How much does it cost to paint a kitchen?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Painting your kitchen is a terrific home upgrade. However, it can be necessary to keep your home looking its best. Since food preparation is done in the kitchen, kitchens usually need painting more often than other rooms in the home. You may just want to add a fresh coat of paint to change the look of the room, or it might be time to freshen up the paint that has become worn and dingy due to frequent kitchen use. In any case, hire a painter to ensure that you get professional results when you paint your kitchen.

The national average cost to paint a kitchen ranges from $400 to $1,200. Most homeowners spend $800 to paint a 200 sq.ft. kitchen, including labor and materials. At the low end, you can anticipate paying around $350 to paint your entire 120 sq.ft. kitchen with minimal prep work and no fixture removal. At the high end, some homeowners spend as much as $1,500 to paint a 250 sq.ft. kitchen, including removing and painting behind any fixtures.

Cost to Paint a Kitchen

Average Cost to Paint a Kitchen by Size

You will spend $128 to $2,400 to paint the kitchen, or $2 to $6 per sq.ft., based on its size and whether you paint just the walls or the entire room. The average kitchen size is 150 to 200 sq.ft., but some luxury kitchens may be as large as 400 sq.ft. One of the easiest ways to calculate the cost of a kitchen painting project is to give a contractor the size of your kitchen. Based on the room size alone, the business can give you an estimate. Homeowners need to specify if they want the walls only painted or if they would like the entire room painted. For the entire room, you need the contractors to move any fixtures and replace them at the end of the job. A “walls only” job is when the exposed walls are painted, leaving fixtures in their place. The following are standard sizes for a kitchen, and the cost to paint them with labor prices included.

Average Cost to Paint a Kitchen by Layout

The price to paint a kitchen could be affected by the layout of the room, ranging from $200 to $1,800. The layout changes how much wall space needs to be painted and how much access the painter has to reach these areas. Also, extra features in a layout, such as islands and peninsulas, require more labor hours to paint since they need to be protected during the process. Painting a single wall or galley kitchen is much cheaper than painting a full kitchen with an island and/or a peninsula because of the intricacy of the design. The following are popular kitchen layouts and the average cost to paint the entire area without any special features with labor costs included.

Average Cost to Paint a Kitchen by Feature

Along with painting the kitchen walls, you may ask your contractor to paint certain room features. A general painter may not have the experience to paint each feature, so you may need to find another contractor to perform the work. A professional can let you know if it’s recommended to paint the feature and what type of upkeep is required once the work is done. The following are the standard costs with labor included to paint popular kitchen fixtures.

Paint Kitchen Cabinets

The cost to paint kitchen cabinets ranges from $0.50 to $12 per sq.ft. Many people painting their kitchens choose to have their cabinets painted as well. This is a more involved job that includes removing the doors and drawers from the cabinets to paint them and the stiles, then replace them. This takes several days to complete depending on the style of cabinets, the type of paint, and the finish. Acrylic cabinets are not typically recommended for painting since they tend to have warping and markings that can’t be concealed with a paint job. The following are common cabinet materials and the average cost to paint them professionally.

Paint Kitchen Island

The average cost to paint an island is between $3 and $6 per sq.ft. Painting a kitchen island updates one of the central features in the room. To paint the island, the contractor uses a heavy-duty primer and enamel paint. All hardware must be removed first, and the countertops protected with cloth and painter’s tape. Before contractors paint kitchen islands, a deep cleaning of the area is recommended, including applying a degreaser. The island cabinets will be painted, along with the countertop. Typically, they paint the countertop first. That way, any drips or spills onto the cabinets or other surfaces below can be fixed before the new coat of paint is applied. Once the countertop has been painted, then they begin painting the cabinets and/or shelving below, taping off the counter that was just completed to protect it. Cabinet doors and drawers will typically be removed and painted separately and then re-installed on the island once the entire fixture has dried.

Paint Kitchen Backsplash

The cost to paint a backsplash will be in the range of $3 to $13 per sq.ft. Instead of removing an old backsplash, a contractor can paint over the previously installed material. Typically, the backsplash must be in good shape and free of any damage such as warping and holes. Similar to painting a kitchen’s countertops, specialty paint products may be needed. Some types of backsplashes like glass can’t be painted. The following are the average costs with labor that you’ll pay to hire a professional to paint your backsplash.

