In this guide

Average Cost to Paint a Kitchen by Size

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. The following are standard sizes for a kitchen, and the cost to paint them with labor prices included.

Cost to Paint a Kitchen per Square Foot

On average, a kitchen will be sized between 70 sq.ft. and 220 sq.ft. Square footage is calculated by multiplying the length and width of the room. The cost to paint kitchen walls will be less than the overall price to paint the entire kitchen. A complete kitchen painting includes removing the fixtures and painting behind these pieces. The contractor factors in the price to reinstall fixtures. The following are prices you’re likely to receive from a contractor based on the total square footage of your kitchen.

Average Cost to Paint a Kitchen by Layout

The price to paint a kitchen could be affected by the layout of the room. 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 ¹ and peninsulas, require more labor hours to paint since they need to be protected during the process. The following are popular kitchen layouts and the average cost to paint the entire area without any special features with labor costs included.

One Wall Kitchen

One wall kitchens cost an average of $230 to $350 to paint. One wall kitchens are considered a minimalist design option. All kitchen appliances, countertops, and cabinets are placed against one wall of the room. The other three walls are open and typically face other living areas. One wall kitchens are popular in condos and apartments. One wall kitchens are usually small and may only require 70 sq.ft. to be painted. With the rest of the wall space possibly leading into other living areas, you may want to color match those rooms.

Galley

Contractors charge from $250 to $450 to paint a galley kitchen. Galley kitchens are compact but very functional rooms that have long, narrow designs. Galley kitchens usually measure between 80 and 120 sq.ft. There will be a central walkway with appliances, counters, and cabinets either on one wall or both kitchen walls. Galley kitchens are usually inexpensive to paint because of the limited amount of open wall space. However, accessing certain areas to be painted can be a challenge due to the room layout.

L-Shaped Kitchen

To paint an L-shaped kitchen, you’ll pay $300 to $1,000. To be considered an L-shaped kitchen, two rows of adjacent cabinets must form the letter shape inside the kitchen. The L-shaped kitchen has an option to include an island, but many have open space to give the area a roomier look. An L-shaped kitchen will be a minimum of 100 sq.ft. but can be much larger, even as open as 200 sq.ft. An L-shaped kitchen has a lot of cabinet space, which can be challenging for a contractor to work around.

Island

Kitchens with an island feature normally cost $375 to $1,000 to paint. Kitchens with an island are one of the most popular design layouts. Since you need proper clearance around an island, you’ll normally see this layout in a minimum kitchen size of 125 sq.ft. For kitchens measuring over 200 sq.ft., you may even have more than one island. A kitchen with an island provides more counter space but will provide another obstacle that a contractor needs to work around when painting.

Peninsula

Homeowners will pay a professional $500 to $1,200 to paint a peninsula ² kitchen. Peninsula kitchens usually are sized between 150 and 220 sq.ft. and can be designed with the main layout in an L-shape or U-shape. A peninsula kitchen has only lower cabinets without an upper set, making it easier for contractors to paint since there’s more open wall space. The homeowner may choose to paint the dining room at the same time since peninsula layouts are normally seen in combination room types.

U-Shaped Kitchen

The cost to paint a U-shaped kitchen is between $525 and $1,200. Another name for a U-shaped kitchen is a horseshoe kitchen. These spaces have the distinct feature of three adjacent rows of cabinets. The runs of cabinets may include uppers and lowers or lowers only. A U-shaped kitchen requires a lot of space, with most of these rooms measuring between 175 and 220 sq.ft. and above. The size and number of cabinets for a U-shaped kitchen make this one of the more expensive paint jobs.

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.

Cost to 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.

Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

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 and costs from $3 to $12 per sq.ft., 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 cost to paint kitchen cupboards depends on the material used. The following are common cabinet materials and the average cost to paint them professionally.

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.

Cost to 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 ³ 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 Paint Cost by Type of Paint

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. 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.

Water-Based Kitchen Paint

The average cost per gallon of water-based or latex paint for the kitchen is $15 to $50. For a latex paint, the water is used as a carrier agent, and a pigment is added to the mixture to create the desired color. Latex paint colors are usually less expensive and more readily available than oil-based options. However, water-based paints are less durable for areas with high exposure to moisture due to appliances like the kitchen.

