Painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets can transform the look of a room by providing a fresh, updated appearance. However, repainting cabinets requires proper preparation and painting technique to achieve an attractive, durable finish. When hiring a professional, costs depend on several factors.
Introduction
The cost to paint kitchen or bathroom cabinets professionally ranges from $500 to $5000+, with the average homeowner spending $1500 to $2500 to paint an average sized kitchen. Several factors affect the total project price:
- Cabinet size – More surface area to paint means higher paint and labor costs.
- Cabinet finish – Rough surfaces require more sanding and prep work.
- Stain vs paint – Staining takes more time and care to apply evenly.
- Color choice – Darker colors may require additional coats of paint.
- Add-ons – Additional services like removing doors or hardware, filling holes, etc add cost.
- Location – Labor rates are higher in expensive urban areas.
While repainting cabinets is often cheaper than full cabinet replacement, professional painting still represents a significant investment for most homeowners. Understanding what impacts the project costs allows you to plan and budget appropriately.
Factors That Influence Painting Cost
Many variables contribute to the overall price charged by painting contractors to refinish kitchen or bathroom cabinets. The main factors include:
Size of the Cabinetry
The total square footage to be painted is a primary driver of cost. Kitchens typically have more cabinetry than bathrooms, potentially with upper and lower cabinets on multiple walls. More surface area equals higher material and labor costs.
As an approximate guideline for kitchen cabinets:
- Small kitchen (up to 10 linear ft of cabinets) = $500 to $1000
- Medium kitchen (10 to 20 linear ft) = $1000 to $2000
- Large kitchen (over 20 linear ft) = $2000 to $4000
For bathroom vanities, allow $200 to $800, depending on the vanity size and if painting both the cabinet boxes and doors.
Get detailed measurements of all cabinet surfaces being painted to get an accurate painting quote.
Type of Cabinets
The condition and construction of existing cabinets also affects prep time and painting costs:
- Wood species – Paint adheres better to smooth hardwoods than soft porous woods. Softwoods require sealing for an even painted finish.
- Door style – Doors with grooves, inset panels, or elaborate trim require more prep and painting time.
- Distressed finish – Heavily distressed cabinets need extensive sanding and prep to smooth the surface before painting.
- Layered finishes – Existing paint or clear coat must be sanded down for paint to adhere properly.
Expect to pay more for painting cabinets that are textured, carved, or have a rough surface. The extra sanding and preparation adds steps compared to refinishing smooth cabinetry.
Painting vs Staining
Painting cabinets involves fewer steps than staining, resulting in somewhat lower project costs. The staining process includes:
- Chemical wood stripping to remove existing stains and finishes
- Sanding down to bare wood
- Conditioning wood surface to absorb stain evenly
- Stain application in thin layers to control color
- Polyurethane for protection
Staining kitchen cabinets costs $50 to $100 per cabinet. The staining process is also messier and releases harsh fumes.
Paint Color Choice
Opting for a dark colored paint, like black or navy, can add $100 to $300 per cabinet onto the final price. The reason? Darker paint colors often require:
- Additional paint primer coat so the dark hue doesn’t show through
- Extra coats of paint (3 or more) to achieve full opaque coverage
- More cut-ins by hand near edges and hardware
- Touch-ups to cover any unevenness more visible against a dark backdrop
Pale paint colors like white or light gray involve less labor, making them the most budget-friendly choice.
Additional Services
Basic cabinet repainting includes cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting cabinet boxes and doors. Yet many projects require extra tasks that add to the total painting quote:
- Removing doors and hardware – Makes painting easier but adds removal/reinstall time.
- Filling holes – Caulking old hardware holes or gouges ensures an ultra-smooth finish.
- Fixing damage – Repairing water stains or broken corners takes skilled carpentry.
- Degreasing – Thorough degreasing may be recommended for gunky cabinets near ovens.
Factor any additional preparation or repair work into your expected costs. Some painters charge by the hour for add-ons above the basic repainting scope.
Location and Painters’ Rates
In expensive urban areas like Los Angeles or New York City, expect to pay $150 to $300 per hour for painter’s labor. In less costly rural regions, rates can be $50 to $80 per hour.
Painting contractors in high-demand locales can command premium prices and may impose minimum job requirements. Get multiple bids to find the best value painter for your specific job.
DIY vs Professional Painting
While a DIY cabinet paint job can save money, many homeowners opt to hire pros to ensure a high-quality, lasting result. Professional painters have expertise in:
- Proper surface preparation – Adequately deglossing and sanding down the existing cabinet finish so new paint adheres smoothly and evenly. This critical step prevents peeling or chipping later on.