Paint Countertops

On average, you’ll pay $7 to $15 per sq.ft. to paint your kitchen countertops. Painting your countertops involves a multi-step process where the contractor primes the surface and uses specialized painting products on the countertops. Enamel, oil stains, and spray paints are a few examples of products used to change the look of kitchen countertops. Keep in mind that not all countertop materials should be painted, such as copper, recycled glass, zinc, and soapstone. The following are the average cost to paint countertops based on material type.

Paint Kitchen Appliances

The average cost to paint kitchen appliances is $50 to $450. Painting your appliance can be a cost-effective way to change the look of your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and more. Specialized paint is normally required for the job, with most contractors using an epoxy paint on appliances. The paint can either be brushed or sprayed on, depending on contractor preference. Heat-resistant paint products are required for appliances such as ovens and stoves. The following are the average prices to paint each appliance with labor costs included.

Paint Kitchen Faucet

With labor, painting a kitchen faucet costs around $75 to $125. Kitchen faucets and other types of chrome fixtures can be painted in the kitchen with the help of a professional. The faucet will need to be thoroughly cleaned and then sanded down in preparation for paint. Once sanded, any imperfections can be filled with metallic caulk. A rust-resistant primer is then applied to the faucet. After it has dried, an acrylic or latex metallic paint can be used on the faucet.

Paint Kitchen Sink

The cost of kitchen sink painting falls into the range of $225 to $500. Instead of replacing a kitchen sink, a homeowner can update the look by painting the fixture. A metallic paint is typically needed for most materials, along with a rust-resistant primer. Keep in mind that not all kitchen sinks can be painted. A contractor can tell you what types should be replaced instead. For instance, copper sinks are normally not recommended for painting. The following are the costs to paint sinks based on the material of the fixture.

Kitchen Painting Design

You will spend $2 to $40 per sq.ft. on painting based on the design feature. Adding special design features increases the overall project price for painting the kitchen. Most design features are labor-intensive and may be more costly due to specialized materials too. Not all contractors have the skill set to create your preferred design feature. For instance, you would hire a mural artist instead of a general painter to create a wall mural. If you want a unique painting option, a wall mural could be what you need. It brings new life and the perfect vibe to your kitchen when done properly and professionally.

Adding an accent wall creates visual appeal and allows you to use two complementary colors to create a unique look in the space. The same is true with a two-tone wall. Two-tone usually refers to a room with one color on top and another in the lower areas of the wall. A piece of molding or a decorative border connects the colors in the middle of the wall. For those who want a little more depth, stippling and adding textures does wonders for otherwise “simple” designs. The following are the top requested design features and the average cost of each with labor and materials.

Labor Cost to Paint a Kitchen

Nationwide, contractors charge between $25 and $100 per hour for kitchen painting. However, most kitchen painting jobs are priced per job. Professional painters should be hired for kitchen painting projects. The contractor will visit your home to provide an estimate on how much it will cost to prep your kitchen, paint the room, and then clean up the area after the work is done. Most kitchen painting projects take place over four to six days, depending on the size of your kitchen and paint requests. Contractors need to come back for several hours each day to allow each coat of primer and paint to dry before the next application.

Typically, the project begins with removing any unnecessary furniture, items, and fixtures from the room. Once the room has been cleared, the painter tapes off trim, appliances, and other items not being painted. This may involve laying sheeting or tarps on the floor to protect it from the paint. The walls will be prepped, including any repairs and sanding, and then painted. Multiple coats will be applied to get an even finish. Then, the tape is removed, the room is refurnished, and the job is done.

Like any painting project, several factors contribute to the final cost calculation. The first is the size of the space to be painted. The kitchen layout is a factor because that determines how much wall space is open to paint and how many fixtures need to be taped before any work is done. The number of coats required to paint the room impacts the cost. Major color changes cost more than a refresh. The condition of the walls and the amount of prep work needed impacts the cost. Wall cleaning is not unusual before a kitchen painting project. Degreasing agents need to be used to remove all food waste from the walls before the work commences. If the walls require a lot of patching and sanding before painting begins, this raises the project cost.

Kitchen Repaint Cost

Kitchen repainting may be done for style reasons. The homeowner may want a new look in the room. Another reason is wall staining. Certain food splatters can be difficult to get off of the walls. Repainting a kitchen costs an average of $2 to $6 per sq. ft. Most kitchens can be repainted in less than a week.

