Cabinet making costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Professional kitchen cabinet painting costs between $425 and $1,466, with most homeowners paying around $942 for your refinishing project.
Cabinet type and door style affect your total, with simple stock cabinets costing less than custom designs or specialty finishes.
Remember to account for prep work like cleaning and sanding, hardware replacement, and potential repairs before painting when you create your budget.
Hiring a local cabinet refinishing professional ensures your kitchen cabinets receive durable coverage and helps the home retain value.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
In 2026, the national average cost to paint kitchen cabinets spans from $425 to $1,466, based on data from 13,847 verified projects reported by Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay somewhere in that range, though costs can run as low as $180 for a small DIY effort or as high as $3,200 for a large, professionally painted kitchen. Cabinet size, door style, and whether you hire a pro are the biggest factors driving that spread.
Several factors influence the total cost to paint kitchen cabinets. Let’s break down the main considerations so you can budget confidently.
The type of cabinets you have is one of the biggest factors in your total painting cost. Stock cabinets are the most affordable option due to their simple, mass-produced construction, while semi-custom cabinets require extra prep time for their intricate details or unique sizes. Custom cabinets—with complex designs or premium materials—are the most expensive to refinish. The table below breaks down the average cabinet painting cost by type of cabinet:
| Cabinet Type | Description | Cost Range in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | Basic, mass-produced cabinets | $900–$2,000 |
| Semi-custom | Mid-range, some custom features | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Custom | Fully custom sizes/designs | $2,500–$7,000 |
| Specialty finish | Glaze, distress, two-tone | Add $500–$2,000 |
Cabinet door style also matters. Shaker and slab doors are easier and faster to paint than raised-panel or highly detailed designs, which require more time to achieve proper coverage. Cabinets that are already painted need less prep than those with a stained or varnished finish. Specialty finishes, like glazing, distressing, or two-tone color schemes, will add to your total cost.
Kitchen size determines how much you'll spend on cabinet painting, since more doors and drawers mean more materials and labor. Most painters charge $30 to $60 per linear foot or $100 to $250 per door. A small galley kitchen will cost significantly less than a large open-concept layout with 25+ doors and drawers. The table below breaks down the average cabinet painting cost based on kitchen size:
| Kitchen Size | Number of Cabinets | Cost Range in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Small (galley) | 8–12 | $900–$1,500 |
| Medium | 13–20 | $1,500–$2,800 |
| Large | 21–35+ | $2,800–$5,000+ |
Cabinet material affects both prep work and paint selection, and it plays a direct role in your overall project cost. Solid wood is the easiest surface to paint, offering excellent adhesion, while MDF absorbs more primer, and laminate or metal surfaces require specialty bonding primers. Oil-based paints deliver a durable finish but take longer to dry, whereas water-based latex or specialty cabinet paints are easier to apply and often cost less per gallon. Budget for extra supplies—primer, sandpaper, degreasers, brushes, rollers, and sprayers—in addition to the paint itself.
The table below breaks down the average cost to paint kitchen cabinets depending on material type:
| Material Type | Paint/Primer Needed | Cost Range in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solid wood | Standard primer/paint | $200–$400 |
| MDF | Extra primer, latex/acrylic | $250–$500 |
| Laminate | Bonding primer, specialty paint | $300–$600 |
| Metal | Metal primer, enamel paint | $300–$700 |
Labor accounts for 70% to 80% of the total cost of painting kitchen cabinets, making it the largest line item in your budget. Most pros charge $20 to $60 per hour, though some price by linear foot or by the overall project scope. Rates vary by location—urban and high cost-of-living areas run higher than rural regions—and more detailed or damaged cabinets increase both labor time and cost. Professional painters, carpenters, and specialty refinishers all offer this service, so it's worth comparing quotes to find the right fit.
Proper prep is essential for a long-lasting, professional-looking cabinet finish and can account for up to half of the total project cost. The process includes cleaning and degreasing every surface, sanding to create a smooth base, repairing dents or damage, removing all hardware, and masking off countertops, appliances, and floors. If cabinets need repairs or hardware replacement before painting, expect your total to increase accordingly. Skipping or rushing prep is one of the most common reasons cabinet paint jobs fail prematurely.
Tipping is not required for cabinet painting work, but it’s a thoughtful way to recognize quality craftsmanship. For larger jobs, a tip of 10% to 15% of the labor portion is a common benchmark. You can offer cash or another payment method at the end of the project, particularly if you are pleased with the results and the crew's professionalism.
Several additional factors can push your cabinet painting costs higher than the baseline estimate. Stripping old paint or varnish adds to labor time, and post-painting cleanup or material disposal may carry a small fee. Decorative upgrades like new hardware, soft-close hinges, or under-cabinet lighting will increase your total outlay. Specialty finishes, custom colors, and rush timelines can also add to the final cost.
