Why Cabinet Painting Cost Varies So Much Between Contractors (And What You’re Really Paying For)

You called three professional cabinet painters for quotes, and the numbers came back wildly different. One says $1,200. Another says $4,500. A third lands somewhere in the middle at $2,800. Now you’re wondering if someone is trying to rip you off—or if the cheapest option is too good to be true.

Here’s the reality: cabinet painting cost isn’t random. Those price gaps exist for real reasons, and understanding them can save you from a decision you’ll regret for the next decade.

• Cabinet painting quotes vary based on prep work, materials, labor time, and the contractor’s experience level.
• The cheapest quote often skips steps that affect how long your finish lasts.
• Quality cabinet painting typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 for an average kitchen.
• Asking the right questions helps you compare quotes accurately.
• A properly painted cabinet job should last 10-15 years with normal use.

When you see a $3,000 difference between two quotes, your first instinct might be to assume someone is overcharging. But that gap usually comes down to what’s included—and what’s been left out.

Prep Work Makes or Breaks the Job

The biggest variable in any cabinet painting project is preparation. A low-ball quote often means corners will be cut here.

Proper prep includes:

• Removing all doors, drawers, and hardware
• Cleaning surfaces to remove grease and grime buildup
• Sanding or deglossing existing finishes
• Filling holes, dents, and imperfections
• Applying primer designed for cabinetry
• Light sanding between coats

A painter who skips these steps can move faster and charge less. But within six months to a year, you’ll start seeing chipping, peeling, and wear patterns that make your cabinets look worse than before you started.

Material Quality Changes Everything

Not all paint is created equal. The difference between a $30 gallon of standard latex and a $70 gallon of cabinet-specific coating shows up in the finished product.

High-quality cabinet coatings offer:

• Harder, more durable finishes that resist scratches
• Better adhesion that prevents peeling
• Smoother application with fewer brush marks
• Improved resistance to moisture and kitchen grease
• Longer lifespan before touch-ups are needed

When a quote seems too low, ask what products they plan to use. If they can’t name specific brands or explain why they chose them, that’s a red flag.

Labor Time Reflects Attention to Detail

Painting cabinets properly takes time. A 30-cabinet kitchen done right requires 40-60 hours of labor. That includes multiple coats of primer and paint, with drying and sanding time between each layer.

A contractor who quotes significantly less than competitors may be planning to:

• Spray everything in place without proper masking
• Apply fewer coats than recommended
• Skip sanding between coats
• Rush drying times between applications
• Use a single painter instead of a trained team

Speed isn’t always bad, but shortcuts in cabinet work show up fast in a high-use area like your kitchen.

Let’s break down realistic pricing so you know what to expect.

Average Price Ranges

For a standard kitchen with 25-35 cabinet doors and drawer fronts:

• Budget option: $1,500-$2,500 (often missing key prep steps)
• Mid-range quality: $3,000-$5,000 (solid work with decent materials)
• Premium finish: $5,000-$8,000+ (full prep, top materials, experienced crew)

These numbers shift based on your location, cabinet condition, and project complexity. A kitchen with 50 doors costs more than one with 20. Cabinets caked in decades of grease need more prep than newer ones.

Price Per Door Isn’t Always Accurate

Some contractors quote by the door—often $75-$150 per door face. This sounds simple, but it misses important factors:

• What about the cabinet boxes?
• Are drawer fronts included?
• Does this cover both sides of the doors?
• What prep work is assumed?

A per-door quote without clear details can leave you with surprise charges later. Always ask for a complete breakdown of what’s included.

The Hidden Costs of Going Cheap

Choosing the lowest bid often costs more in the long run. Here’s what happens when cabinet painting fails:

• Touch-ups within the first year (sometimes charged extra)
• Full repainting within 3-5 years instead of 10-15
• Damage to your countertops or floors from sloppy work
• Time spent dealing with callbacks and complaints
• The frustration of looking at a subpar finish every day

A quality job costs more upfront but saves money over time. Poor work needs to be redone, and you’ll pay twice for the same result.

