How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets? [2025 Data]

Painting kitchen cabinets is an easy and affordable way to refresh one of the most trafficked rooms in your home. Not only will you spend a fraction of what you would on a total replacement or on cabinet refacing, but it’s one of the fastest cabinet upgrades, making it the least disruptive to your daily life. 

The average cost to paint kitchen cabinets is $4,000, and most homeowners can expect to spend somewhere between $2,500 and $6,500. Prices can fall as low as $1,000 if you have a small kitchen and a simple layout, but they can climb as high as more than $10,000 for an oversized kitchen with a more complex layout with an added kitchen island. Prices can fluctuate based on kitchen size and layout, the number of cabinets you have, the required prep work, cabinet material, and more.

Average Cost to Paint Cabinets

Factors That Affect the Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

The cost of painting kitchen cabinets varies so widely because material costs and labor costs fluctuate based on a few important factors. Be sure to consider all of the following to get the most accurate estimate possible.

Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets by Kitchen Size

Most professionals charge primarily based on the surface area you’re looking to refinish. On average, you can expect to pay between $3 and $10 per square foot, which comes out to between $30 and $70 per linear foot of cabinetry.

For the most accurate pricing, measure how many linear feet of upper and lower cabinets you have in your kitchen. Here’s a general idea of what to expect by kitchen size:

• Small kitchen: A small kitchen typically has around 15 to 20 cabinet doors and drawers.

• Medium kitchen: A medium-sized kitchen generally has 30 to 45 doors and drawers.

• Large kitchen: A large kitchen or a kitchen with an open-concept layout, an island, or a pantry will have 50 or more doors and drawers.

You can use the table below to get an idea of costs:

Kitchen Cabinets Material

Kitchen cabinets can be made from three primary materials, and the material you’re working with will affect the cost to paint them. For the most part, the cost differences come down to the prep work that’s necessary before painting begins, as the paint itself costs the same regardless of the material, and the application process is similar.

• Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and laminate cabinets are the cheapest to paint simply because you can’t really prep the surface. Sanding and smoothing would destroy these materials and leave you with an uneven surface, so painting is only possible if there’s no damage to the cabinets. No prep work means a faster and more affordable paint job.

• Wood veneer may require some light sanding to remove surface scratches, so painting it can be a bit more expensive than with laminate or MDF. 

• Solid wood cabinets can be sanded extensively to remove deeper scratches and even dents. Again, the actual paint application is similar, but with a higher chance of prep work being necessary, solid wood cabinets could be the most expensive to paint.

Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets by Paint Type

The type of paint you choose for your kitchen cabinets can also have an effect on your project’s total cost. For kitchen cabinets, it’s best to choose a high-quality paint that’s suitable for high-touch surfaces, won’t stain easily from spills, and can stand up well to water and steam from cooking. Paint prices vary based on the type of paint you choose, so keep your budget in mind when deciding.

• Latex paint: Latex paint costs $12 to $25 per gallon, on average, making it the most affordable option. It produces the fewest volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it the safest paint type, although it’s not as durable as the other options and will require more frequent touch-ups.

• Acrylic paint: This type of paint is a durable, water-based option that is resistant to chipping and peeling. It provides a good balance between the durability of oil-based paints and the lower VOCs of latex paints. It's often easier to clean than latex and can be a good choice for high-touch surfaces. Acrylic paint costs between $15 and $25 per gallon.

• Alkyd paint: Alkyd paint is water-based, like latex paint, but it also contains alkyds, which are the resins that give oil-based paint its durability. It provides a good balance between cost, longevity, durability, and VOC production and safety. Alkyd paint costs between $20 and $55 per gallon.

• Oil-based paint: Oil-based paint is the most expensive, totaling between $20 and $65 per gallon, but it’s also the most durable and resistant to wear. It’s the least likely to stain and remains the easiest to clean. However, it produces the highest concentration of VOCs, and it will show imperfections more readily, so more prep work is often necessary, and it’s harder to DIY.

Average Labor Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Labor will make up the majority of your total, as the paint itself is relatively affordable, but the process of sanding, prepping, and painting your cabinets is very time-consuming. On average, around 85% of your total will go toward labor, which means the labor alone will cost between $2,125 and $5,525. Most painters will charge by the hour, with typical rates ranging from $20 to $50 per hour.

