How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in 2025?
Painting kitchen cabinets costs an average of $935
You can expect to spend between $425 and $1,460 to paint your kitchen cabinets, with an average cost of $935.
Factors like labor rates, type of paint, kitchen size, and cabinet condition affect the total cost.
Hiring a painting professional ensures quality results and can save you time and money.
Regularly painting your cabinets can extend their lifespan and boost your home's value.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
You can expect to pay an average of $935 to paint your kitchen cabinets, with most homeowners spending between $425 and $1,460. Several factors influence the overall cost, including labor rates, the type of paint you choose, the size of your kitchen, and the condition of your cabinets.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting Cost Factors
Several factors influence the cost to paint your kitchen cabinets. Labor is the largest expense, but the type of paint you choose and the condition of your cabinets also play significant roles. If your cabinets need stripping, repairs, or extra coats of paint, you can expect the costs to increase.
Type of Paint
A gallon of paint costs between $20 and $50 for standard brands or $50 to $100 for designer options, covering about 350 square feet. Different types of paint have varying costs:
| Paint Type | Average Cost Range per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Latex-based | $20–$50 |
| Acrylic | $20–$50 |
| Oil-based | $20–$80 |
Higher gloss levels cost more, so choosing a high-gloss finish will increase your expenses. Since contractors often get paint at discounted rates, it's a good idea to consult your painting pro before purchasing paint yourself.
Area
Painting your cabinets costs between $3 and $10 per square foot or $30 to $60 per linear foot, including supplies, materials, and labor. Knowing this can help you estimate your project's cost based on your kitchen's size.
Condition
If your cabinets are already painted, you'll need to remove the old finish first. Damage like peeling paint, cracked wood, or broken laminate and hardware will add to your costs. Remember, if you have damaged laminate cabinets, you'll need to repair or replace them before painting since paint won't stick properly to damaged surfaces.
Depending on the condition of your cabinets, you may have to pay $140 to $500 for cabinet repairs
Labor
Professional labor accounts for 85% of the cost to hire a painter. Most pros charge between $20 and $50 per hour, plus the cost of materials and supplies. Some contractors may charge based on the square footage or by the number of doors, drawers, and cabinets you have.
Method
Whether you choose to spray paint or use a brush and roller, painting your kitchen cabinets costs an average of $425 to $1,460. Spraying uses more paint but provides a smoother finish, while brushing and rolling may save paint but can leave brush marks.
Color
To cover your kitchen cabinets with two coats of paint, you'll need about two gallons of paint. If you're choosing multiple colors, you'll need more paint—even if you don't use the entire gallon of each color.
Painting vs. Refacing
Painting your cabinets is one of the most affordable ways to give your kitchen a fresh look. However, if your cabinets are outdated or damaged, you might consider refacing them, which involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts and costs between $4,300 and $10,000. While refacing is more expensive than painting, it can completely transform your kitchen's appearance.
Cost by Kitchen Size
Paint your kitchen cabinets for an average of $935, with an average range between $425 and $1,460. For example, painting cabinets in a standard 10x10-foot (approximately 100 sq. ft.) kitchen costs an average range of $300 to $1,000.
Painting your cabinets costs between $3 and $10 per square foot or $30 to $60 per linear foot, including supplies, materials, and labor. Knowing this can help you estimate your project's cost based on your kitchen's size.
| Kitchen Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 60 | $180–$600 |
| 80 | $240–$800 |
| 100 | $300–$1,000 |
| 150 | $450–$1,500 |
| 200 | $600–$2,000 |
| 400 | $1,200–$4,000 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Painter
Painting your kitchen cabinets might seem like a straightforward DIY project, but achieving a flawless finish without visible brush strokes can be challenging. Different materials require specific types of paint and methods. You may also need to make repairs, and things can get complicated when you start removing doors and stripping old paint.
It's wise to hire a pro to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure a professional result. A local interior painting pro charges around $900 for an average 150-square-foot kitchen. If you opt for the DIY route, you can expect to spend between $200 and $600 on supplies like paint, brushes, rollers, and drop cloths. Hiring a professional painter can save you time and ensure your cabinets look their best.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll need about two gallons of paint to fully cover your kitchen cabinets with two coats. Since each gallon covers around 350 square feet, it's a good idea to measure your cabinets or use a paint calculator to determine exactly how much you'll need. Starting with one or two coats of primer and then applying two to three layers of paint will give you a flawless, durable finish. Using high-quality paint can reduce the number of coats needed and provide a long-lasting finish.
The best type of paint for your kitchen cabinets is latex paint because it applies evenly and creates a durable finish. If you're painting wood surfaces and need extra adhesion, acrylic paint is a great alternative. We don't recommend oil-based paint for residential use due to its VOC emissions. For finishes, go with eggshell, semi-gloss, gloss, or satin, as matte finishes aren't as durable or as easy to clean.
The best method for painting kitchen cabinets is spray painting because it gives you a smooth, even finish without brush strokes. While brushes and rollers can work, they often leave marks and require more effort. If you're aiming for a professional look, spray painting is your best bet to enhance the beauty and durability of your cabinets.
Get our Angi-powered app
