for several years.
- Less expensive than replacing. Painting the kitchen cabinets is a more affordable solution that can refresh your kitchen more quickly. Replacing kitchen cabinets will update your kitchen, but it can cost about $6,000 to complete.
- Boost home value: Not only will this painting project increase the appeal of the kitchen, but it can also boost the value of the home. Just make sure to hire a professional painter to get the best possible finish if the goal is to increase the home value.
- Easy to customize: With a variety of paint colors and inspirations for different patterns, painting your cabinets is a simple to customize your kitchen to match the rest of your home’s style.
- Not permanent: Paint is not permanent, so it’s a good way to experiment with colors and styles. If you don’t like one color or if your tastes change, it is easy to repaint your cabinets.
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Is painting cabinets cheaper than replacing?
Yes. Painting kitchen cabinets will typically cost about $422 and $1,421, while entirely replacing the kitchen cabinets costs significantly more, with an average cost of about $6,000.
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Is it worth it to have kitchen cabinets professionally painted?
Professionally painted kitchen cabinets can increase the life expectancy of the cabinetry by eight to 10 years, depending on the current condition. With this in mind, it is worth it to have the kitchen cabinets professionally painted.
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Is it worth it to use a paint sprayer for kitchen cabinets?
Yes, it is worth it to use a paint sprayer to paint kitchen cabinets as it is a faster, more efficient way to paint. Using a paint sprayer will also allow for a more even coating of paint and a smoother finish than if you used a roller or brush.
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