Whether your cabinets are worn or just not the right color, painting them can be an affordable solution. However, like most home improvement projects, the cost can add up quickly. This article provides an overview of how much it costs to paint kitchen cabinets so you can budget accordingly.
The cost of your cabinet paint will depend on a number of factors, including the type and color you want and the finish. For example, glossy paints are typically more expensive than satin or semi-gloss finishes. In addition, if you’re going from a dark color to a lighter shade, you’ll likely need to prime first, which can increase the overall cost of the job.
Other factors include how large your kitchen is and how many doors and drawers need to be painted. If you’re hiring professionals, this will affect labor costs as well. You’ll also need to factor in any other work that needs to be done, such as repairing chips or dings, stripping and sanding, or cleaning. Finally, any additional projects or finishes you want to do, such as a hardware refresh or adding new hinges, will drive up your costs.
If you’re planning on painting the cabinets yourself, your biggest expense will be the paint itself. While all-in-one primer and paint products can seem convenient, they’re not the best choice for affordable kitchen cabinet painting as they don’t adhere to the surface well and often need to be applied in several thin coats. Oil-based primers and paints provide the best results, but because of their high levels of VOC (volatile organic compounds), they’re outlawed in some states, including New York. Fortunately, there are now water-based hybrids that provide the look and performance of an oil product without the VOCs.
Your cabinet material will also influence the cost. If you have laminate cabinets, they’ll need to be sanded and primed, which can drive up the cost of the project. Laminate doesn’t take paint as well as wood, so the process is more involved and time-consuming.
Other materials you’ll need to consider are paint brushes, rollers, painters tape, drop cloths, and painter’s tape. If you choose to use a sprayer, this will also add to the cost of your project. If you’re painting the cabinets yourself, you can save on some of these expenses by doing some of the prep work yourself. For example, you can move the appliances out of the way and remove the cabinet doors to make it easier for yourself to get to the flat surfaces.
Another area where you can save money is by shopping around for your paint supplies. Different brands and retailers offer discounts at different times, so it pays to keep your eye out for sales. Also, if you’re able to purchase the paint and supplies yourself, rather than through a professional painting company, you can save on labor costs as well.
