How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

Professional kitchen cabinet painting typically costs between $2,500 and $10,000, depending on the size of the kitchen, number of cabinet doors and drawers, cabinet condition, preparation required and additional options.

At Paint My Cabinets, kitchen cabinet painting projects start at $2,500.

There is no reliable one-price-fits-all number because two kitchens that look similar in size can have very different amounts of cabinetry.

The biggest factors affecting your cabinet painting cost include:

• Number of cabinet doors
• Number of drawer fronts
• Amount of fixed cabinetry
• Kitchen island
• Additional cabinets or built-ins
• Cabinet material
• Existing condition
• Previously painted surfaces
• Number of colours
• Optional oak grain filling
• Hardware changes
• Additional surface preparation

Paint My Cabinets provides quotes using photos and actual details from your kitchen rather than estimating based only on square footage.

Get Your Free Kitchen Cabinet Painting Quote

Kitchen Cabinet Painting Cost: The Quick Answer

For homeowners comparing kitchen update options, professional cabinet painting is normally the least expensive choice when the existing cabinet boxes, doors and drawer fronts are still in good condition.

What does professional cabinet painting cost?

Paint My Cabinets projects start at $2,500, while larger kitchens with extensive cabinetry, islands, additional cabinet sections or more complex preparation can cost considerably more.

A broad professional kitchen cabinet painting range is approximately:

$2,500 to $10,000

The exact price depends on your actual cabinetry rather than simply whether your kitchen is described as small, medium or large.

For example, a compact kitchen with many smaller doors and drawers may involve more refinishing work than a physically larger kitchen with fewer cabinet components.

That is why the most useful information for pricing is usually:

• Number of doors
• Number of drawers
• Photos of the complete kitchen
• Cabinet material
• Existing cabinet condition
• Whether the cabinets have been painted previously
• Whether there is an island
• Whether more than one colour is being used
• Whether oak grain filling is requested

If you already know you want your existing cabinets professionally refinished, you can learn more about our kitchen cabinet painting and refinishing service.

What Is Included in Professional Kitchen Cabinet Painting?

A professional cabinet painting quote should cover much more than applying paint to cabinet doors.

Paint My Cabinets combines on-site cabinet refinishing with off-site spray finishing of removable cabinet components.

Cabinet doors and drawer fronts [H3]

Cabinet doors and drawer fronts are:

• Removed
• Labelled
• Transported to our facility
• Cleaned and prepared
• Sanded as required
• Primed
• Professionally spray finished
• Returned to your home
• Reinstalled

We use professional airless and HVLP spray equipment for cabinet finishing.

Fixed cabinet sections

The exterior fixed portions of your cabinetry remain in your home and are professionally completed on-site.

Depending on the kitchen, these can include:

• Cabinet boxes
• Exposed side panels
• Suitable trim
• Crown moulding
• Valances
• Other visible fixed cabinet surfaces

The surrounding kitchen is protected before preparation and painting begins.

Professional cabinet coatings

Paint My Cabinets uses professional Renner cabinet coatings rather than treating kitchen cabinets like ordinary painted walls.

Renner is a professional Italian coating system designed for cabinetry and wood finishing.

Colours can be matched to Benjamin Moore colours.

Available finish options are:

• Matte
• Satin
• Semi-gloss

Learn more about choosing a colour in our kitchen cabinet colour guide.

Reinstallation

After the cabinet doors and drawer fronts have been completed off-site, they are returned and reinstalled.

Final reinstallation normally takes approximately two to four hours.

A typical complete cabinet painting project takes approximately 10 business days, while the on-site portion of the work normally takes approximately two days.

You can see how the work is completed in our cabinet painting process video.

What Affects the Cost of Painting Kitchen Cabinets?

The price of professional kitchen cabinet painting is primarily determined by the amount of work required to properly prepare and refinish the cabinetry.

1. Number of cabinet doors [H3]

More cabinet doors mean more pieces must be:

• Removed
• Labelled
• Cleaned
• Prepared
• Primed
• Spray finished
• Transported
• Reinstalled

This is one of the most important factors in determining cabinet painting cost.

2. Number of drawer fronts

Drawer fronts also need to be removed, prepared, refinished and reinstalled.

A kitchen with numerous drawers may therefore cost more than another kitchen with a similar footprint but fewer individual components.

3. Amount of fixed cabinetry

The amount of cabinetry that remains attached inside the kitchen also affects the project.

Larger cabinet runs, additional exposed panels, trim and other fixed surfaces require additional preparation and finishing on-site.

4. Kitchen islands

A kitchen island adds additional cabinet surfaces to the project.