Oil-Based Kitchen Paint

Oil-based paint costs an average of $20 to $60 per gallon to use for your kitchen painting project. Oil-based paints are crafted from thinner, resin, and pigment. Within the blend, the resin hardens after application and allows the paint to last longer than most latex types. Oil-based paints are very durable, especially against rust and moisture issues. One drawback of oil paints is that they are more challenging to clean than water-based varieties. Keep in mind there are fewer oil-based paint colors to choose from compared to latex brands.

Kitchen Paint Price by Type of Finish

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. The following are potential paint finishes for the kitchen and the average cost per gallon for each.

Flat Paint in Kitchen

A gallon of flat kitchen paint costs from $10 to $70. However, flat paint isn’t the ideal choice for kitchen projects. Flat paint provides a matte look, making it very hard to wipe clean. Many flat paints are not meant to be washed at all and are more often recommended for low-traffic areas of the home, such as hallways and bedrooms. Flat paint provides minimal protection against moisture damage.

Eggshell Paint for Kitchen

Eggshell paint costs the homeowner from $11 to $60 per gallon. Eggshell paint has a slight sheen that can be seen after wall application. Similar to flat paints, the finish has minimal moisture resistance. However, eggshell paints can be cleaned easier than flat types. Eggshell paints may be used in kitchen areas that are away from the stove. You should avoid the stove and range areas since the paint is difficult to touch up and may not conceal any stains from cooking.

Satin Paint for Kitchen

A gallon of satin kitchen paint costs around $12 to $60. Satin kitchen paint falls between a semi-gloss and an eggshell. The paint has some gloss to it, which means it has some effectiveness against stains and moisture damage. Satin paint is popular for kitchens because it offers an understated appearance without the high shine of other paint types. Satin paints can be used in all areas of the kitchen, including around appliances.

Semi-Gloss Paint for Kitchen

The average price for a gallon of semi-gloss kitchen paint is $12 to $70. Semi-gloss and satin finish paints are the most popular choices for kitchens. The semi-gloss has more shine than the satin, meaning it may be a better choice for accent areas and trim pieces in the kitchen. Semi-gloss paint finishes are easy to clean and have resistance to mildew and stains. Another advantage of semi-gloss paint is that it brightens up a kitchen because it reflects light well.

High-Gloss Kitchen Paint

High-gloss paint costs $17 to $80 per gallon for kitchen projects. High-gloss paints are very durable with moisture repellent properties, but the look is very jarring. When used on the walls, the sheen is distracting and highlights any imperfections. If you use high-gloss paint, it is best for trim pieces and cabinets. Some homeowners choose a high-gloss for dimly lit kitchens to brighten the room.

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 Paint Brand

When you shop for kitchen paint, you won’t necessarily look for brands that sell “kitchen paint.” Instead, you’ll 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. The following are the average cost per gallon for brand-name kitchen paints.

Glidden Kitchen Paint

Contractors pay between $20 and $25 for a gallon of Premium Glidden kitchen paint. Kitchen paint options are chosen either from their Premium or HydroResist product lines. These paints are latex formulations with plenty of color choices. They come in semi-gloss finishes for easy cleaning and solid moisture protection. Glidden offers a limited lifetime warranty on their paint products if any manufacturer defects are found.

Behr Kitchen Paint

Behr’s paint for kitchen projects costs $25 to $40 per gallon. Behr offers a line of paints and primers that are specially formulated for both the kitchen and bathroom. These products are both moisture-blocking and stain-resistant. Currently, only a latex type of Behr kitchen paint is available for retail. Behr has a limited lifetime warranty on their paint products against manufacturer defects.

Valspar Kitchen Paint

The moisture-resistant and low-odor kitchen paints from Valspar cost $30 to $35 per gallon. Through Valspar’s Ultra line, you can find a range of bathroom and kitchen paints. The product is both a paint and primer in a single formulation with a low odor blend. Also, it is resistant to mildew and made from acrylic latex. Like most paint manufacturers, you are covered for the lifetime of the paint under a limited warranty from Valspar.

