How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?
Professionally painting kitchen cabinets typically costs $900–$3,500, or about $50–$100 per door and drawer front. A small 10-door kitchen sits near the bottom; a large kitchen with 30+ fronts, sprayed finish and color change runs $3,000–$5,000+.
Ranges are typical planning guides — actual price varies by region, access, materials and your local pro. Always get a written quote.
| Kitchen size | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10–15 doors/drawers) | $900–$1,800 | Galley or apartment kitchen |
| Average (20–25 fronts) | $1,800–$3,200 | Most common job |
| Large (30+ fronts / island) | $3,000–$5,000+ | More masking & spray time |
| Per door / drawer front | $50–$100 | Useful for quick estimates |
| DIY (materials only) | $200–$400 | Paint, primer, sandpaper, sprayer rental |
What affects the price
Spray vs brush-and-roll
A sprayed factory-style finish costs more — doors come off, everything gets masked, often sprayed off-site — but brush marks show on cabinet doors more than any other surface.
Cabinet material and condition
Solid wood and MDF take paint well. Laminate and thermofoil need bonding primer and sometimes refuse a durable finish; grease and old gloss mean heavy cleaning and sanding first.
Color change and coats
Dark-to-light conversions need stain-blocking primer plus two to three topcoats. Keeping a similar tone can save a full coat of labor.
Pricing a job? Make a free quote or invoiceQuotesPad invoice & estimate maker — trade line items already loaded →FAQs
How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?
Typically $900–$3,500 for professional work, or $50–$100 per door and drawer front. Kitchen size, sprayed vs brushed finish and color change set the price.
Is painting cabinets cheaper than replacing them?
Much cheaper — new cabinets run $5,000–$25,000+ installed, and even refacing costs $4,000–$10,000. Painting delivers the biggest visual change per dollar if the boxes are sound.
How long does painted cabinet finish last?
A properly prepped and sprayed finish with quality enamel lasts 8–10+ years. Skipping degreasing, sanding or primer is why DIY jobs often chip within a year or two.