Larger islands with doors, drawers, exposed panels and decorative details require more refinishing work than a kitchen without an island.

5. Additional cabinetry

Some kitchens contain cabinetry beyond the main kitchen runs.

Examples can include:

• Pantry cabinets
• Desk areas
• Built-in cabinet sections
• Bar cabinetry
• Additional upper cabinets
• Additional base cabinets

These surfaces increase the overall project scope.

6. Cabinet material

Different cabinet materials require different preparation.

Paint My Cabinets works with many suitable cabinet types, including:

• Oak
• Maple
• MDF
• Melamine
• Laminate
• Thermofoil in suitable condition
• Birch
• Cherry
• Veneer
• Other suitable wood and manufactured cabinet finishes

The existing material and finish need to be considered before the correct preparation process can be determined.

Does Painting Oak Cabinets Cost More?

Oak cabinets can be professionally painted and are often excellent candidates for refinishing.

The important difference is the natural grain.

Oak has a pronounced wood grain that can remain visible after painting.

Homeowners who prefer a smoother finished appearance can choose optional oak grain filling.

Because grain filling adds preparation work to the project, it can increase the total cost.

Oak grain filling can significantly reduce:

• Dark grain lines
• Strong visible wood texture
• The traditional appearance of older oak cabinetry

Grain filling does not completely eliminate every trace of natural wood texture.

See examples in our painted oak kitchen cabinet before-and-after gallery.

Does Cabinet Material Change the Price?

Material can affect the amount and type of preparation required, but condition is equally important.

Maple cabinets

Maple cabinets can usually be professionally refinished when the wood and existing coating remain in suitable condition.

Many maple kitchens can be transformed without replacing the cabinet boxes, doors or drawer fronts.

See our painted maple cabinet before-and-after projects.

MDF cabinets

MDF cabinet doors can provide a smooth surface for a painted finish when they remain in good condition.

Water-damaged or significantly swollen MDF is different because paint cannot repair deterioration inside the material.

Learn more about painting MDF cabinet doors.

Melamine cabinets

Melamine can often be painted when the existing surface remains properly attached and suitable for refinishing.

Because melamine has a smooth manufactured surface, proper preparation and adhesion are particularly important.

Read more about painting melamine kitchen cabinets.

Laminate cabinets

Many laminate cabinet surfaces can also be professionally painted when the laminate remains firmly attached and in suitable condition.

See our guide to painting laminate cabinets.

Thermofoil cabinets

Thermofoil can be painted when the existing thermofoil remains firmly attached and in suitable condition.

Peeling, damaged or separating thermofoil needs to be addressed before painting.

Paint My Cabinets does not remove thermofoil.

If the thermofoil has already been removed, the MDF underneath can be assessed to determine whether it is suitable for painting.

Learn more about painting thermofoil cabinets.

Do Previously Painted Cabinets Cost More to Repaint?

Previously painted kitchen cabinets require special consideration.

The main issue is not simply that paint is already present.

The existing coating must be properly bonded to the cabinet surface underneath it.

Problems can include:

• Peeling
• Chipping
• Flaking
• Poor adhesion
• Multiple failing layers of previous paint

A new professional coating cannot correct a failing coating underneath it.

Some previously painted cabinets require chemical stripping before they can be properly refinished.

Paint My Cabinets does not provide chemical stripping.

If your cabinets have already been painted, include clear close-up photos when requesting your quote so the existing condition can be reviewed.

Send Us Photos of Your Cabinets

Does Using Two Cabinet Colours Affect the Cost?

Using more than one cabinet colour can affect the amount of work required.

Common two-colour designs include:

• One colour on upper cabinets and another on lower cabinets
• Contrasting kitchen island
• White perimeter cabinets with a darker island
• Different colours between separate cabinet sections

The exact effect on your quote depends on the kitchen and the areas being finished in each colour.

If you are still deciding on colours, see our kitchen cabinet paint colour guide.

Can Changing Cabinet Handles Affect the Price?

Yes, depending on the replacement hardware.

If the new handles use the same existing hole spacing, changing the hardware is normally much simpler.

Additional work may be required when:

• Existing holes need to be filled
• New holes need to be drilled
• Handle spacing changes
• Knobs are being changed to pulls
• New pulls require different mounting locations

Learn more about changing cabinet handles after painting.

Are Cabinet Interiors Included in the Painting Cost?

Cabinet interiors are generally not painted as part of our standard kitchen cabinet painting service.

Our work focuses on the visible exterior cabinet surfaces.

This includes the exterior faces of the cabinet boxes, doors, drawer fronts and other suitable visible cabinet sections included in the quote.

Visible interiors behind glass cabinet doors can be discussed separately.

