One of the most important decisions you will make when renovating your kitchen is determining the cost of painting the kitchen cabinets. Painted cabinets transform the look of your entire kitchen, giving it a fresh, updated, and modern look without spending a huge fortune on a full renovation.
The cost of painting your kitchen cabinets may depend on these factors such as the number of cabinets, kitchen size, the quality of materials and paint, and whether you will be doing the paint job yourself or hiring a professional.
Professionally painting kitchen cabinets can cost between $3 – $10 per square foot (average of $30 to $60 per linear foot). It’s worth noting that smaller kitchens tend to have a higher cost (per square foot) compared to larger kitchens. This is because painters typically offer discounts for larger jobs. As a result, smaller kitchens rarely benefit from any volume discount, and their total cost is lower.
DIY Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
It can be cost-effective if you choose to DIY paint your kitchen cabinets. However, it does require some basic tools, and labor costs you time and effort. You must purchase paint, primer, sandpaper, brushes, and other painting supplies.
The total cost of DIY painting can vary depending on the quality of paint and supplies you select. Generally, you can expect to spend from $200 to $600 on materials for a standard-sized kitchen. However, the cost can quickly increase if you require additional painting tools, paint sprayers, and sanding equipment.
Professional Painting Cost of Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Opt for a professional painter or kitchen cabinet painting services. The price tag for a painting contractor will be higher. However, it is no surprise that professionals will provide a much higher quality of work and often provide warranties and guarantees.
HomeAdvisor says the average cost for professional kitchen cabinet painting ranges from $1,200 to $7,000, with an average cost of $3,000. This price includes all cabinet painting costs, materials, supplies, labor costs, and any special techniques or finishes.
Professional cabinet painters who will use high-quality paint and brushes to achieve a flawless, long-lasting finish. They will also prepare your cabinets by cleaning, sanding, and priming them to ensure the paint adheres correctly and lasts for years. The painting job will typically take one to two weeks from start to finish.
Additional Cost Factors
One must consider other factors when calculating the total cost of spray painting your kitchen cabinets.
Size of the Kitchen
The size of the cabinet boxes in your kitchen will significantly impact the cost of painting the cabinets. The larger the kitchen, the more cabinets you will have and the more paint it will require. A smaller kitchen with only a few cabinets may only cost a little (a few hundred dollars) to paint. A large kitchen with 20 or 30 cabinets can cost several thousand dollars.
Quality of the Paint
The quality of the paint you choose can also affect the cost. Using a high-quality paint will be more expensive, but it will last longer, provide better coverage, and give your cabinets a more professional finish. Low-quality paint may be a cheaper option initially. Still, it will peel, chip, and fade quickly, requiring frequent touch-ups and possible repainting sooner than expected.
Type of Finish
The finish you select will also impact the price. High-gloss or satin finishes tend to be more expensive than matte finishes. However, these finishes are more durable and easy to clean than flat or matte finishes.
Preparation Work
Before painting your kitchen cabinets, you will need to prepare them properly. This may only require cleaning and sanding if they are in good condition. However, suppose the cabinets are already painted and show peeling or have water damage. In that case, you’ll need to remove the paint, repair any damage, and prime the cabinets before applying a new coat of paint. The amount of preparation work required will affect the overall cost of the painting job.
Reasons to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets
Painting kitchen cabinets is an affordable and effective way to transform your kitchen’s look or style. Painting your cabinets can make a difference whether you want to have a fresh look to update an outdated kitchen. Here are some reasons why you should consider painting your kitchen cabinets:
Easy and Affordable
Painting kitchen cabinets is a relatively inexpensive way to update your kitchen. Painting your existing cabinets will cost you a fraction of the cost compared to a full kitchen renovation. Plus, it’s a DIY-friendly project you can complete over a weekend with some essential tools and supplies.
Customizable
Painting your kitchen cabinets enables you to customize the look of your kitchen. You can pick any color or finish that suits your style and home décor. Whether you want to go bold with a bright hue or classic with a timeless white, the kitchen cabinet refinishing options are endless.
