How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets? What you need to know

If you are thinking of transforming your room, you may be wondering about the cost to paint kitchen cabinets.

Taking on a whole-kitchen remodel can be disruptive, time-consuming and expensive. However, if you're looking to give your kitchen fresh appeal, painting kitchen cabinets in a new color could be the answer and the easiest – and most affordable – solution.

What's more, painted kitchen cabinets are a great way to add personality. With a huge range of kitchen color ideas to choose from, you can express your creativity, rethink your color scheme and change the whole look of your kitchen, whether you're painting a classic Shaker-style kitchen or contemporary, clean-lined handleless design.

Stick to neutral kitchen ideas – white is enjoying a resurgence in modern farmhouse decor schemes – if you want to play it safe yet stylish. If you have a more expansive space with lots of natural light, you can give a stronger shade a showcase. 

And the beauty of a painted kitchen? You can always paint it again at a later date if you change your mind on the aesthetic. 

We've got your top questions on how much it costs to paint kitchen cabinets here.

How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?

Options for refreshing a kitchen include refinishing kitchen cabinets and staining kitchen cabinets if they’re made from wood. But when it comes to the cost to paint kitchen cabinets, this will depend on the size of your kitchen, but you can expect to pay between $75/£50 to $150/£100 per cabinet. So, if you have 10 cabinets in your kitchen, you can expect to pay between $750/£500 to $1500/£1000.

Prices will vary according to the intricacy of the job – flat-fronted cabinet and drawer doors will be quicker and therefore cheaper to paint than those with beading, for example. Don't forget to include side panels – and expect to pay much more for the interior of cabinets to be factored in.

Is it cheaper to paint or replace kitchen cabinets?

It can be at least 50 per cent cheaper to paint kitchen cabinets rather than replace them, and possibly even more. 

If you want to go a step further in your update, it’s a great idea to install kitchen cabinet handles in a different style or material and even change the countertop, too. You will then be left with a kitchen that looks brand new without the full cost of actually installing kitchen cabinets.

As replacing kitchen cabinets can easily cost well over $15,000/£10,000, expert tips for painting kitchen cabinets can save you plenty.

How much does it cost to respray kitchen cabinets?

Of course, each kitchen is different but, as a rule of thumb, budget around $75/£50 to $150/£100 for each cabinet, and multiply this by the number of cabinets that need spraying. 

Respraying kitchen cabinets rather than painting them can create a more seamless finish, which will be important if you select a kitchen cabinet paint with a glossy sheen.

How much does it cost to get a pro to paint kitchen cabinets?

If you want your kitchen cabinets resprayed by a professional, expect to pay from around $750/£500 to $1,500/£1,000 for 10 cabinets.

Will painting my kitchen cabinets bring down value?

Painting your kitchen cabinets, especially when done by a professional, will add value to your home. According to Zillow (opens in new tab), a real estate and rental marketplace, neutral, painted cabinets, like the ones in the white kitchen shown above, in particular can help boost your home's re-sale value.

Sticking to a neutral palette is a good idea if you are painting your kitchen cabinets with a view to selling, due to its wide-reaching appeal. You can never really go wrong with white.

Thanks to deVOL (opens in new tab) for help with this feature.