How Much Does Professional Cabinet Painting Cost? A 2024 Guide

Does your kitchen feel tired? Are your cabinets solid, but the finish is faded or dated? Cabinet painting is a smart way to give your space new life—without emptying your savings or living through a full remodel.

But what’s the real cost of professional cabinet painting in 2024? At Lemus Painting, we know the numbers matter. Let’s break down what you can expect, what goes into the price, and how to make a confident choice.

Typical Cabinet Painting Costs

Let’s start with the big question: What’s a typical price range for professional cabinet painting? Here’s what most homeowners will see in 2024:

• Small kitchen or bathroom (10–20 doors/drawers): $1,200–$3,000
• Average kitchen (20–35 doors/drawers): $2,500–$6,500
• Large kitchen or complex layout (35+ doors/drawers): $5,500–$10,000+

These numbers cover standard prep, painting, and finish work using quality materials. If you want a specialty look—like glazed finishes, two-tone styles, or textured finishes—expect to pay more. Repainting bathroom vanities or built-ins? The cost is usually lower, since there’s less surface to cover.

It’s important to remember: Every project is unique. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to have a professional from Lemus Painting assess your cabinets in person.

What Affects the Total Price? 🏠

Painting cabinets isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. Here are the biggest factors influencing your price:

Cabinet Size and Quantity

The more doors, drawers, and trim pieces, the more time and materials. A sprawling kitchen with a big island? That’s more surface to prep, prime, and finish.

Cabinet Material

Wood, MDF, laminate, or metal? Each material needs a different prep and paint process. Solid wood is the gold standard for painting, but it may need extra sanding or repair. Laminate and metal may require specialty coatings.

Condition and Prep Level

Are your cabinets in good shape, or do they need fixing? More repairs, cleaning, or paint removal means more labor. If your cabinets have old lead paint, safe removal (per EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule) is a must, and that adds cost.

Finish Type

Flat, satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss? Specialty finishes like faux wood grain, color blocking, or distressing take more time and skill.

Complexity and Layout

Glass-front doors, crown molding, or detailed trim add to the complexity. Tight corners and built-ins can be trickier to paint than wide-open cabinet fronts.

Geographic Location

Labor rates vary. Cabinet painting near you may cost more or less depending on local market rates and material costs.

Extra Services

Need hardware replaced? Want interior shelves or the cabinet boxes painted, too? Each add-on increases the price.

Cabinet Painting vs. Replacement

Cabinet painting isn’t just about looks—it’s about smart spending. Here’s how it stacks up against replacement:

• Cabinet replacement: Even for modest kitchens, new cabinets (plus labor and disposal) can run $10,000–$25,000 or more.
• Cabinet refacing: New doors and veneer can cost $7,000–$15,000.
• Professional cabinet painting: Quality results for a fraction of the price, often in less than a week.

Unless your cabinets are falling apart, painting is the clear winner for most homeowners. It’s like giving your kitchen a fresh coat of confidence.

What’s Included in a Pro Cabinet Painting Job?

A reputable painting company does more than slap on a coat of paint. Here’s what you should expect:

• Thorough cleaning and degreasing
• Repairs: Filling holes, smoothing chips, tightening hinges
• Removal of doors, drawers, and hardware
• Meticulous masking and protection for floors, counters, and appliances
• Sanding, dust control, and surface prep
• Quality primer and topcoats (spray, brush, or roller as appropriate)
• Multiple coats for even coverage
• Final reinstallation and clean-up

Ask your painter exactly what’s included—no detail is too small.

Signs of Quality Workmanship (and Red Flags)

What separates a lasting finish from a quick fix? Look for these hallmarks of a job well done:

• Smooth, even surfaces—no drips, brush marks, or fuzzy edges
• Cabinet doors close smoothly, with hardware reinstalled correctly
• Crisp lines where cabinets meet walls and counters
• No paint on hinges, glass, or inside drawers (unless requested)
• Worksite left tidy, with all masking removed

Red flag: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Lowball offers often mean rushed prep, cheap materials, or shortcuts. Poor prep means paint peels, chips, or fades in months—not years.

How to Get an Accurate Cabinet Painting Estimate

Here’s how to help your painter give you a realistic quote:

• Count your cabinet doors, drawers, and panels
• Snap photos of your kitchen or bathroom from several angles
• Note any damage, repairs needed, or old coatings (like stain, varnish, or paint)
• Decide if you want inside surfaces or just exteriors painted
• Gather inspiration photos for your desired look

A professional estimator will walk you through the rest.

Practical Tips for Homeowners

• Schedule during off-peak seasons: Painters may have more availability and competitive pricing in late fall or winter.
• Keep your cabinets empty: Clearing contents speeds up the process.
• Ask about eco-friendly options: Low-VOC paints keep indoor air healthier, especially for families and pets.
• Verify insurance and EPA lead-safe certification: Especially important for older homes (built before 1978).

For more details on safety, the EPA’s RRP Rule spells out homeowner and contractor responsibilities when dealing with lead paint.

FAQ: Cabinet Painting Costs and Process

Is it cheaper to paint cabinets or replace them?

Painting is much less expensive than new cabinets. You’ll spend roughly a quarter—or less—compared to full replacement.

How long does professional cabinet painting take?

Most jobs last 3–7 days, depending on size and finish type. Drying times and prep can add a day or two for big or complex projects.

Can you paint laminate cabinets?

Yes, but it requires special primers and careful prep. A pro knows how to make paint stick and last.

Will painted cabinets chip or peel?

With proper prep and high-quality coatings, a professional job should last for many years. Avoid harsh cleaners and handle doors gently for best results.

Local and Seasonal Considerations

Some regional factors can sway your project’s price and timing:

• Humidity: Can affect paint drying and curing times. Your pro will plan accordingly.
• Seasonal demand: Spring and summer are busy. Book early to get your preferred dates.
• Eco-friendly paints: Available everywhere, but some regions incentivize low-VOC or green options.

For specialty projects—like Concrete Staining near you, mural painting, or cabinet refinishing—ask about timing and prep best suited to your climate.

Ready to transform your kitchen or bath with fresh, durable cabinet painting? Call Lemus Painting now — or reach us anytime at  877-318-9187 .