Painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets can completely transform the look of your home. However, hiring a professional painter to take on this project can get expensive. So how much do painters typically charge to paint cabinets? Here’s a detailed look at what impacts the cost and how you can get the best value.
Factors That Impact Cabinet Painting Costs
Several key factors determine how much painters will charge for cabinet painting services:
Size of the Job
The total size of the cabinet painting project significantly affects cost. Painting a full kitchen with 20+ cabinets will cost much more than refreshing a bathroom vanity. On average, expect to pay:
- $200-$500 to paint a small bathroom vanity
- $800-$2,000 to paint a full kitchen’s cabinets
- $1,500-$3,500+ for large, expansive kitchens with tons of cabinets
In general, most professional painters charge per linear foot of cabinets, with rates ranging from $4-$10 per linear foot.
Painting Method
How the cabinets are painted also impacts price. A basic one-coat spraying may cost less than hand-brushing each cabinet with multiple coats. Common painting methods include:
- Spraying: Fastest method, but overspray can affect cost. Rates range from $3-$7 per linear foot.
- Brushing: Most thorough, but time-consuming. Rates range from $5-$10 per linear foot.
- Rolling: Faster than brushing, but may require extra coats. Rates range from $3.50-$8 per linear foot.
Preparation Work Required
Additional preparation work can also add cost, such as:
- Removing all cabinet doors and drawers for painting. Charges range from $75-$200 for this alone.
- Filling holes, fixing damages, sanding, and priming before painting. This extra prep work can add $200 or more.
- Denting and cleaning grease buildup if existing cabinets are especially dirty. Expect added fees of $100-$300 or more for degreasing filthy cabinets.
The more preparation required, the more you’ll pay. Well-maintained cabinets in good shape often cost less to prep and paint.
Paint Type
The specific paints and finishes used also impact the painting cost:
- Paint: Cheapest option at $20-$50 per gallon. Requires multiple coats.
- Enamel paint: More durable finish at $40-$60 per gallon.
- Lacquer: Resilient but expensive at $50-$100 per gallon. Needs special spraying equipment.
- Stain: For staining wood tones rather than paint. Costs $25-$100 per gallon.
Using higher-end cabinet paints or stains raises the project cost but deliver longer-lasting results.
Average Costs to Paint Kitchen or Bathroom Cabinets
Based on the factors above, here are typical average costs:
- Small bathroom vanity: $200-$500
- Full standard kitchen: $800-$2,000
- Large luxury kitchen: $1,500-$3,500+
For a full kitchen, you’ll usually pay $150-$350 per cabinet door to have them professionally sprayed and painted.
Keep in mind if you’re only painting cabinet boxes or doors rather than both, costs will be lower. Painting just doors may range from $50-$150 per door.
Cost Saving Tips
Here are some tips to save money on your cabinet painting project:
- Clean cabinets thoroughly before painting to minimize preparation costs.
- Only paint cabinet doors rather than boxes to save on paint.
- Use a paint sprayer yourself if you’re comfortable DIY painting. This can reduce labor costs significantly.
- Choose a mid-grade enamel paint rather than the most expensive paints. You’ll still get a durable finish for less.
- Get quotes from at least 3 painters to compare rates. But make sure to verify their quality too!
Is It Worth Hiring a Pro?
While DIY cabinet painting can save money, professional painters have skills and tools that yield superior results. Pros deliver a smooth, consistent finish not easily achievable for DIYers. They also properly prep cabinets, use specialized spraying equipment for an even coat, and have experience selecting the right paints and finishes.
For most homeowners, hiring a qualified pro is worth the investment to transform your kitchen or bathroom with beautifully painted cabinets. Consider getting quotes from at least 3 painters to find competitive rates for quality work.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cabinet Painter
To choose the right pro, ask these key questions first:
How long have you been painting cabinets? Look for 5+ years of experience specifically with cabinet painting. Newbies often won’t deliver the finest results.
What is your cabinet painting process? They should detail a thorough multi-step process addressing preparation, priming, painting, and finishing.
What types of equipment do you use? Proper tools like airless paint sprayers allow for the most consistent coverage. Brush painting takes longer but can look flawless.
Can you provide examples of past cabinet painting work? Reputable painters should have before-and-after photos or reviews showcasing their skills.
Do you offer paint and finish suggestions? They should advise on paint types and colors to match your goals, kitchen style, and cabinet materials.
Do you handle cleanup and furniture moving? Many painters include workspace setup/cleanup and moving appliances/furniture to paint behind cabinets.
What are your availability and rates? Compare rates and timelines from multiple painters before deciding.
Professional Cabinet Painters Can Transform Your Space
Although cabinet painting requires an investment, the cost pays off in added beauty, function, and style for your kitchen or bathroom. Keep the key cost factors above in mind as you budget for this project and evaluate painter quotes. A skilled pro should handle all necessary preparation, use proper techniques and equipment, and deliver a flawless painted finish that protects your cabinets for years of enjoyment.