Kitchen Cabinet Painting Cost: Pricing Breakdown and Guide
Bob Vila puts the typical installed cost of kitchen cabinet painting at $422 to $1,415, with a national average of $895. Fixr and Forbes Home publish ranges for specific kitchen sizes, and those ranges sit at different levels than Bob Vila’s. Use these figures as a starting point before you call contractors.
Kitchen cabinet painting cost breakdown
Each row lists one published figure, its unit, and the source. Check the unit before comparing rows, since some are per square foot, some per linear foot, and some for the whole job.
| Item | Size or unit | Cost range | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum, large and luxurious kitchen, professional | Installed | Up to $2,500 | Forbes Home |
| Professional job, average-size kitchen | Installed | $2,500 to $6,500 | Fixr |
| Professional job, average 175-square-foot kitchen | Installed | $525 to $1,750 | Forbes Home |
| Painting, kitchen area (ballpark) | Per square foot | $3 to $10 | Forbes Home |
| Painting kitchen cabinets | Per square foot | $3 to $10 | Bob Vila |
| Painting cabinetry | Per linear foot | $30 to $60 | Forbes Home |
| Spray-painting cabinets | Per linear foot | $40 to $100 | HomeGuide |
| Cabinet repairs before painting | Installed | $130 to $470 | Bob Vila |
| Removing the old finish, average | Installed | $600 to $1,500 | Bob Vila |
| DIY paint and supplies | Installed | $200 to $600 | HomeGuide |
Forbes Home offers a ballpark method: measure the kitchen’s square footage and multiply that by the per-square-foot figure. The linear-foot rows use the total length of cabinetry you plan to paint instead.
Labor vs. materials
HomeGuide lists professional cabinet painters at $25 to $75 per hour. Bob Vila ties its $20 to $50 hourly figure to location, and Fixr gives the same range as typical.
Paint is priced per gallon. HomeGuide lists cabinet paint at $20 to $70 per gallon, and the type of paint changes that figure. Fixr gives latex at $12 to $25 per gallon on average and calls oil-based the most durable option. Bob Vila says primer adds roughly $45 per gallon to the budget.
Additional prep work and repairs
Damaged cabinets may need fixes before any painting starts, and the table lists Bob Vila’s repair range as a separate cost. Keep that line apart from the paint work when you compare quotes.
Removing the old finish is a different job from painting over it. The table gives Bob Vila’s average for that step, so ask whether each bid includes it before you compare totals.
Ways to save
- Get written, itemized quotes: Ask several painters for bids that list labor, paint, primer, and repairs on separate lines, so you can compare them line by line.
- Check whether paint is included: Ask each bidder if paint is in the price or billed separately, then compare that line across bids.
- Compare paint types: Ask which paint each bid uses, since the price per gallon changes with the type.
- Clear the work area: Empty cabinet interiors and clear countertops before the crew arrives, so painters can reach the doors and frames.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
HomeGuide puts a DIY budget of $200 to $600 toward paint and supplies, so that figure does not settle whether primer is included. Add up your own paint and primer list before you shop, and compare it with that range. Renting a paint sprayer costs $40 to $120 per day, according to Bob Vila.
Bob Vila also reports that sprayers use roughly 30 percent more paint, which raises the paint bill. Before you start, think about whether you have the room, the time, and the steady hands to finish every door and drawer evenly.
Hiring a pro means paying hourly rates for the labor, which the figures above show. If the existing finish may contain lead, a licensed pro and a permit may be required, so have it checked before any sanding or stripping. For other painting projects, see the painting cost guides.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask for an in-person visit so the painter can see the cabinet surfaces and count doors and drawers before giving a price.
A written quote should list labor by the hour or as a total, paint by the gallon, primer, and any repair or stripping work. Ask whether doors and drawer fronts will be sprayed on site or taken to a shop, and have the paint brand and sheen written into the contract.
Ask to see current licenses and proof of insurance before you sign. For related kitchen work, browse the kitchen-bath cost guides.
What changes the price
- Kitchen size, measured in square feet or linear feet of cabinetry
- Type and quality of paint, which changes the per-gallon price
- Condition of the cabinets, including repairs and removal of old finish
- Spraying versus hand application, since sprayers need a rental and use more paint
- Primer and whether paint is included in the bid
- Hourly rates, which vary by location
Frequently asked questions
How much does a gallon of cabinet paint cost?
For one gallon, Forbes Home gives $30 to $100.
Does a professional bid cover paint?
Forbes Home says paint still runs $60 to $300 when a professional does the work.
What if my cabinets need repairs first?
Bob Vila's repair figure is $130 to $470, and the amount moves with the size of the damage.
Sources
Related cost guides
Figures are estimates based on the sources above and vary by region, home and contractor. Get at least three written quotes before you hire. See our disclaimer and how we research.