Kitchens are repainted fairly often compared to other rooms in the home. Kitchens are busy areas of the home with the potential for staining from cooking and food preparation. Repainting involves the application of a new coat of paint over a previous paint job. In comparison, new paint jobs are done on new construction projects or home remodels. Kitchen repaint jobs are usually done every three to five years to protect against moisture issues that could occur in the kitchen.

If the paint in your kitchen looks to be in disrepair, it could be a good time to repaint your kitchen. You may notice water discoloration or bubbles. There may be areas with peeling paint. The paint could have stains or scratches that can’t be removed. Typically, a small area with paint in poor condition can be touched up. However, the entire kitchen should be repainted if multiple areas are showing markings.

Kitchen Paint Cost by Type of Primer

After sanding the kitchen and filling any holes with caulk, a contractor will apply a coat of primer. A primer acts as a barrier against moisture and prepares the walls to accept paint. Oil-based primers are often used for the kitchen walls. They protect against moisture and stains. Water-based primers are offered with stain-blocking properties and may be odor resistant. Water-based primers are frequently paired with a water-based paint and vice versa. Shellac primers are usually not a wall option but will be considered for the cabinetry in the kitchen. Shellac primers are considered too expensive for use on walls and are intended for application on accent pieces.

Kitchen Paint Cost by Type of Paint

You will spend $15 to $60 per gallon on paint based on its type. Oil-based or water-based paints are both viable options for use in your kitchen. Keep in mind that a water-based paint is also known as latex paint. There are plenty of color and finish options for latex or water-based paint. Since kitchens are usually humid due to cooking, a moisture-resistant paint is ideal for the walls. Water-based paints are low-odor and considered more environmentally friendly than oil types. However, oil-based paints are durable and usually more resistant to moisture damage. Ask your contractor about color options available in water-based and oil-based paints to help finalize your decision. The following are the average cost per gallon for each type.

Kitchen Paint Price by Type of Finish

You will spend $10 to $80 per gallon on kitchen paint based, depending on the type of finish. Flat and eggshell paints do not have a lot of sheen, but they are hard to clean. Kitchens are high-traffic areas, with certain finishes working best for the room. Notably, since the kitchen is the hub of the household, you don’t want to choose a paint finish that is jarring in appearance or difficult to clean. In most cases, the more matte the finish is for the paint, the more challenging it will be to scrub clean. Many people use semi-gloss or high-gloss paint in bathrooms and kitchens for easy cleaning and less dirt build up over time. The following are potential paint finishes for the kitchen and the average cost per gallon for each.

Kitchen Paint Cost by Brand

Buying kitchen paint by the brand costs $20 to $70 per gallon. When you shop for kitchen paint, you will not necessarily look for brands that sell “kitchen paint.” Instead, you will choose a finish that works best for kitchen walls. The paint is likely to be moisture-resistant and either a satin or semi-gloss. Some companies include extra additives for kitchen paint jobs like low-odor formulations. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams offer premium lines of paint designed for kitchen and high-traffic areas, while brands like Glidden and Behr may have more affordable latex paint options. The following are the average cost per gallon for brand-name kitchen paints.

Add-Ons to Your Kitchen Painting Project

Throughout your kitchen painting project, add-ons are bound to come up. For instance, if you’re updating an older kitchen, you may ask your contractor to perform services such as popcorn ceiling removal and wallpaper removal. Any upgrade to your kitchen painting project adds value to your home. Updated kitchens promise a solid return on investment. The following are the costs your contractor will likely charge as part of your painting estimate.

What Color Should You Paint Your Kitchen?

Choosing kitchen colors is a different process from any other room in the home. Some homeowners prefer brightly colored kitchens but follow a neutral color scheme for the rest of the house. Kitchen colors may start as neutral, including whites, creams, and grays, with a few bold accents around the trim pieces or backsplash.

One way to choose the color for your kitchen is to consider how much light you get in the room. In a dimly lit kitchen, steer clear of dark shades such as forest green or deep reds. Instead, go for lighter tones such as bright whites and yellows. If you have a bright kitchen, a dark shade such as black, red, or green can be seen as stylish and bold.

The size and layout of the kitchen factor into the color you paint your kitchen. Use light colors such as pastels, grays, and whites in small kitchens like a galley. The light color makes a room seem larger. Dark colors, such as blacks, dark browns, and hunter greens, create a cozy look in bigger kitchens like horseshoe types.

Contrast your paint with your cabinets and countertops. If you have dark cabinets and counters, create a contrast with a light wall color. For light cabinets and countertops, use bold colors to make a statement.