This is important when comparing cabinet painting quotes because two companies may appear to offer similar prices while quoting a different scope of work.

Why Cabinet Painting Quotes Can Be So Different

A lower cabinet painting quote is not necessarily for the same service.

Before comparing two prices, compare what each company is actually doing.

Ask what the quote includes

Find out:

• Are the cabinet doors removed?
• Are drawer fronts removed?
• Where are the doors and drawers finished?
• Are removable pieces professionally spray finished?
• Are the fixed cabinet boxes included?
• How are the cabinets cleaned and prepared?
• Are the cabinets sanded where required?
• Is proper priming included?
• What cabinet coating is being used?
• Is the company using professional cabinet coatings or ordinary wall paint?
• Are doors and drawers reinstalled?
• Is the company insured?
• Is there a written warranty?
• Are hardware changes included?
• Are there additional charges that are not shown in the initial quote?

A cabinet painting quote should clearly explain the scope of the work rather than simply provide a final number.

Why Proper Preparation Matters to the Cost

Cabinet painting is not the same as painting walls.

Kitchen cabinets are:

• Touched every day
• Opened and closed repeatedly
• Exposed to cooking residue
• Cleaned regularly
• Subjected to everyday wear

A durable finish depends on the work completed before the final cabinet coating is applied.

Professional preparation can involve:

• Cleaning
• Degreasing
• Sanding
• Adhesion preparation
• Priming
• Surface inspection
• Appropriate preparation for the existing material

The cheapest quote is not useful if important preparation steps have been removed to reach that price.

Professional Renner Cabinet Coatings

Paint My Cabinets uses professional Renner cabinet coatings for kitchen cabinet refinishing.

Renner coatings are designed for cabinetry and wood finishing rather than ordinary wall surfaces.

They can be matched to Benjamin Moore colours and are available in:

• Matte
• Satin
• Semi-gloss

Using a professional cabinet coating is part of the complete refinishing system along with preparation, priming and professional application.

Paint My Cabinets also provides a 5-year warranty on our cabinet painting work.

Learn more about our cabinet painting warranty.

Kitchen Cabinet Painting vs Refacing vs Replacement Cost

The right option depends on what is actually wrong with your existing cabinets.

Cabinet painting and refinishing

Painting normally makes the most sense when:

• Cabinet boxes remain structurally sound
• Doors are in good condition
• Drawer fronts are in good condition
• You like the existing kitchen layout
• You like the current cabinet door style
• The main problem is the colour, stain or appearance

You keep the existing cabinetry and change its finished appearance.

This is normally the lowest-cost option of the three when the existing cabinets are worth keeping.

Cabinet refacing

Refacing is worth considering when:

• Cabinet boxes are still good
• Existing doors are significantly damaged
• New doors are required
• You want a completely different cabinet door style

The existing cabinet boxes are generally retained while doors and drawer fronts are replaced.

Cabinet replacement

Complete cabinet replacement makes more sense when:

• Cabinet boxes are badly damaged
• The kitchen layout needs to change
• Existing cabinetry functions poorly
• Significant additional cabinetry is required
• The current cabinet system is no longer worth keeping

Replacing structurally sound cabinetry simply because the colour looks dated may be unnecessary.

See our complete cabinet painting vs refacing comparison.

Is Professional Kitchen Cabinet Painting Worth the Cost?

It can be when the existing cabinetry is still worth keeping.

Professional refinishing allows you to retain:

• Cabinet boxes
• Cabinet doors
• Drawer fronts
• Existing kitchen layout

while changing the colour and finished appearance of the kitchen.

Painting may be a particularly good option when:

• You are happy with the layout
• Your cabinets function properly
• Cabinet boxes remain strong
• Cabinet doors are still in good condition
• You simply dislike the existing wood stain or colour

If the cabinetry itself is failing, painting is not a substitute for repair, refacing or replacement.

How Long Does Professional Cabinet Painting Take?

A typical Paint My Cabinets project takes approximately 10 business days from the start of the project through final reinstallation.

The on-site portion of the work normally takes approximately two days.

Cabinet doors and drawer fronts are then completed off-site.

Once the work inside your home is finished, you can use your kitchen while the removable pieces are being professionally spray finished.

Final reinstallation normally takes approximately two to four hours.

Learn more about our complete professional cabinet painting process.

How to Get an Accurate Kitchen Cabinet Painting Price

The fastest way to determine what your kitchen will cost is to provide enough information to accurately assess the project.