- Paint spraying equipment – Airless sprayers allow painters to apply a uniform coat of paint quickly versus tedious hand brushwork. The right tip and consistent technique prevents drips or brush marks.
- Cutting in cleanly – Professionals have a steady hand for sharp paint lines along cabinet edges, corners, and hardware.
- Working efficiently – Experienced painters know how to prep and paint cabinets in an orderly process. They complete projects faster and have less waste.
- Achieving a durable finish – High-bond primers, adequate coat coverage, proper cure times, and a protective topcoat lead to tougher, longer-lasting painted finishes.
While DIY cabinet painting can save on labor costs, the risk of an inferior result is higher. Many homeowners consider hiring professionals well worth the expense for beautifully revitalized cabinets.
What to Expect: Painting Process and Timeline
Refinishing kitchen or bathroom cabinets follows a general sequence of steps. Here’s an overview of what to expect during the cabinet painting process:
Initial Consultation
The painter will assess your existing cabinets, review your desired paint color and finish options, identify any repairs needed, and measure all cabinet surfaces. They can then provide an accurate quote for the project scope.
This initial evaluation also serves for you to review the painter’s portfolio and discuss any questions or concerns. Make sure you obtain a written estimate detailing all aspects of the job, including expected timeline and payment terms.
Prepping the Work Area
To protect nearby surfaces from drips and mess, the work area will be prepped by:
- Covering the floors with drop cloths
- Taping off and masking wall areas adjacent to the cabinets
- Removing cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware
- Removing cabinet shelves as needed for access
Proper prep prevents damage and minimizes cleanup time later.
Surface Preparation
Thorough surface prep gives the new paint something to “grip” so it properly adheres. Expect the painter to:
- Wash cabinets to remove grease and grime
- Fill any holes, gouges, or cracks with wood filler
- Lightly scuff-sand to degloss and roughen the existing finish
- Sand down any damaged or peeling areas to firm wood
- Dust all cabinet surfaces before painting
Proper deglossing and sanding contributes to a smooth, consistent painted finish.
Priming Cabinets
Most cabinet paint jobs involve applying one or more coats of high-bond primer. Priming:
- Unifies uneven surfaces and varied wood types
- Seals the wood to prevent paint absorption
- Allows for better adhesion and durability
- Blocks knots, stains, and other imperfections from showing through paint
- Provides a neutral base for truer paint colors on stained cabinets
Oil-based primers provide the toughest foundation for kitchen surfaces that see moisture, grease, and heavy wear.
Painting Cabinet Boxes and Doors
With cabinets primed and prepped, the painting can begin. First coats are applied with:
- Rollers for large flat areas like cabinet sides and faces
- Brushes for cutting-in corners and edges
- Paint sprayers for the most even coverage
Proper brush technique and sprayer settings prevent drips and runs in the finish. Expect 1-3 coats of paint depending on color and coverage achieved. Darker paint colors often require an extra coat or two.
Once cabinets are painted, new hardware is installed. Drawers, shelves, and doors are rehung and adjusted.
Clean Up and Protection
The painter will clean the work area thoroughly once painting is complete. Masking materials are removed, floors cleaned, and the kitchen or bathroom put back in order.
Keep kids and pets away from freshly painted cabinets for at least 24-48 hours as the paint fully cures. Avoid wiping or cleaning cabinets during this period. New cabinet paint continues to harden and develop toughness over the first 1-2 weeks.
Cost to Paint Cabinets Per Piece
Cabinet painters often quote refinishing jobs based on a per cabinet rate. This reflects the amount of individual handiwork involved versus estimating by total square footage.
Expect costs per cabinet door as follows:
- Simple slab door = $50 to $100
- Door with panels or details = $100 to $250
- Larger pantry doors = $150 to $300
For the cabinet boxes, costs often run:
- Base cabinets = $150 to $300 per box
- Wall cabinets = $200 to $400
- Full height pantry cabinet = $300 to $600
Other typical painting costs for related items are:
- Refinishing cabinet frames – $8 to $12 per linear foot
- Painting cabinet sides – $3 to $7 per sq. ft.
- Painting shelving or wine racks – $100 to $300 per built-in section
- Painting on-cabinet molding – $3 to $10 per linear foot
Get an itemized price quote to understand exactly what is included in your cabinet painting project. Refinishing kitchen cabinets costs more than a bathroom vanity due to their larger size and greater complexity.