Maintaining freshly painted kitchen cabinets is straightforward, but planning for ongoing costs helps you protect your investment over time. Routine upkeep, occasional touch-ups, and eventual repainting are the three main budget categories to keep in mind.
Routine cleaning with gentle, non-abrasive products is the most effective way to keep painted cabinets looking sharp. For minor chips or scratches, touch-up paint and supplies cost under $50 per year. Most painted cabinets need a full repaint every 8 to 12 years, depending on wear and tear, and handling touch-ups yourself can keep that eventual cost well below the original project price.
The table below breaks down the average cost of cabinet painting maintenance tasks:
| Maintenance | Description | Cost Range in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Routine cleaning | Gentle, non-abrasive cleaners | Under $50 per year |
| Full repaint | Every 8 to 12 years | A fraction of the original project |
| Touch-up paint and supplies | Minor chips or scratches | Under $50 per year |
Painted cabinets can develop chips, peeling, or scratches over time, and repair costs vary widely based on the extent of the damage. Small repairs are DIY-friendly and cost under $100 for materials, making them easy to handle without professional help. Water damage or warping requires more involved work before repainting, with repair costs running $200 to $500 or more, depending on severity. Hiring a pro for repairs adds to your total but ensures a seamless, long-lasting finish.
The table below breaks down the average cost of cabinet painting repairs based on type:
| Repair Type | Description | Cost Range in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Small repairs | Chips, peeling, or scratches | Under $100 |
| Water damage or warping repairs | Before repainting | $200 to $500 or more |
| Hiring a pro for repairs | Seamless finish | Adds to the total cost |
A DIY cabinet painting project typically requires $200 to $600 in materials for an average kitchen, covering paint, primer, brushes, rollers, sandpaper, cleaning supplies, and safety gear. The primary savings come from skipping labor costs, but plan to invest 20 to 40 hours or more for prep, painting, and reassembly. DIY kitchen cabinet painting works best for homeowners with patience and the right tools, but mistakes can lead to costly repairs or a full redo. If your cabinets have complex details, specialty finishes, or significant damage, hiring a local painting pro is the smarter investment.
Looking to save on your cabinet painting project? Here are smart, practical ways to cut costs
Get multiple quotes from local painters to compare pricing and services.
Prep cabinets yourself by cleaning, sanding, and removing hardware before the pros arrive.
Choose standard paint colors and finishes rather than custom or specialty options.
Bundle cabinet painting with other kitchen updates for potential discounts from contractors.
Schedule your project during off-peak seasons, when painters may offer lower rates.
Buy materials in bulk or during sales if you plan to DIY.
Maintain cabinets with gentle cleaning to extend the life of your new paint.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriorsMy kitchen cabinets look brand new thanks to Custom Paint Jobs LLC. Their refinishing is exceptional.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCIf I could give 10 stars for Kitchen Tune Up, I would. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Kitchen Tune Up and the entire team involved in the process of my kitchen project. They went above and beyond as far as service and quality with my cabinets, paint, countertops, and...
We live in a condo and had space to add a tall cabinet. The problem was the space was already occupied by our catsâ litter box. We needed to still keep the litter box in that same corner. Beiler Custom Cabinets was able to work with our need and design request. What was created was an...
Beiler Custom Cabinets, LTDAbsolutely amazing, Rob and his team are extremely efficient and professional. Pink Dumpster Rentals, Demolition, And Hauling is a go to for getting my property cleared up so we can pursue the upgrades we want to make on our home.
Pink Dumpster Rentals, Demolition, And HaulingThey work that 360 did on my kitchen cabinets is nothing short of amazing. I still cannot believe the difference from before and after. Jon and Jeff were both so incredibly professional throughout the whole process and their communications with me were constant and consistent. These guys...
360 Painting ColumbusI had a variety of projects around my house. The work was done quickly and correctly. I was kept informed of every step during the projects and they followed up with me to make sure it was all good.
House DoctorsPhil understood the style I wanted and suggested options for materials (unlike the standard kitchen folks who kept pushing the same cabinets everyone buys). He stepped through all the decisions about the details with me, using his computer program to show the differences between the choices....
Baker Group RemodelingI had a great experience with this company. They installed a small TV on the wall of my kitchen between two cabinets. Team came out and did a very thorough inspection and quote. The rep who installed the TV had to do some extra work to snake the cords behind the wall from the top cabinets...
The Theater PeopleI couldn't be more pleased with the job Ryan and his team did! My old oak kitchen cabinets now look like brand new white ones. They were able to provide an estimate based on my photos that was far below other companies I checked with, and that was the final price too. They were able to come...
Rhino Painting & Color Consulting LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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