When requesting a quote, provide:

• Photos showing the complete kitchen
• Number of cabinet doors
• Number of drawer fronts
• Photos of the kitchen island, if applicable
• Close-up photos of damaged areas
• Close-up photos of peeling areas
• Information about previously painted cabinets
• Details about any hardware changes
• Whether you want one or multiple cabinet colours
• Whether you are interested in oak grain filling

The more accurately the project is shown, the more accurately it can be priced.

Paint My Cabinets provides convenient photo-based online quotes.

Get Your Free Cabinet Painting Quote

Professional Kitchen Cabinet Painting Service Areas

Paint My Cabinets provides professional cabinet painting and refinishing throughout Toronto, the GTA, Simcoe County and surrounding communities.

Some of our major service areas include:

• Kitchen cabinet painting in Toronto
• Mississauga kitchen cabinet refinishing
• Kitchen cabinet painting in Brampton
• Markham kitchen cabinet painting and refinishing
• Vaughan kitchen cabinet refinishing
• Oakville kitchen cabinet painting
• Kitchen cabinet painting in Burlington
• Barrie kitchen cabinet painting and refinishing
• Richmond Hill kitchen cabinet painting

See our complete list of kitchen cabinet painting service areas.

Kitchen Cabinet Painting Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to professionally paint kitchen cabinets?

Professional kitchen cabinet painting can range from approximately $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the size and scope of the project.

Paint My Cabinets projects start at $2,500.

The final price depends on the number of doors and drawers, amount of fixed cabinetry, cabinet condition, material, island, additional cabinetry and optional work.

What is the biggest factor affecting cabinet painting cost?

The amount of cabinetry is one of the biggest factors.

The number of cabinet doors and drawer fronts is particularly important because every removable component needs to be removed, prepared, refinished and reinstalled.

Is it cheaper to paint or replace kitchen cabinets?

Painting is normally the less expensive option when the existing cabinet boxes, doors and drawer fronts are structurally sound.

Replacement becomes more appropriate when the existing cabinetry is damaged, the layout needs to change or the cabinets are no longer worth keeping.

Is painting cheaper than cabinet refacing?

Painting is normally less expensive when the existing doors and drawer fronts are still worth keeping.

Refacing becomes more relevant when you need new doors or want a completely different cabinet door style.

Does painting oak cabinets cost more?

Not necessarily, but optional oak grain filling adds preparation work and can increase the total project cost.

Oak can be painted without grain filling if you are comfortable with some natural wood grain remaining visible.

Does the cabinet colour affect the price?

The project scope and number of colours can affect pricing.

Using a separate colour for an island or creating a two-colour kitchen can require additional work compared with refinishing the complete kitchen in one colour.

What cabinet finishes are available?

Paint My Cabinets offers:

• Matte
• Satin
• Semi-gloss

Renner cabinet coatings can be matched to Benjamin Moore colours.

Are the cabinet doors spray painted?

Yes.

Cabinet doors and drawer fronts are removed and professionally spray finished off-site using professional fine-finish spray equipment.

Fixed cabinet sections remain in the home and are completed on-site.

Are cabinet interiors included?

Cabinet interiors are generally not painted.

The standard service focuses on visible exterior surfaces.

Visible interiors behind glass cabinet doors can be discussed separately.

Can you paint previously painted cabinets?

Sometimes.

The existing coating must still be properly bonded.

Cabinets with peeling, chipping or failing previous paint may require chemical stripping before they can be professionally refinished.

Paint My Cabinets does not provide chemical stripping.

Can you paint thermofoil cabinets?

Thermofoil cabinets can be painted when the thermofoil remains properly attached and in suitable condition.

Paint My Cabinets does not remove peeling thermofoil.

How long does professional cabinet painting take?

A typical Paint My Cabinets project takes approximately 10 business days.

The on-site portion normally takes approximately two days, followed by off-site finishing of the doors and drawer fronts and final reinstallation.

How do I get an exact cabinet painting price?

Send photos showing your complete kitchen along with the number of cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

Include close-up photos of any damage, previously painted surfaces or other areas that may require additional preparation.

Get Your Kitchen Cabinet Painting Quote

If your kitchen cabinets are still structurally sound and worth keeping, professional refinishing can completely change their appearance without replacing the existing cabinetry.

Paint My Cabinets provides:

• Professional kitchen cabinet painting and refinishing
• Off-site cabinet door and drawer-front spray finishing
• Professional Renner cabinet coatings
• Benjamin Moore colour matching
• Matte, satin and semi-gloss finishes
• Optional oak grain filling
• Professional airless and HVLP spray equipment
• 5-year warranty
• Fully insured service
• Projects starting at $2,500
• Approximately 10-business-day project timeline

Send us photos of your kitchen along with your cabinet door and drawer counts to receive your quote.

Get Your Free Kitchen Cabinet Painting Quote