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Cost Guides / Paint kitchen cabinets

Kitchen Cabinet Painting Cost

Current US planning data places this project at $425–$1,466, with an average about $942. The broad working rate is roughly $30–$60 per linear ft or $100–$250 per door. Use these figures as market context—not a local quote.

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Paint Calculator project reference
Project scope reference
Small$425–$1,000

Simple doors, sound finish and limited repair.

Typical$1,000–$2,800

Medium kitchen with thorough prep and sprayed finish.

Large or detailed$2,800–$5,000+

Many doors, specialty profiles, repairs or custom finish.

What a complete price should include

A useful estimate separates the base installation from preparation, removal and finishing. Check that every bid states the same scope before comparing totals.

  • Door, drawer and cabinet-box inventory
  • Cleaning, labeling, disassembly and surface preparation
  • Compatible primer and cabinet-grade finish coats
  • Protected spray or brush setup, reassembly and touch-up

Cost drivers that change the quote

Door count and profile

Cabinet work is driven by separate faces, edges and detailed profiles more than wall area. Slab doors are quicker than raised panels, glass frames and decorative ends.

Existing surface

Grease, failed coating, laminate, water damage and unknown finishes change cleaning, sanding, bonding primer and repair work. A test door can establish the system.

Application and reassembly

Off-site spraying, temporary kitchen protection, drying racks, hardware removal and careful door alignment add labor but can produce a more controlled finish.

DIY versus professional installation

DIY saves labor only when doors can be labeled, cleaned, prepared and cured without disrupting the kitchen for weeks. Spraying adds ventilation and overspray control. Damaged boxes, unknown old coatings or specialty surfaces are safer with experienced refinishers.

Questions to put in the written quote

  • Door, drawer, box and exposed-end count
  • Cleaning, sanding, repair and primer specification
  • Finish product, color, sheen and coat count
  • Hardware removal, spray location, cure and reassembly

Frequently asked questions

Why is cabinet painting priced differently from walls?

Each door and drawer has several edges and faces, plus labeling, removal, drying and reinstallation. Linear feet or piece counts describe that labor better than room area.

Are cabinet repairs included?

Often not. Current market guidance places water-damage or warping repair around $200 to $500 or more, so require a written allowance or unit price.

Can every cabinet be painted?

Many wood and MDF surfaces can be prepared, while laminate or damaged finishes need compatible primers and testing. Severe swelling or delamination can make replacement more sensible.

Sources and update basis

Prices vary by location, access and specification. Market-price references establish the planning range; official and industry technical references support the safety, measurement and scope guidance. Neither replaces a local written quote, product instructions or applicable code.