Free · no signup · no contractor calls · Updated July 2026
Cabinet Painting Estimate Calculator
Can I DIY? · DIY-FriendlyPainting kitchen cabinets costs $900–$3,800 for a typical kitchen in 2026 (about $30–$70 per linear foot; ~$941 average). A small kitchen runs $900–$1,800; a standard kitchen $1,500–$3,000; a large or heavily detailed kitchen $2,500–$6,500. DIY materials cost $200–$600 but take days of prep. Use the calculator below for a figure matched to your kitchen.
Educational calculators — always consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions.
DIY covers materials only; professional includes labor, prep, and spray equipment.
Includes spray equipment, prep, and finish coat. Best quality result. Most homeowners choose professional for kitchen cabinets.
Average kitchen has 15–25 doors. Count upper and lower separately.
Average kitchen has 6–12 drawer fronts.
Acrylic latex is most popular. Alkyd and enamel provide harder, more durable finish.
Water-based, easy cleanup, low VOC. Most popular for cabinets. Cures to a hard finish in 2–4 weeks.
Poor condition requires more sanding, cleaning, and prep — adds 25–55% to cost.
Cabinets are structurally sound with no peeling or heavy grease. Minimal prep adds little cost.
Select all that apply.
Total Painting Cost
$2,500 – $6,000
Professional — 30 total doors & drawers
DIY materials only would save ~74% on average
Cost Breakdown
Where Your Money Goes
Estimates reflect national averages for educational purposes only. Professional painters in high cost-of-living areas may charge 20–40% more.
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Cabinet painting cost overview
How it works
Count cabinet doors and drawers
Count all cabinet faces — both upper and lower — including any pantry doors.
Choose paint type and finish
Oil-based alkyd (most durable), water-based hybrid, or latex — finish affects sheen and hardness.
Get pro vs DIY estimate
Professional spray painting gives a factory finish; brushing/rolling is DIY-friendly but shows texture.
Cabinet Painting Cost by Kitchen Size
| Kitchen | Professional (installed) |
|---|---|
| Small kitchen / economy | $900–$1,800 |
| Standard kitchen | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Large / detailed | $2,500–$6,500 |
DIY materials cost $200–$600 but take days of prep and drying. A typical kitchen averages about $941.
Why paint (and what drives the price)
Painting cabinets transforms a kitchen for a fraction of new cabinets or refacing — averaging around $900–$3,800 for a typical kitchen. What moves the price:
- Number of doors & drawers — priced per piece, so a big kitchen costs more.
- Prep & condition — greasy or previously-painted cabinets need more cleaning, sanding, and priming.
- Color change — dark-to-white needs extra coats and a stain-blocking primer.
- Paint & method — a sprayed enamel (Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane) gives the smoothest, most durable finish.
Paint or replace, and material limits
Paint when the boxes and doors are structurally sound — solid wood and MDF take paint beautifully. Replace or reface when doors are warped or water-damaged, or they're laminate/thermofoil, which paint won't bond to reliably without special primer (and often peels anyway).
DIY vs. pro, questions & red flags
DIY materials run $200–$600 but it's days of meticulous prep and drying, and brush marks show. Pros spray in a controlled setup for a factory-smooth result.
- Do you degrease, sand, and prime before painting?
- What paint, sprayed or brushed, and how many coats?
- How long until the doors can be handled/reinstalled? (Skipping degrease + prime is why painted cabinets chip at the handles.)
Methodology & sources
The cost figures on this page are generated from a single, sourced cost-data file (Professionally painted kitchen cabinets, typical kitchen ($30–$70 per linear ft). National average estimate for 2026.). DIY materials cost $200–$600 but take days of prep and drying. Averages about $941; large or heavily detailed kitchens reach $6,500. Last verified July 2026.
- HomeGuide — Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets (2026) — retrieved 2026-07-13
- Angi — Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets (2026) — retrieved 2026-07-13
About this calculator
How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?+
Professional cabinet painting costs $900–$3,800 for a typical kitchen with 20 doors and 10 drawers; large or heavily detailed kitchens reach $6,500. Per-door cost is $100–$250 professionally. DIY painting costs $200–$600 in materials. The main cost driver is whether you hire a professional painter who uses a spray setup for factory-smooth results.
Is painting kitchen cabinets worth it?+
Yes — painting cabinets costs 50–70% less than full cabinet replacement. A professional paint job can last 8–12 years with proper prep and high-quality paint. It's most cost-effective when cabinet boxes and hinges are in good condition and you just want a style refresh.
What is the best paint for kitchen cabinets?+
Alkyd or acrylic enamel paints are most durable for cabinets — they cure to a hard, washable finish. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane and Benjamin Moore Advance are top professional choices. Avoid latex wall paint — it's too soft and won't stand up to kitchen grease and moisture.
How long does cabinet painting take?+
Professional cabinet painting takes 2–4 days: 1 day for removal and prep, 1–2 days for spraying and drying between coats, and 0.5–1 day for reinstallation. DIY brush painting takes 3–7 days due to slower dry times and more coats needed to avoid brush marks.
Should I paint or replace my kitchen cabinets?+
Paint if: cabinet boxes are structurally sound, you like the layout, and budget is a priority. Replace if: boxes are warped or damaged, you want more storage or a new layout, or you're planning to sell and want maximum ROI. Painting costs $900–$3,800 for a typical kitchen vs. replacement at $5,000–$30,000+.
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Cabinet Painting Estimate Calculator is built and maintained by the RealCostIQ editorial team. Cost ranges and rates are checked against published industry data and contractor quotes, and revised when the underlying figures move. Read our data methodology or more about who builds this. Every calculation runs in your browser — no account, and none of your inputs are stored.
Cost ranges and rates here are checked against contractor quotes and published industry data. If a number still looks off, email Support@RealCostIQ.com and we'll review and fix it.