Cost to Paint vs. Replace Cabinets
Painting existing kitchen or bathroom cabinets costs a fraction of complete cabinet replacement. The comparison:
- Paint cabinets – $500 to $5000+ depending on scope
- New midrange cabinets – $5000 to $20,000 for a full kitchen
- New premium cabinets – $15,000 to $50,000+ for a high-end kitchen
Since painting reuses your existing cabinets, it represents huge cost savings over replacing them. Other benefits of refinishing vs. new cabinets:
- Much quicker project timeline – Days not weeks
- Less disruption to your home
- Eco-friendly – Less waste to landfills
- Match existing cabinet layout and storage
- Potentially boost home value for resale
There are some drawbacks to consider as well:
- Existing cabinets may still show signs of wear after painting
- Limited color selection compared to new cabinets
- Painted finishes don’t last as long as wood stains
- DIY painting has a greater margin of error
Evaluate both options carefully before deciding whether fresh paint or new cabinets better fit your needs, budget, and timeline.
How Long Does It Take to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
Another advantage to painting over replacing kitchen cabinets is the faster turnaround. The painting timeline averages:
- Total project length – 3 to 5 days
- Active painting time – 1 to 3 days
The process includes:
- Day 1 – Prep work
- Day 2 – Priming cabinets
- Day 3 – Paint coats and reinstall cabinet components
- Day 4 – Touch ups and clean up
- Day 5 – Optional protective clear topcoat
DIY painting typically takes longer – up to 2 weeks for an inexperienced homeowner. Factors affecting turnaround time include:
- Painter’s experience and efficiency
- Number of doors/drawers to remove
- Extra repairs or replacements needed
- Number of paint coats required
- Time for primer and paint to dry between coats
- Size of kitchen or vanity – More cabinets equals more painting time
Talk to your contractor to get an estimated start-to-finish schedule for your specific cabinet repainting project.
Tips for Hiring a Cabinet Painter
Follow these tips when selecting and working with a professional cabinet painting contractor:
Check Reviews and References
Choose an established residential painting company with a long track record of positive online customer reviews. Call previous references to confirm they delivered quality work on time and on budget.
See Sample Work
Ask to see photos of recently completed kitchen cabinet paint projects. Make sure the finishes look smooth and consistent without drips, runs, or brush marks.
Get a Detailed Written Quote
Specify exactly which cabinets and surfaces are to be painted (boxes, doors, frames, trim, etc). Get the price quote in writing listing all aspects of the job – preparation, priming, coats of paint, inclusion of new hardware, cleanup, etc.
Share Paint Color and Sheen
Provide the brand, specific name, and code of your chosen cabinet paint color. Note the sheen level desired – eggshell, satin, semi-gloss.
Set a Clear Timeline
Agree to a start date in writing and get an estimated completion date. Factor in time for surfaces to dry between coats and before use.
Communicate About Repairs
Authorize any necessary cabinet repairs, hole filling, or replacements ahead of time to avoid later upcharges.
Withhold Final Payment
Pay a portion upfront, a progress payment during the job, then make final payment upon satisfactory completion and inspection.
Doing your homework upfront ensures you get professional-quality cabinet painting services from a trusted provider. Carefully prepping and repainting cabinets yourself can save money, but the risk of an inferior result is higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some common questions about the cost to paint kitchen or bathroom cabinets:
Does it cost more to paint cabinets white?
No, white or light colors do not necessarily cost more than darker paints. Very dark colors like black or navy may require additional primer and paint coats for full coverage. But standard light paint colors involve fewer steps, so pricing is comparable.
Should I paint cabinets before or after new countertops?
Installing new countertops first prevents damage during the painting process. New countertops can also be used as a guide to tape off for sharp paint lines. Finish cabinet painting before final countertop templating.
Can I paint thermofoil or laminate cabinets?
Painting laminate requires extensive sanding to roughen the slick surface so paint can mechanically bond. Special adhesion primers formulated for laminates yield better results. Thermofoil cabinets cannot be painted successfully.
Is it cheaper to paint or replace kitchen cabinets?
Painting existing cabinets costs a fraction of full cabinet replacement. Refinishing cabinets costs on average $2000 to $4000 for a mid-sized kitchen. New cabinet installation typically runs $5000 to $20,000+ for a similar kitchen.
How do you get a smooth finish when painting cabinets?
Proper prep work like sanding and priming ensures paint adheres evenly. Spray painting provides the smoothest finish. Allow adequate dry time between coats. Sand lightly before the final coat. Finish with a protective clear polyurethane for a glass-like surface.
Conclusion
The cost to paint kitchen or bathroom cabinets ranges widely based on the scope of the project from a few hundred dollars for a small vanity up to several thousand for an extensive kitchen. While refinishing cabinets requires an investment, painted cabinets provide big visual impact at a fraction of full cabinet replacement cost. Follow the prep and painting best practices outlined here to achieve long-lasting results. Consider hiring a professional painter for flawless finishes and efficient turnaround on your next cabinet repainting project.