Preparing Kitchen for Painting

Kitchens often require a slightly higher degree of prep work than some other rooms. This is partly due to the use of the space and the number of things in it. To start, any appliances, such as refrigerators, not built into the cabinetry should be moved either out of the room or toward the center to allow for easier access. Any light fixtures or wall outlets may be removed before painting. They are removed to avoid getting paint splatters on them during the application process.

Rolling carts and moveable islands or shelves should be relocated for the duration. Any hardware may need to be removed from cabinets during the painting process.

The walls often require cleaning, particularly if there is a lot of smoke or grease buildup. Any holes will need to be patched and sanded down, and window sills, baseboards, ceilings, and cabinets will need to be taped off.

How to Measure a Kitchen for Painting?

Kitchens are slightly unique when it comes to determining the amount of surface area to be painted. Each wall needs to be measured at its length and width to determine its total square footage. For example, a wall 8’ high and 13’ wide will be approximately 104 sq.ft., but any windows, doors, cabinets, or appliances need to be subtracted from this total. While you can get rough measurements yourself, your painter will measure the space before giving you a final quote based on the particulars of your kitchen. The contractor uses the measurements as a rough estimate and usually buys a bit of a surplus. The homeowner can save the extra paint for touch-ups.

A single gallon of paint covers approximately 400 sq.ft. of wall space. Most kitchens can be painted with two coats using a single gallon of paint. However, larger kitchens may require an extra quart or gallon to cover all areas needing paint.

Kitchen Paint vs Regular Paint

No single paint is known as “kitchen paint,” but many paints are suitable for specific parts of your kitchen. While most homeowners hire contractors to paint their walls, it is possible for a professional to paint your cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring. For each of these areas, the professional will purchase paint made for that specific purpose. This ensures proper adherence and that the paint will hold up on that area. For kitchen walls, wall paint that you use in the rest of the home is perfectly suitable.

Kitchen paint has moisture resistance and stain resistance since appliances are used in the room. Compared to regular paint, kitchen paint has additives with an extra resin to stop water from penetrating the paint and causing warping and cracks in the walls.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Kitchen Refinishing

A kitchen refinishing job costs from $11,000 to $42,000. Kitchen refinishing means making minor or major cosmetic changes to the room. Kitchen refinishing could involve updating the cabinets, adding a new countertop, and putting in new flooring. A major refinishing job can even feature a new layout for the room with design options such as new cabinetry or islands. As a finishing touch after the kitchen remodel, the room will be painted to your specifications.

Mold Remediation

Mold remediation may be considered if you have a mold problem in the kitchen. Since a kitchen has plumbing fixtures, the potential for mold growth exists, especially around appliances. A professional should remedy any mold before any painting is done since some types pose a health risk to family members. Mold remediation costs in the range of $1,500 to $3,500.

Lead Paint Removal

Lead paint removal costs $8,000 to $15,000 if needed in the kitchen before any painting. Lead paint was banned in the 1970s, so newer varieties will not pose a health risk. However, if you have an older home with lead paint, you’ll need a professional to come in and safely remove it before repainting.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Quotes. When hiring a painter, ask to see pictures of finished jobs, references, and insurance information. Be sure to compare quotes from at least three painters to find the best fit.
• DIY preparation. Some of the prep work can be done ahead of time by the homeowner to keep costs down. For example, moving items, cleaning the walls, and patching small holes can all be done ahead of time, so the painter only needs to tape.
• Paint quality. The quality of the paint you choose impacts the project. Look for durable, low-VOC paint that is made for high-traffic areas. This will be easier to clean and less likely to chip over time.
• Finish options. If desired, you can add texture to the paint to give dimension and character to the walls. This can be done by thickening or thinning the paint and using various tools to create a faux finish.
• Cleaning options. Maintain your new paint job by wiping off splatters and smudges as soon as they are noticed. Use a PH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth to help remove stains without harming the finish.
• Home value. Updating the kitchen can be a cost-effective way to prepare a home for sale. Most sellers choose neutral colors to keep the home value high and attract potential buyers.
• DIY. Some homeowners attempt to paint their kitchen, but the job may not look professional. They may get paint on expensive cabinetry, countertops, and appliances.
• Permits. Basic paint jobs won’t require a permit unless the work involves demolition within the room.
• Repairs. Small repairs are anticipated as part of a kitchen paint job. Small cracks and holes need to be caulked before painting.