Cabinet Painting Cost Factors
The cost to paint kitchen cabinets depends on several factors, including the size, location, and material of your cabinets, as well as labor costs (if you hire out for the project). Prices will also fluctuate based on the type of paint you choose. In short, we’re giving you the best estimates possible, but your final bill will vary depending on your unique project. Here are the main variables that you’ll want to factor into your budget.
Kitchen Size
On average, painting kitchen cabinets costs between $3 and $10 per square foot, or between $30 and $60 per linear foot. This price typically includes all the supplies, materials, and labor you’ll need to get the job done. Below are some average figures based on the square footage of the cabinet space you want to cover.
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Cabinet Material
Kitchen cabinets come in a variety of materials, with some requiring a slightly different approach to achieve a smooth, uniform coat of paint. Since the cost of kitchen cabinets will vary, here’s a look at the individual costs for each type of cabinet material.
Wood Cabinets
For wood cabinets that are already painted or stained, budget an extra $5 to $10 for sandpaper to ensure the paint adheres properly. If the surface is glossy, you may also need to buy a chemical paint de-glosser for an additional $10 to $20.
Wood Veneer Cabinets
If you have wood veneer cabinets, you’ll need to budget extra for primer, which typically costs around $45 per gallon. Before sanding and priming, be sure to check for any cracks, chips, or loose edges, and use wood glue (around $10 per 8-ounce bottle) to fix them.
Laminate Cabinets
Laminate cabinets require sanding to rough up the surface, which may add approximately $5 to $10 to your project cost. You’ll also need a primer designed specifically for laminate surfaces, which can cost anywhere from $20 to $80 depending on the brand and quantity.
MDF Cabinets
Medium-density fiberboard cabinets require you or a pro to seal the porous edges with drywall joint compound, which costs around $10 for a 3.5-quart bucket. Along with that, you’ll need an oil-based primer, which typically costs around $30 to $60 per gallon.
Type of Paint
There are many different types of paint available, with per-gallon rates ranging anywhere from $20 to $80. A gallon of paint usually costs $15 to $60 for a standard brand or $50 to $100 for a designer brand. Each gallon covers between 350 and 400 square feet. There are slight cost differences between the different types of paint per gallon:
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Latex-based paint: $20-$50
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Acrylic paint: $20-$50
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Oil-based paint: $20-$80
You can also choose between the different types of paint finishes, commonly known as sheens. The shinier the paint, the more you’ll typically pay. Pros usually recommend semi-gloss and high-gloss, the two highest sheens available, for kitchen cabinets, as they’re the most durable options.
Painting Method
Even when you hire an interior painting pro to paint your kitchen cabinets, you’ll still have to account for how a chosen painting method will impact the cost. You can hire a pro to paint with a brush, roller, or sprayer.
Hiring a pro to brush paint can save you money on paint costs, but you’ll probably spend more on labor since brush painting can take more time and energy. On the other hand, spray painting can save you money on labor since it takes less time. However, you’ll likely end up spending more on high-quality paint and cost for materials.
Paint Color
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If you’re planning to switch from a darker color to a lighter color for your kitchen cabinets, your best option is to sand or strip off the existing paint. However, if you’re short on time or your cabinets are already in good condition, budgeting around $45 per gallon for a good primer is essential to ensure proper coverage.
If you plan to use two paint colors to accent each other, you’ll likely pay more for the project to cover multiple cans of paint. However, you’ll also have leftover paint to use for other projects or touch-ups.
Kitchen Layout and Cabinet Composition
Some contractors might charge a different way based on the specific sections of your cabinets. For example, you could expect to pay around $100 per cabinet door. For drawers, it might be closer to $25 per drawer. And if you’re looking to paint an entire cabinet, the cost could range from $75 to $150 per cabinet.
Your unique kitchen layout can also affect how much you pay to paint your kitchen cabinets. Complex kitchen layouts with tight, hard to reach spaces can make the job more tedious, which can also raise the price.
Labor
Most professional painters will charge somewhere between $20 and $50 per hour. This will typically account for 85% of the cost to paint kitchen cabinets professionally. Keep in mind that some contractors may charge based on the square footage of the area you want to paint, while others might charge per door, drawer, or cabinet.
It’s important to clarify the pricing structure with your contractor upfront so you can have a clear understanding of the total cost of the project for your budget.
Prep
You might feel a burst of energy and decide that you want to paint your kitchen cabinets on a whim. However, there’s some essential preparation that goes into the painting process. So before you crack open that can of paint, take these steps to prep.
Keep in mind that while you can do the following steps yourself, it can be a lot of work. If you’re willing to spend a bit more and hire a professional cabinet painter, you could save yourself some time and energy.
