Repainting kitchen cabinets typically costs between $150 and $6,500, depending on scope and labor.
As a renovation writer and hands-on homeowner with years of cabinet refinishing projects behind me, I will walk you through how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets, why prices vary so widely, and how to choose the best approach for your budget. This guide combines industry averages, practical cost breakdowns, contractor questions, and real-life lessons to help you make an informed decision and avoid common pitfalls.
Average cost to repaint kitchen cabinets
Repaint jobs range from low-cost DIY refreshes to full professional refins that can rival cabinet replacement prices. When you ask how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets, expect broad ranges:
- DIY small job with paint and supplies: $150 to $600.
- Professional repaint for a small to medium kitchen: $1,200 to $4,000.
- High-end professional finishes or large kitchens with repairs: $4,000 to $8,000+.
Per-door or per-linear-foot pricing is common. Typical per-door rates run $20 to $100 for pros, depending on finish and prep. Per-linear-foot costs often fall between $40 and $150. These figures depend on scope and region.
Major factors that influence how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets
Understanding the variables helps explain price differences.
- Kitchen size and number of cabinet doors and drawers
- More doors mean more labor and materials.
- Cabinet style and condition
- Shaker or flat panels cost less to prep than ornate or beaded styles.
- Prep work required
- Stripping, sanding, and wood repair add time and cost.
- Paint type and finish
- Standard latex vs conversion varnish or spray-applied systems drive cost up.
- Labor method: brush vs spray
- Spraying yields smoother results but requires more equipment and masking.
- Hardware, hinges, and accessories
- Replacing or refinishing hardware adds cost.
- Geographic labor rates
- Urban areas often have higher contractor rates.
- Additional services
- Glazing, distressing, or specialty coatings increase costs.
When estimating how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets, list these factors to get accurate quotes.
DIY versus professional: cost comparison and trade-offs
Choosing DIY or hiring a pro changes cost and results.
- DIY pros and cons
- Pros: Much lower cost. Estimated $150–$600 for supplies. Full control of schedule.
- Cons: Requires skill. Risk of visible brush marks, paint failure, or long time.
- Professional pros and cons
- Pros: Smooth, durable finishes; faster turnaround; warranty options. Typical cost $1,200–$6,500.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost. You must vet contractors.
If you are asking how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets, consider skill level and desired finish. Labor quality often justifies professional pricing for high-traffic kitchens.
Step-by-step cost breakdown for repainting cabinets
Breaking the job into tasks clarifies where money goes.
- Preparation
- Remove doors, label parts, clean, and sand: $100–$600 (DIY or added labor).
- Repairs
- Fill gouges, re-glue joints, and replace damaged parts: $50–$1,000 depending on damage.
- Priming
- Quality primer and application: $50–$400.
- Painting
- Paint costs and application: $100–$2,500. Spray systems cost more.
- Topcoat and sealing
- Clear coats or conversion varnish: $50–$800.
- Hardware and reinstallation
- New knobs/hinges: $5–$100 each. Reinstallation labor: $100–$500.
When estimating how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets, itemize each step to compare quotes and plan your budget.
Paint types, finishes, and their price impact
Paint choice matters for appearance and longevity.
- Standard latex enamel
- Lower cost, decent durability, easier cleanup. Price per gallon $25–$60.
- Acrylic alkyd waterborne paints
- Better durability and leveling; $40–$100 per gallon.
- Oil-based enamels
- Smooth finish but longer dry time and more prep; $30–$80 per gallon.
- Conversion varnish or professional spray systems
- Highest durability and cost. Labor and materials can add hundreds to thousands to the job.
Finish sheen affects price. Semi-gloss and high-gloss hide wear better. When evaluating how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets, include professional-grade products for kitchens.
Timeline: how long it takes to repaint kitchen cabinets
Timeline affects costs, especially when hiring pros.
- DIY timeline
- Small job: 2–4 days. Extensive sanding and multiple coats: up to 1–2 weeks.
- Professional timeline
- Typical full repaint: 3–7 business days for a standard kitchen.
- Factors that lengthen schedule
- Extensive repairs, custom finishes, or slow-drying paints.
Consider time off the kitchen. When estimating how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets, ask contractors about scheduling and any interim disruptions.
How to get accurate quotes and what to ask contractors
Clear questions produce better bids and fewer surprises.
- Ask for line-item estimates: prep, paint, labor, and materials.
- Request references and photos of similar jobs.
- Ask about paint brands, application method, and warranties.
- Confirm whether hardware removal and reinstallation are included.
- Ask about cleanup and disposal of old finishes.
- Get timeline, payment schedule, and written contract.
When requesting bids for how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets, compare at least three detailed quotes and check reviews.
Ways to save money without sacrificing quality
Smart choices can lower cost while preserving results.
- Paint only the doors and drawer fronts, not inside cabinets.
- Reuse or refinish existing hardware rather than replacing.
- Choose a high-quality paint that needs fewer coats.
- Schedule work in off-peak seasons for lower labor rates.
- Consider partial updates: island or perimeter only.
If you want to reduce how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets, prioritize visible surfaces and invest in durable paint.
Personal experience: lessons from repainting cabinets
I repainted my own cabinets twice. The first time I undercut prep and the finish failed within two years. The second time I invested in primer, sprayed the doors, and used a conversion topcoat. The result lasted much longer and looked professional. Key lessons I learned:
- Prep is 60 percent of success. Skipping it costs more later.
- Testing finishes on a hidden panel prevents surprises.
- Label doors and hardware carefully. Reinstallation wastes time if parts are mismatched.
From my projects, I can tell you that how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets is less important than planning for durability and function.
Common mistakes to avoid when repainting cabinets
Avoid these errors that raise total cost or reduce lifespan.
- Skipping proper cleaning and deglossing
- Using thin paint or insufficient primer
- Painting without removing doors and masking the kitchen
- Choosing the wrong finish for high-traffic use
- Hiring the cheapest contractor without checking references
Being aware of these mistakes helps control how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets and ensures lasting results.
When to repaint versus when to replace or reface
Repainting is cost-effective for sound cabinet boxes. Replace or reface when:
- Cabinets are warped, water-damaged, or structurally unsound.
- You want different storage layout or upgraded drawer systems.
- Long-term resale or high-end investment calls for new materials.
If you ask how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets, weigh the repaint cost against replacement and refacing quotes to find the best long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions of how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets
What is the cheapest way to repaint kitchen cabinets?
A basic DIY approach: clean, sand, prime, and brush two coats of enamel paint. Expect to spend $150–$600 for supplies.
How much does a professional charge to paint kitchen cabinets?
Professionals typically charge $1,200–$6,500 depending on kitchen size, prep, and finish quality. High-end jobs can exceed that range.
How long will a repainted finish last?
A well-prepared, professionally finished cabinet can last 8–15 years with normal use. DIY jobs often have shorter lifespans if prep or products are insufficient.
Are spray finishes worth the extra cost?
Yes. Sprayed finishes provide a smoother, more durable surface, but they add labor and equipment costs. Consider spray for visible, high-use kitchens.
Can I repaint cabinets in a weekend?
You can repaint small sets of doors over a weekend, but a full kitchen often takes several days to a week due to drying and reinstallation times.
Conclusion
Repainting cabinets can be an efficient way to refresh your kitchen while spending far less than replacement. By understanding how much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets, breaking down the steps, and comparing DIY versus professional options, you can choose a path that fits your budget and quality expectations. Plan carefully, prioritize prep, and ask detailed questions when getting quotes to ensure value and durability. If this guide helped you, consider requesting local estimates, bookmarking these tips, or leaving a comment about your cabinet project.
