Repainting kitchen cabinets is a budget-friendly option when it comes to updating your kitchen space. But all hobbies have their costs and even this one raises the question, “How much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinets?” The overall cost will depend on a range of factors starting from the size of the kitchen, brand and quality of paint chosen, what preparation work has to be done and if professional assistance is employed or not. In this article, we will cover every cost aspect so that you can plan your project accordingly.
Why Choose to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets Instead of Replacing Them Completely?
In case your cabinets are structurally intact but are looking out of style, it is wise to get them repainted. The cost to repaint kitchen cabinets is far less expensive than a complete tear-out and replacement of cabinets. On the other hand, kitchen cabinets may be priced in thousands of dollars and this cost can gradually be reduced greatly through repainted cabinets. This doesn’t only save money but also helps the environment by not throwing away existing cabinets.
What Influences the Cost of Repainting Kitchen Cabinets?
In repainting kitchen cabinets, several facts are taken into consideration when calculating the final price. Knowing these facts will help you to devise a budget and also manage the expectations of your expenses during the process.
- Cabinet Size and Quantity: The more the number of units of cabinets, the more total cost. The larger variety of several cabinets in large size kitchens calls for more paint and labor cost, either for self or for hiring experts to do the job.
- Type of Paint to be Used: The cost is different with latex paint, enamel and oil paint. Best quality paints tend to be upper and the higher market value creates an incentive for true coverage and buff proprietary of the paint which makes it durable.
- Surface Condition: Very challenging units because they are so damaged will more than likely require cabinet sanding & and then use of primer and possibly filling in dents which pushes the cost up.
- Labor Fees: In the event that consumers can afford professional repainters, labor costs will constituent a significant bulk of the total kitchen cabinets painting costs. Such self projects are cheap in terms of money cost but can be time and energy consuming.
DIY or Hiring a Professional: The Pros and Cons
The question that most individuals ask themselves when starting a painting job is whether it’s more cost-effective for them to repaint the cabinets themselves or hire professionals. Attempting to do it yourself has its benefits, however, it’s not as straightforward as it appears. One needs to have the right tools as well as the technique to apply paint on cabinets properly. On the other hand, if you are willing to do the tasks of sanding, priming, etc., then this could actually conserve a lot of money.
Many people choose to hire professional contractors instead of trying to tackle the project themselves. This however increases the overall expenses when it comes to kitchen cabinet repainting. Where most contractors fit a charge of about an hour or a square foot of the area painted, it is fair to say that the larger the job, the more labor is likely to cost.
Average Cost to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets
Just like anything in the world, the Cost to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets doesn’t remain constant. There are factors that lead to the difference in costs, such as the size of the job or the amount of paint you decide to buy. In general terms though, an average American should expect to pay the following amounts:
DIY Costs: Assign about $200 to $600 covering costs of paints, primers, brushes, and sandpaper.
Professional Costs: $1,500 to $5,000 for both materials and labor
As for the pricing, a small kitchen with comparatively fewer cabinets should fall under the lower range of the price estimates, whereas a larger kitchen with more custom built-in cabinets will push the cost higher.
Cost Breakdown: Materials and Tools
It is best to estimate the cost of materials whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring someone. This will help you avoid surprises. Below is an estimated breakdown of what you might need:
- Paint: $30 to $50 per gallon (Most kitchens require 2 to 3 gallons)
- Primer: $20 to $40 per gallon
- Brushes/Rollers: $10 to $50
- Sandpaper: $10 to $20
- Masking Tape and Drop Cloths: $15 to $30
For DIY cabinets, the total material cost will range around $200-400. For newer paints with a nylon sprayer, this will increase the total cost of the repainting job.
How Much Do Professionals Charge for Cabinet Painting?
Labor will add the most to the overall cost when painting cabinets if you plan to hire someone. Most professional painters charge between $30 to $60 per hour, or $3 to $10 per square foot. Normally, a set of 20 to 30 kitchen cabinets would cost you between 1500 to 5000 or more, depending on complications and where you live.
