Average Cost of Painting Kitchen Cabinets

If you want to change the look of your kitchen, you can have your kitchen cabinets painted. You can choose from different paint types and finishes, depending on your taste and budget. You can also choose between water-based paint and oil-based paints. Depending on your budget, the average cost of painting your cabinets will vary.
Cost per cabinet face method

When painting kitchen cabinets, it is important to remember that every cabinet has its own unique needs and can require different materials and instructions. The cost to paint one cabinet can vary by as much as $150 to $500. In addition to the paint itself, contractors will need to remove cabinet doors and sand them smooth. This can be time-consuming and expensive.

The quality of paint is also a factor, since glossy paints are usually more expensive than eggshell or satin finishes. Quality primer can make or break the total cost, as well. Cabinets with flat panels are often easier to paint than ones with grooves, and the cost per cabinet face method is more reasonable when painting these types of cabinets. Paintbrushes will be useful in reaching the recessed edges, while rollers or sprayers will create an even surface.
Cost per square foot method

When you are ready to have your kitchen cabinets painted, it is important to determine how much each square foot will cost. This is done by taking measurements of each cabinet’s height and width, from left to right, and multiplying the total by square footage. The price will be different for each cabinet, so be sure to estimate the cost of each one accordingly.

Costs also depend on the type of cabinet and the color. If you’re going from dark cabinets to light ones, you’ll need to add additional coats of paint and a higher-end primer. Additionally, if your cabinets are in good shape, you won’t need to hire additional help, but if they’re damaged, you’ll likely need a professional to clean them and repair them.
Cost per cabinet

The cost per cabinet for painting your kitchen cabinets is determined by a number of factors, including the size of your kitchen and the number of cabinets. Generally speaking, larger kitchens have more cabinets and therefore require more labor to paint. Other factors that contribute to the cost of having your kitchen cabinets painted include the number of doors, drawers and linear feet of cabinets. Moreover, the location of your home may affect the cost of hiring a painter.

A good painter will be able to estimate the cost per cabinet face because the number of cabinets in your kitchen is correlated to the total surface area. A small kitchen will require less painting than a large one, as the surface area will be smaller. Larger kitchens, on the other hand, require more paint, drop cloths, and labor time.
Oil-based vs. water-based paints

Oil-based paints have a more traditional look that is popular among purists. However, the drying time with these paints is lengthy and may take a full day. On the other hand, latex paint dries in a few hours and has a lower VOC. It is also cheaper and easier to apply.

If you are painting wood cabinets, you may want to consider oil-based paints. This type of paint has a smooth finish and will hide any imperfections on the surface without highlighting them. Oil-based paint is also thicker and may require more time to apply than water-based paints. This type of paint does not drip as much and usually requires one coat to cover the entire surface.
Slab vs. mitered cabinet doors

If you want a smooth, flat surface for your kitchen cabinet doors, you can choose a mitered or slab-style door. To create the mitered edge, use a router with a fixed base and a 3/8-inch round-over bit. Set the depth of the cut to allow only a minimal amount of stock to be removed. You can also use a table saw jointer jig.

Mitered cabinet doors are typically better constructed. They are more durable and can withstand everyday use. However, they can cost more than slab-style doors. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of both before making your final decision.