🎨 Cabinet Painting Estimate Calculator

National averages for professional cabinet painting:

• Small kitchen (10–15 doors): $2,000–$4,000
• Average kitchen (20 doors, 10 drawers): $3,000–$7,000
• Large kitchen (30+ doors): $5,000–$10,000

Per-door pricing:

• Standard brush/roller: $100–$175 per door
• Spray finish: $150–$250 per door
• Drawer fronts: $50–$100 each

Prices include materials, prep, primer, two coats, and cleanup. Cabinet condition and paint type affect the final number. Always get 3 quotes from local painters.

DIY cabinet painting costs $200–$600 in materials:

• Paint (1–2 gallons): $40–$80 per gallon for cabinet-grade
• Primer (1 gallon): $25–$50
• Sandpaper, TSP cleaner, tape: $30–$60
• Brushes, rollers, foam applicators: $20–$40
• Drop cloths, trays, stir sticks: $15–$25

Time commitment: 3–5 full days for an average kitchen. Includes removing doors, labeling, cleaning, sanding, priming, two coats, reassembly.

Biggest DIY risks: brush marks, drips, uneven coverage, and poor adhesion from inadequate prep. A quality mini foam roller minimizes brush marks.

Top cabinet paints ranked:

• Benjamin Moore Advance: Waterborne alkyd, self-leveling, ultra-durable. The gold standard for DIY cabinet painting. $55–$70/gallon.
• Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane: Hybrid urethane formula, factory-like finish, excellent hardness. $75–$90/gallon.
• Benjamin Moore Scuff-X: Scuff-resistant, great for high-traffic kitchens. $50–$65/gallon.
• PPG Breakthrough: Fast-drying waterborne, used by pros. $45–$60/gallon.

Avoid: Standard wall paint, flat finishes, and bargain paint. Kitchen cabinets get touched thousands of times per year — they need paint engineered for durability.

Lifespan depends entirely on prep and paint quality:

• Proper prep + cabinet-grade paint: 8–15 years
• Decent prep + good paint: 5–8 years
• Minimal prep + cheap paint: 1–3 years (peeling, chipping)

Factors that shorten lifespan:

• Skipping primer or sanding
• Not allowing full 30-day cure
• Grease buildup near the stove
• Moisture damage around the sink and dishwasher
• Using flat or eggshell finish instead of satin or semi-gloss

How to maximize lifespan: Clean with TSP, sand thoroughly, use bonding primer, apply two coats of cabinet-grade enamel, and wait 30 days before heavy use.

Paint if:

• Cabinets are solid wood or plywood (structurally sound)
• You like the current layout and door style
• Budget is under $7,000
• Cabinets have good bones with only cosmetic wear

Replace if:

• Cabinets are water-damaged or warped
• Particle board is swelling or delaminating
• Layout does not work for your needs
• You want a completely different door style
• Budget allows $15,000–$30,000+

The math: Painting costs $3,000–$7,000 and increases home value by $5,000–$10,000. Replacement costs $15,000–$30,000 and increases value by $10,000–$20,000. Painting wins on ROI every time.

Yes — sanding is non-negotiable. It creates a rough surface (called a "tooth") that primer and paint can grip. Without it, paint will peel within months.

Sanding steps:

• Clean cabinets with TSP to remove grease
• Use 120–150 grit sandpaper for a light scuff
• Sand in the direction of the wood grain
• Wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust
• Apply bonding primer before painting

For glossy or lacquered surfaces: Use a liquid deglosser first, then sand. This combination ensures maximum adhesion on slick factory finishes.

Shortcut warning: "No sanding required" primers exist but still benefit from light sanding. The extra 30 minutes of sanding prevents years of peeling.