Smart homeowners don’t just compare bottom-line prices. They dig into the details. Here are questions that separate thorough contractors from those cutting corners:

About Preparation

• “How do you clean the cabinet surfaces before painting?”
• “Will you sand or degloss the existing finish?”
• “How do you handle dents, holes, or damaged areas?”
• “Do you remove doors and hardware, or paint them in place?”

About Materials

• “What brand of primer and paint do you use?”
• “Why did you choose those specific products?”
• “How many coats of primer and paint are included?”
• “Is the paint specifically designed for cabinets?”

About Process

• “How long will the project take from start to finish?”
• “Where will the doors be painted—on-site or at your shop?”
• “What do you do between coats?”
• “How do you protect my countertops, floors, and appliances?”

About Guarantees

• “What warranty do you offer on your work?”
• “What happens if the paint chips or peels within the first year?”
• “Can I see photos of projects you completed 2-3 years ago?”

A contractor who answers these questions confidently and specifically is showing you they understand what quality cabinet work requires.

Not every low quote is a scam, but certain warning signs should make you pause:

• No written contract or detailed scope of work. If they can’t put it in writing, they can’t be held to it.
• Unwilling to specify materials. Vague answers like “we use good paint” don’t tell you anything useful.
• Pressure to decide immediately. Quality contractors have enough work that they don’t need to push you into a fast decision.
• No photos of past work. Anyone serious about their craft documents their projects.
• Cash-only payment with no deposit structure. This limits your recourse if something goes wrong.
• No proof of insurance. If a worker gets hurt in your home, you could be liable.
• The quote seems too fast. A legitimate estimate for cabinet work usually requires measuring, inspecting cabinet condition, and discussing your preferences.

Sometimes paying more is genuinely worth it. Consider investing in higher-end cabinet painting when:

• Your cabinets are solid wood in good structural condition.
• You plan to stay in your home for 7+ years.
• Your kitchen gets heavy daily use.
• You want a specific finish (like a smooth, lacquer-like look).
• The cabinets are in a high-visibility area.

In these situations, the difference between a $3,000 job and a $5,500 job often shows up in how the finish looks and holds up over time.

Even at premium prices, cabinet painting delivers strong value compared to alternatives.

Full cabinet replacement for an average kitchen runs $15,000-$30,000 or more. Refacing (new doors on existing boxes) typically costs $8,000-$15,000.

A high-quality paint job at $5,000-$7,000 gives you a fresh look at a fraction of the replacement cost. If the structure of your cabinets is solid, painting makes financial sense.

The key is choosing a contractor who delivers work that lasts. A $2,000 paint job that fails in two years isn’t a deal—it’s a down payment on doing the project twice.

To compare cabinet painting estimates accurately:

1. Get at least three quotes from established contractors
2. Make sure each quote covers the same scope (same number of doors, same prep steps, same number of coats)
3. Ask for itemized pricing so you can see where the money goes
4. Check reviews and references for each contractor
5. Look at photos of work done 1-2 years ago, not just fresh completions

When you line up quotes this way, the differences become clearer. You’re no longer comparing random numbers—you’re comparing actual value.

Cabinet painting is one of those projects where quality shows every single day. You’ll open those doors and drawers thousands of times over the next decade. You’ll notice every chip, every brush stroke, every spot where the finish didn’t hold up.

The contractors who do this work well charge more because they invest more—in better materials, thorough prep, skilled labor, and the time it takes to do things right.

You don’t need to choose the most expensive quote. But you should understand exactly what you’re paying for before you sign anything.

Ready to get a clear, detailed estimate for your cabinet painting project? Contact Apex Coating Company, LLC. at 724-903-5904 today. We’ll walk through your kitchen together, explain exactly what your cabinets need, and give you a quote with no hidden surprises. Your cabinets are worth doing right the first time.