Increased Home Value
Kitchen cabinets play an impressive role in a home’s overall value. If you plan to sell your home, improving your kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in increasing the value of your home. Plus, potential buyers are often impressed with the updated look of painted cabinets.
Quick and Efficient
Compared to a lengthy and messy kitchen renovation, painting your kitchen cabinets is an efficient and quick way to update your kitchen’s look. You can complete the painting project yourself in a few days with immediate results. Your kitchen will have a fresh new look in no time.
Long-Lasting
Modern paints and finishes are highly durable and long lasting, making painted cabinets a smart investment. Properly maintained painted cabinets can last for years without showing any signs of wear and tear.
How to Save Money When Painting Kitchen Cabinets?
Painting kitchen cabinets is one of the smartest course of action to give your kitchen a fresh and updated look. However, it is not only time-consuming but also costly. The cost of materials, tools, and professional services can add up quickly, making your renovation project more expensive than you originally anticipated. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money when painting your kitchen cabinets. Here are a few tips that can help you cut down on costs and make your kitchen cabinet painting project even more budget-friendly.
Use Repurposed Cabinetry
Using repurposed cabinets instead of purchasing new ones can save you hundreds of dollars. You can find quality kitchen cabinets for your project on online marketplaces such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or even local yard sales. It comes in various colors, sizes, styles, and finishes, allowing you to select one that complements your design preferences.
Perform the Painting Yourself
An easy way to to save money on cabinet painting is to do it yourself. If you have painting experience, you can save hundreds of dollars by avoiding professional service. However, if you have never painted before, it may be wise to work with a local professional or watch some tutorials to get the right technique.
Choose the Right Paint
Choosing the right paint is critical to getting the best value for your money. If you’re on a tight budget, try opting for affordable, high-quality paints such as water-based paints, acrylics, or latex, which are easier and more affordable than oil-based paints. These types of paint are also easier to clean and less toxic, giving you a safer painting experience.
Repurpose Your Tools and Materials
When painting kitchen cabinets, choosing the appropriate tools and materials is essential. However, it is also wise to reuse painting tools and materials you already have to save on costs. For example, use old paint rollers, brushes, sandpaper, or paint cloths instead of buying new ones. You can also reuse leftover paint from previous projects to save on costs.
Be mindful of your Material Choice
The material choice of your cabinet design can also affect the cost. Often, some materials are pricier than others. Choosing materials that are affordable yet durable and high-quality are very important. For example, opt for faux wood finishes instead of real wood to save on costs and achieve a similar aesthetic appeal.
Read: How Much Does it Cost to Paint A Room?
Conclusion
Painting your kitchen cabinets is a low cost and straightforward way to update your kitchen’s appearance. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, the cost of painting your kitchen cabinets will depend on several factors, including the kitchen size, the quality of the paint, the type of cabinet doors and finish, the preparation work required, and whether you choose to go it alone or hire a professional.
Before making any final decisions about painting cabinets yourself, take the time to think over your options and do your research. You may find that DIY painting is the best option for your budget and skill level. However, if you require a high-quality finish that will last for years, hiring professionals and adding value to your home might be wise. Ultimately, by painting your kitchen cabinets, you will create a fresh and stunning kitchen, giving your home a new life.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to paint or replace kitchen cabinets?
Repainting the kitchen will cost as twice as you would to replace the whole kitchen. The paint is extremely durable and will generally have the same longevity as the cabinets used.
Is it cheaper to spray paint kitchen cabinets?
Spray paint for a new kitchen cabinet could save 80% more. The price of kitchen sprays might make you cheaper.
What do professional painters use to paint kitchen cabinets?
Some professional painters use high-quality lacquer, usually for its silky soft appearance, which cabinet makers use. Our opinion is that this is probably the finest paint on cabinets.
Is it worth it to paint kitchen cabinets?
It is much cheaper to paint cabinets than to buy or install refurbished cabinets or to install them yourself. Paint can be a very economical choice for a person. Even in the absence of a more economical decision, painting your cabinets can be a good choice if you have money available elsewhere.