Additional Expenses to Prepare For
There are also instances where unforeseen expenses may increase the total amount of cost to repaint kitchen cabinets. Here are some other expenses one should focus on.
- Cabinet Repairs: Scratches, dings, or old hardware change can contribute additional costs.
- Primer for Dark Cabinets: If your cabinets are dark, they will need additional coats of primer which will increase material costs and labor cost as well.
- Sealant or Top Coat: The cost of applying a top coat sealant is between $50 and $100 and it enhances durability which raises the total price as well.
How Long does it Take to Repaint Kitchen Cabinet Doors?
When figuring out the cost to repaint kitchen cabinets, one of the common questions that come to mind is the duration of the work. On average, and when performing the work without help, consultations, and preparation, painting, as well as drying usually last between 3 to 5 days. However, if an individual chooses to hire a contractor, the job might be finished in 1 to 3 days since they have specialized tools for the job.
Do Repainted Cabinets Sell Homes Faster?
In general, while Cost to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets may not add considerable value to the resale price of your house, it is still something that would increase the chances of selling the kitchen to prospective buyers. A kitchen that has been recently painted has evidence of good maintenance, which can facilitate the sale of the house at a slightly higher doubled price than what was initial expected. The investment cost involved in repainting kitchen cabinets has been considered necessary by many homeowners willing to revamp their kitchen before the sale.
What Kind of Paint Is Best to Use for Kitchen Cabinets?
Determining the form of the paint to use is important when seeking to sustain the less cost of repainting the kitchen cabinets. The common types of paints used are latex and enamel, and they are favored for their longevity and ease in cleaning. Oil based paints on the other hand, create a rich finish, but they are somewhat harder to apply. It is clear that expensive paints are more effective, making them economically viable, since they do not have the propensity to make someone paint again and again.
How Can I Get Cabinet Painting Done On a Budget?
If what is stopping you from repainting is the cost of painting kitchen cabinets, here are some of the measures you can adopt to cut down on expenses:
- Undertake the Assignment Yourself: By taking on the work yourself, you can save hundreds of dollars.
- Score Cheap Paint: Scour sales or use paint from previous jobs if you have any lying around.
- Alter Hardware as Last Option: Replace handles and hinges only if it is compulsory.
Such minor changes will help lower the total expenses involved to repaint kitchen cabinets.
Is Installing New Cabinets More Expensive Than Repainting The Old Cabinets?
Staining or sanding the wood cabinets takes about $2,500 to $6,000 depending on the size of your kitchen. Painting kitchen cabinets tends to be more attractive than refinishing because it’s easy, especially in do-it-yourself projects. Repainting is the best option when a person wants an entirely new look or color without the trouble of spending excessive money.
Do You Need to Sand Cabinets to Apply New Paint?
Not having to go through the sanding stage can be beneficial for saving time and expense of repaint kitchen cabinets; however, this process is only suggested if the cabinets are in superb state. For those who do not want to sand, an excellent bonding primer should be utilized to promote the adhesion of the paint.
How Long Will The Paint On Refinished Cabinets Hold Up?
If preparation is done properly and paint of suitable quality is applied, the durability of painted cabinets is anywhere between 5 years to 10 years and sometimes possibly longer. Application of a top coat ensures cabinets do not get ruined, reducing potential repainting costs. The frequency with which you will need to incur costs to repaint your kitchen cabinets in the future is also determined by the paint quality utilized during the last paint job including when it will be required again.
Conclusion: Cost to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets
The Cost to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets will depend on many dimensions some of which include assigning the work to professionals or choosing to handle it as a DIY project. Engaging professional painters will give quality work however, it will cost more. On the other hand, doing it yourself will lessen the overall costs significantly. plank That said, with a good plan, adequate tools and a bit of patience, painting kitchen cabinets is a creative way to change the look of a kitchen without spending a fortune.
In conclusion, this article helps you determine the Cost to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets and whether or not it’s worth it regardless of whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor.