Sherwin Williams Kitchen Paint

A gallon of paint from Sherwin Williams costs between $40 and $50 for use in the kitchen. Sherwin Williams has Ovation and Infinity lines of products that are popular for kitchen painting projects. The oil-based formulations are recommended since they offer a high level of durability. Semi-gloss finishes are offered for both types. Oil paints from Sherwin Williams are protected through a limited lifetime warranty on manufacturer defects.

Benjamin Moore Kitchen Paint

A gallon of kitchen paint from Benjamin Moore costs from $60 to $70. The Aura line is what most contractors use when selecting bathroom and kitchen paint from Benjamin Moore. With a Color Lock feature, the pigment promises to go onto walls brighter and last longer. Semi-gloss and satin are popular options for this line. A highlight of the paint is that it combines both a primer and paint in a single step. The formulation is also low odor. A lifetime warranty is offered on paint products in the case of manufacturer defects.

Labor Cost to Paint a Kitchen

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. Painting a kitchen isn’t a single-day project. 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.

Nationwide, contractors charge between $25 and $100 per hour for kitchen painting. However, most kitchen painting jobs are priced per job. You can expect estimates to range between $2 to $6 per sq.ft. to paint a kitchen.

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 Painting Design

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 skillset to create your preferred design feature. For instance, you would hire a mural artist instead of a general painter to create a wall mural. The following are the top requested design features and the average cost of each with labor and materials.

Kitchen Accent Walls

An accent wall is a potential type of design you can choose when painting your kitchen. This wall costs from $2 to $6 per sq.ft. Kitchen accent colors are meant to pop and are chosen against a neutral color palette. A blue or red accent wall is not unusual set against a gray or cream color scheme. A wood accent wall in the kitchen area could be highlighted by a painter. Accent walls are centered around important areas like the kitchen table.

Two-Tone Kitchen Walls

To have two-tone kitchen walls, you’ll pay between $2.50 and $4 per sq.ft. Two-tone paint jobs create contrast by pairing two different colors in a single space. In the majority of cases, the two-tone look is established with the use of wainscoting or trim pieces. The contrast can be highlighted by painting the trim pieces white and then choosing two colors that complement each other, such as gray and blue or cream and brown.

Texture Paint for Kitchen

Textured paint jobs for the kitchen cost between $4 and $7 per sq.ft. Painters use several techniques to give the wall a textured look. Popcorn texture, sand texture, and knockdown texture are a few ways that a painter creates both subtle and dramatic looks for the kitchen. Textured paint materials aren’t expensive, but the job can be labor-intensive.

Stippling

Stippling for a kitchen costs an average of $4.50 to $6 per sq.ft. Stippling is a painting technique that creates small dots or specks over the surface of the wall when finished. It can be very time-consuming and is done after the walls have been given a base coat. Paint can be applied as thin or thick as you prefer for your kitchen project with a glazed finish as the final result. Two colors are chosen for stippling, with both the base and glaze complementing each other.

Kitchen Wall Mural

Wall murals cost $1,000 to $4,000 or $10 to $40 per sq.ft. since they are highly customized to the client’s needs. Wall murals are designed to make a statement. They may represent something meaningful to you or your family members. Kitchen wall murals aren’t as popular as other types but could be an option for a foodie or someone with a career in the restaurant business.

Cost Factors

Like any painting project, several different contributing factors go into the final cost calculation. The first is the size of the space to be painted. Some kitchens have more wall space than others, even in the same amount of square footage because windows, cabinets, and appliances vary in size and placement. 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. For example, a bold red wall requires one coat of dark gray primer, followed by two to three coats of paint. Painting this wall costs more than a single coat of cream paint on a wall already painted the same or a similar color. 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 isn’t 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 can begin, this raises the project cost. Likewise, the more moldings and cabinets that need to be taped off, the higher the total cost will likely be.

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, 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 square feet, 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.

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.

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 Cost

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.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Islands: A kitchen counter that is not attached to walls or other surfaces, and that can be accessed from all sides

² Peninsula: A metaphorical term for an extended kitchen counter space connected to the wall on only one side

³ Primer: Preparatory coat applied to materials (drywall, wood, metal, etc.) before painting to ensure paint adhesion, extend paint durability, and help seal and protect the surface to be painted