Stripping
If you or someone else painted your cabinets in the past, you’ll need to remove the old finish before you can apply a new coat of paint. If you plan to remove existing paint or varnish by sanding, you’ll need sandpaper, which usually costs between $5 and $10 per pack. Alternatively, you can opt for a chemical stripping agent, which ranges in price from $7 to $50, depending on the brand and size.
Removing Appliances, Doors and Drawers
Before painting, you’ll want to empty all items from your cabinets. Then, remove the doors and drawers using the appropriate tools. You should be able to do this step with a screwdriver, which usually costs around $15 but can be more or less depending on the brand and type.
You’ll want to use painter’s tape to label your doors and drawers so you’re able to put them back in the right places. Also, be sure to place all hardware in a bag and label it. Painter’s tape usually costs between $5 and $10 per roll.
Site Prep
Once you remove existing paint and all appliances, doors, and drawers, you’re almost ready to paint. To prep your paint site, you’ll want to clean your cabinets with TSP cleaner to remove all grease and dirt.
Then, cover all countertops, surrounding floors, and any other appliances. You can use old bed sheets or blankets as drop cloths to save a bit of money. You should also use painter’s tape to protect your appliances, countertops, and flooring. The cost of cleaner will depend on size and brand, but it usually ranges from $5 to $20.
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Additional Costs to Consider
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Don’t exit out of your calculator app just yet. There are a few additional costs to keep in mind that you may need to factor into your budget.
Repairs
While you’re refreshing the look of your kitchen cabinets, you’ll also want to budget for the cost of repairing the cabinets if needed, which usually falls between $140 and $500. This will cover basic repairs such as broken hardware, loose hinges, scratches, and peeling paint.
Hardware
The cost to install new cabinet hardware is typically less than $100, but costs can go as high as $1,000 or more for designer or antique varieties. If your hardware is in good shape, this isn’t a necessary cost. However, selecting new cabinet hardware can modernize your cabinets and beautifully complement your new paint color, so it may be worth the extra investment if you’re going for a brand-new look.
Tipping
Tipping your contractors isn’t necessary, but it can still be a kind gesture if you feel inclined to do it. Some contracting companies don’t allow employees to accept tips, so be sure to ask before you give. Alternatively, you can buy your pros coffee or lunch, leave them a positive review, or refer friends and family to show your appreciation.
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Repainting vs. Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
The right kitchen cabinet color can totally transform the look of your kitchen, but if the bare bones are damaged or not to your current taste, you may want to consider refacing your cabinets or replacing them altogether.
Refacing your cabinets costs between $4,300 and $10,100 on average. This involves swapping out the door and drawer fronts and selecting new hardware for a total cabinet makeover. Compared to the average cost to paint kitchen cabinets, this is a significant investment, but the results you’ll achieve will make it look like a complete remodel.
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Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Yourself
If you paint your own cabinets, you can expect to spend $200 to $600 on paint and supplies such as brushes, rollers, and drop cloths. A good portion of this will go toward covering an orbital sander for anywhere between $40 and $150. If you already have one of these handy, or if you don’t need to remove any old paint, then you’ll be able to keep your total DIY budget on the lower end. Another key factor that impacts your budget will be the type and quality of the paint you buy and how many cabinets you need to paint.
Hiring a local interior painter typically costs $898 for the average kitchen size (around 150 square feet). If you have the budget for it, hiring a pro can be well worth it for a pristine finish that you don’t have to lift a finger to achieve.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you opt to paint your kitchen cabinets DIY-style, you can save a good amount of money, but it requires skill, time, and patience to achieve smooth, even coverage. Removing your cabinet doors can also get tricky, as you risk damaging the hardware and hinges. What’s more, removing varnish and other finishes can be challenging and labor intensive, plus you could potentially damage the surface in the process.
You’ll also need to account for the cost of materials. For example, if you decide to DIY a spray paint job, you’ll need to budget anywhere from $40 to $100 per day to cover sprayer rental. Budget-friendly paint sprayers are also available for purchase for $35 to $50, while high-end models can reach upwards of $200.
If you don’t know how to paint kitchen cabinets and aren’t ready to learn a new skill just yet, consider hiring a pro for this project to guarantee beautiful results.
How to Save Money While Painting Kitchen Cabinets
To keep your kitchen cabinet painting project wallet-friendly, DIYing will be your best bet. Aside from that, you can select budget options for paint and hardware. There are plenty of beautiful options that don’t cost nearly as much as high-end varieties. Also, if you’re hiring a local cabinet painter, be sure to ask a lot of questions and get multiple quotes to find the best partner for your project. Here are some more money-saving tips:
Alison Kasch contributed to this piece.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens
