Cut Costs By Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets - A Complete DIY Guide
Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Are you dreaming of an updated space but don't want to spend thousands on a full remodel? Painting the cabinets can transform the look of your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about DIY cabinet painting - from cost estimates to steps for professionally painted results. Read on to learn how to cut costs while revitalizing your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint!
Painting cabinets allows you to refresh your kitchen on a budget. The cost to paint cabinets professionally ranges from $2,000-$4,500 depending on factors like cabinet size and paint type. But many homeowners opt to paint their cabinets themselves and save thousands in the process. DIY cabinet painting costs between $300-$1,000 for supplies. With some time and effort, you can give your kitchen a makeover for less!

Costs of Painting Kitchen Cabinets
To set realistic expectations, it's important to understand the average costs associated with cabinet painting projects. Here's an overview of typical pricing whether you hire out the work or take it on as a DIY job.
Average Costs of Cabinet Painting Projects
Professionally painted: $2,000-$4,500 - Hiring a professional painter to refinish your cabinets comes with an increased cost, but saves you time and effort. Most pro painters charge by the square foot for labor and paint.
DIY painted: $300-$1,000 - With the right prep work and paint products, you can paint your own kitchen cabinets for a fraction of the cost. DIY pricing depends on how many cabinets you're painting and materials needed.
On average, painting cabinets yourself can save $1,000-$3,500 over hiring a professional. But be prepared to spend more time on the DIY route.
Cost Factors To Consider
Several variables impact the total cost of painting kitchen cabinets whether DIY or professionally done. Key factors that affect pricing include:
- Number of cabinets/cabinet size - More surface area equals higher paint and labor costs.
- Cabinet door material and construction - Solid wood vs laminate; framed vs frameless.
- Type of paint - Specialty cabinet paints cost more than standard latex wall paint.
- Sheen - High-gloss finishes are most durable but pricier than matte.
- Priming - May require multiple primer coats for full coverage.
- Hiring a professional vs DIY - Painter's rates add $2k or more to costs.
Also consider if your cabinets need repairs or new hardware. Add those supplies into your budget. Being realistic about all costs helps avoid surprises down the road.
Prep Work for Painting Cabinets
Proper prep work and cleaning ensures the new paint adheres well and provides a smooth finished look. Don't skip these important first steps!
Cleaning and Sanding Cabinets
Thoroughly clean inside and outside cabinet surfaces with TSP cleaner or a grease-cutting degreaser. Remove all dirt, oil and grime so paint bonds properly. Use a deglosser on surfaces with glossy or enamel finishes.
Lightly sand cabinet frames, doors and drawers using 220 grit sandpaper. This roughs up the surface for better paint adhesion. Fill any holes with wood filler and let dry completely.
Removing and Storing Hardware
Remove all hardware including hinges, pulls, knobs and handles before painting. Label each piece so you know where it gets reinstalled later. Take doors off cabinets and drawers out of frames so you can paint all surfaces.
Priming Cabinets
Quality primer builds a uniform surface for the new paint. For wood cabinets, use a high-adhesion primer like Zinsser BIN Shellac. For laminate cabinets, apply an oil-based bonding primer. Often multiple primer coats are needed for full coverage. Allow primer to dry fully between coats.
DIY Cabinet Painting Steps
Now comes the fun part - applying the fresh new paint! Follow these steps for foolproof results on your DIY cabinet painting project. Proper paint prep and application transforms your kitchen.
Choosing the Right Paint
For wood cabinets, opt for a high-quality acrylic latex paint formulated just for cabinets, like Cabinet Coat by INSL-X or Cabinet, Door & Trim Paint by Sherwin-Williams. Latex paint adheres well and cures to a durable finish. For laminate cabinets, use an oil-based paint.
Consider the sheen carefully. High-gloss gives a smooth, luxurious look that's easy to clean. Satin, semi-gloss or eggshell offer subtle sheen. Matte paint hides imperfections well but needs gentle cleaning. Most homeowners choose satin or semi-gloss paint for cabinet durability.
Paint Application Process
Apply cabinet paint in thin, even coats using a high-quality angled sash brush, mini foam roller, or HVLP paint sprayer. Work methodically to ensure full coverage. Use the angled brush to get into grooves and edges.
Let paint dry fully between coats according to manufacturer specs. This usually takes 2-4 hours. Sand lightly between coats to smooth drips or bumps. Apply 2-3 total coats for a flawless, protected finish.
Reinstalling Cabinet Hardware
Once the final coat of paint has cured for the recommended time, reattach the hardware you removed before painting. Use a drill or screwdriver to carefully realign each hinge and pull. Touch up paint around hardware as needed to hide screw holes.
Hiring a Professional vs DIY
Painting cabinets is a time-consuming process, so many homeowners hire a professional for convenience. But DIY cabinet painting can reap big savings. Here are the main pros and cons of each option.
Pros of Hiring a Pro Painter
- Less work for you - No need to source supplies or spend days prepping.
- Faster project timeline - Experts paint quickly with less drying time needed.
- Expert skills for best results - Perfect finish with no visible brush strokes.
Pros of DIY Painting
- Significant cost savings - Thousands less than hiring a professional.
- Customize the paint color/finish - Choose any style you want.
- Learn a new skill - Valuable DIY and home improvement skills.
Weigh the time commitment and cost savings to decide if DIY or pro painter is the best route for your kitchen cabinet paint job.
Painting kitchen cabinets delivers an instant kitchen update without the high cost of full replacement. With proper preparation, application and quality paint, you can transform the look for thousands less than a remodel.
While DIY cabinet painting requires more sweat equity, it offers huge potential savings over hiring a professional. Follow the steps outlined here for gorgeous results. With some patience and elbow grease, you can give your kitchen a fresh new look just by painting the existing cabinets!