A new coat of paint on your kitchen cabinets can revitalize the heart of your home. Painting cabinets is a cost-effective and transforming option for updating the aesthetic of your kitchen or simply upgrading kitchen cabinetry. However, before beginning this job, it’s critical to grasp all of the expenses involved. Take into account the cost of paint, brushes, and other materials, as well as any necessary repairs or preparations. Additionally, consider the time and effort required for proper surface preparation and the actual painting process to achieve the best results. With careful planning and attention to detail, painting your kitchen cabinets can be a rewarding and budget-friendly home improvement project.
This blog post will discuss how to calculate the average cost to paint kitchen cabinets.
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9 Factors Affecting the Cost of Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Before choosing the color for kitchen cabinets, calculating the cost to paint must be considered, and it can assist you in efficiently planning your budget.
1. Kitchen Cabinet Size and Number
The size and number of cabinets in your kitchen have a direct impact on the cost. Larger kitchens with more cabinets need more paint, supplies, and labor, which will result in higher costs.
For a small galley kitchen with a smaller size of cabinets, the average cost to paint kitchen cabinets can be around $1,000 to $3,500. If it is an average-sized kitchen, cabinet costs can reach between $2,000 to $6,500. While for a large kitchen, the number and size of cabinets will be higher, which can increase the cost up to $5,000 to $10,000.
2. Professional Vs. DIY
Determine whether you will employ a professional painter or do the project yourself. Professionally painting your kitchen cabinets will cost you between $1,500 to $4,000 While DIY kitchen cabinet painting may appear to be less expensive and cost you a maximum of $200. at first, it seems a good idea (and is workable for many), but professional painters have the expertise to provide a high-quality and long-lasting finish, potentially saving you money in the long run.
3. Paint Type and Quality
The paint you choose impacts the cabinet’s finishing and durability. High-quality paints may be more expensive initially, but they provide superior coverage and longevity, minimizing the need for frequent repainting.
Water-based or oil-based paints with a satin or semi-gloss finish are preferable for kitchen cabinets as they are long-lasting and easy to clean. Using oil-based paints can cost you around $20 to $80. To protect and enhance the natural beauty of wood cabinets, use polyurethane or varnish finishes you can use latex-based paints, which can cost between $20 to $50.
4. Extra Finishes or Refinishing
Refinishing kitchen cabinets entails more than simply painting them. It entails removing the old finish, sanding, staining (if desired), and sealing the cabinets to return them to their original state. Because of the additional effort and materials required, finishing kitchen cabinets is often more expensive than merely painting them.
Refinishing kitchen cabinets can range from $2,000-$8,000 on average, depending on the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the refinishing procedure, and the materials utilized.
5. Required Preparation
The amount of preparation required prior to painting is a significant cost consideration. You not only need to clean the kitchen cabinets, but also inspect layers of old paint or varnish. They may need to be thoroughly sanded, and primed before painting, which may increase the labor and time required. Professional kitchen cabinet painting might cost between $70 to $120 per linear foot of cabinetry. Cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting with high-quality paint are frequently included in this expense. Keep in mind that if there are complicated designs or specific finishes involved, additional prices may apply.
6. Location and Labor Expenses
Urban locations with higher living cost usually have an increased demand for skilled labor which may result in higher labor expenses. The labor cost to paint kitchen cabinets might vary depending on the extent of the work necessary and the painters’ expertise. Labor expenditures can account for a sizable portion of total project costs. On average, labor costs per painter run between $40 to $60 per hour. The duration of the project will be determined by the size of your kitchen and the condition of the cabinets.
7. Kitchen Arrangement and Accessibility
Your kitchen arrangement might also affect the cost. If your cabinets are difficult to access or require more time to paint, owing to their placement, the cost may rise. Some contractors can cost you to pay $100 per cabinet door and $25 per drawer.
Cabinet layouts with flat surfaces, minimal intricate details, and base cabinets are easier to paint as they require less precision and time during the painting process. Per linear foot (according to kitchen arrangement), the painting cost can run between $30 to $60.
8. Lead Paint Removal (If Applicable)
If your cabinets have ancient layers of lead-based paint, additional costs may incur between $5 to $10 per pack or $7 to $50. However, the price range can vary according to the chemical stripping agent you are planning to use.
Hiring professionals equipped to handle lead-based paint safely can add to the overall cost of the cabinet painting project but ensures the safety of both the occupants and the environment. It is crucial to follow proper lead abatement procedures to prevent lead exposure and comply with relevant regulations.
9. Other Repairs and Repaint
The cost to a reliant kitchen cabinet is going to be higher. Period. Therefore, consider whether you want to make any additional repairs or upgrades, such as replacing cabinet hardware or adding new features, or upgrading cabinet types and styles. These expenses should also be included in your budget. Therefore at this point, repainting kitchen cabinets might cost between $1,000 to $3,000 on average, depending on the above-mentioned criteria.
Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets According to Materials
A variety of cabinet materials are used for a smooth and finished look. Painting kitchen cabinets cost can vary according to the type of materials used for cabinet doors. Let’s take a look at individual costs of type of cabinet material.
1. Wood Cabinets
Wood cabinets need to be sanded and cleaned before painting them. It costs an extra amount from $5 to $10 just to sand the wood cabinets. If the wood cabinets have a glossy finish, it can cost an extra between $10 to $20.
2. Wood Veneer Cabinets
For wood veneer cabinets, you need an extra budget just for primer. It can cost you around $45 per gallon! So, if the cabinet has cracks or chips, take care of it first with the help of wood glue. You may need to spend $10 per 8-ounce bottle first.
3. Laminate Cabinets
Even if kitchen cabinets are laminated, they will need sanding. It can cost you an additional $5 to $10 to paint laminate cabinets. Due to lamination, you need to spend cost around $20 to $80 on primer as well before painting the kitchen cabinets.
4. MDF Cabinets
Also known as medium-density fiberboard cabinets, usually comes with drywall joint compound. It can cost you $10 at least for a 3.5 quarter bucket. For MDF cabinets, you need an oil-based primer that traditionally costs between $30 to $60 per gallon.
Transform Your Kitchen with a Splash of Color!
Painting or refinishing your kitchen cabinets can be an excellent investment in your home. It can significantly improve the appearance of your kitchen without requiring an entire renovation. Consider your budget, the condition of your cabinets, and the intended outcome when deciding which option to use. Whether you choose to paint or refinish your cabinets, hiring a professional can ensure a high-quality outcome that will keep your kitchen looking fresh and elegant for years to come.
Are you ready to update your kitchen cabinets? Don’t put it off any longer! Contact a professional painter immediately for a quote and to begin the process of transforming your kitchen.