Labor includes removing doors and hardware, repairing any damages, sanding the surfaces, and applying primer, paint, and finishes. The labor cost to paint cabinets will also include reinstalling doors and hardware. Anything that makes this process take longer will drive labor costs to a higher price. That can include significant damage to the cabinets, complex kitchen layouts, or decorative door panels that are more challenging to paint.

Additional Cost Considerations

There are some other minor cost considerations you should make to ensure you get an accurate estimate for your particular project.

• Stripping old paint/stain: If you have solid wood cabinets that are already painted or stained, you’ll need to have your professional strip or sand down your existing cabinets to expose the bare wood for refinishing.

• Cabinet repairs: You’ll want to fix scratches, dents, and other surface imperfections before painting your cabinets for the best results possible. This process alone could add between $150 and $500 to your total. Keep in mind that this is typically only necessary for solid wood cabinets.

• New hardware installation: Replacing the hinges, handles, and pulls on your cabinets can further improve the appearance of your kitchen. This upgrade can add $100 to $1,000 or more to your total. High-end drawer rails, soft-close door hinges, and luxury materials like brass will push costs much higher.

• Add-on services: Some homeowners couple cabinet painting with related upgrades, like installing under-cabinet lighting and adding cabinet organizers for improved utility.

• Cabinet color: Paint prices don’t vary based on paint color, but the number of coats you need can. For example, the cost to paint kitchen cabinets white will usually be higher than darker colors because you’ll need additional coats of paint or primer to hide wood grain, knots, and other imperfections.

• Paint method: The method your professional uses to paint your cabinets can influence the price, too. Using a paint sprayer means a longer prep time but an easier application, so the cost to spray paint kitchen cabinets is often lower than the cost to paint with a brush. Brush painting can provide a more rustic and traditional appearance, though.

• Finish option: The finish you choose impacts the price. A matte finish is the most affordable and hides imperfections well, while a high-gloss finish is more expensive and shows imperfections easily. Most homeowners opt for a satin or eggshell finish, which are in the middle. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Painting kitchen cabinets yourself will save you a significant amount of money, as you’ll just need materials, which account for around 15% of your total, or an average of $400. You’ll need one to two gallons of paint to cover cabinets in an average kitchen, plus other supplies, like paint trays, rollers, brushes, painter’s tape, and drop cloths.

While the cost to paint cabinets professionally is always going to be higher, the process is very time-consuming and labor-intensive. You’ll likely spend hours removing doors and hardware, taping off your cabinets, sanding the surfaces, and applying paint. As such, it’s usually worth it to hire a pro, especially since an expert is less likely to make mistakes that leave you with visible imperfections. A pro can also help choose a paint and finish that will stand up well to heat, water, humidity, and constant touch.

Painting vs. Alternatives

Painting your cabinets is a popular choice for homeowners looking for a cost-effective way to update their kitchen. However, it is not the only option.

Cabinet Painting vs. Refacing

Painting cabinets is usually more affordable than cabinet refacing, as painting costs an average of $4,000, and refacing costs $8,250 for a similarly sized kitchen. Refacing involves keeping the existing cabinet boxes but replacing the doors and drawer fronts with new ones. Painting only changes the color and finish of your existing cabinets. Both options require your cabinets to be in relatively good condition with few surface imperfections.

Cabinet Painting vs. Replacement

Replacing your kitchen cabinets is the most expensive way to refresh your space, as cabinet replacement costs an average of $8,000, while painting costs $4,000.

Despite being more expensive, cabinet replacement is a better option if your cabinets have severe surface damage or structural damage, especially if they’re laminate or MDF cabinets that have sustained water damage. Replacement is also a better option if you’re looking to change the layout of your kitchen, as painting only updates the appearance.

Ways to Save Money

Painting cabinets is one of the most affordable ways to update the look of your kitchen, but the service can still get expensive. There are some things you can do to help keep your costs down.

• Do your own prep work: You can save on labor costs by handling the preparation yourself. This includes removing hardware, cleaning the cabinets, and sanding the surfaces before the professional painter arrives.

• Get multiple quotes: Contact at least three different contractors for quotes to compare estimates. This helps you find a competitive price and ensures you are working with a reputable professional. 

• Choose a less expensive paint: The type of paint you choose can affect the total cost, so consider a more affordable option, like latex paint with a matte finish, to keep costs down. Just keep in mind that the more affordable paint options don’t last as long and may come with higher long-term costs, and matte and satin finishes are harder to clean and more likely to stain.

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