Hiring a pro to paint kitchen cabinets costs $2,000 to $6,500 for an average kitchen, or $30 to $70 per linear foot, according to HomeGuide. Angi's 2026 guide says most homeowners pay around $942. Doing it yourself costs $200 to $600 in paint and supplies but takes days of work. House AI can preview a new cabinet color on a photo of your kitchen first.
Cost guides land far apart on this job, so treat them as a starting range and get local quotes. The number of doors and drawers, the cabinet material, and how much repair and prep they need move the price most.
What a professional charges
HomeGuide puts professional cabinet painting at $2,000 to $6,500 for an average kitchen of 100 to 200 square feet. A small kitchen runs $1,000 to $3,500 and a large one $5,000 to $10,000. Angi's figures run lower, with a typical range of $425 to $1,466 and most homeowners paying around $942.
Painters usually quote by the linear foot or by the door. Angi lists $30 to $60 per linear foot or $100 to $250 per door, and HomeGuide lists $30 to $70 per linear foot or $70 to $125 per door. Labor is most of the bill: Angi says it accounts for 70% to 80% of the total, with most pros charging $20 to $60 an hour.
Pro vs DIY
| Item | Hire a pro | Do it yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $2,000 to $6,500 for an average kitchen (HomeGuide); around $942 for most homeowners (Angi) | $200 to $600 in paint and supplies (Angi and HomeGuide) |
| Biggest cost | Labor, 70% to 80% of the total (Angi) | Your time |
| Time you spend | Choosing the color and clearing the counters | 30 to 60 hours for 200 square feet of cabinets, including prep, primer, and two coats (HomeGuide) |
| Best for | Many doors, a spray finish, or no free weekends | A small kitchen with solid doors in good shape |
How to choose the color before you pay
Step 1: Photograph the kitchen
Stand back far enough in daylight to get the upper and lower cabinets, the counter, and the window in one frame.
Step 2: Preview cabinet colors in House AI
Upload the photo, set the room type to kitchen, and describe the cabinet color you want in your own words. Each design takes about 15 seconds, and every user gets 3 free designs a day. AI doesn't measure your kitchen, small details can drift, and screen color is not paint color, so use the preview to narrow the choice and confirm with a real paint sample.
Step 3: Count doors and drawers, then get quotes
Since painters price by the door or the linear foot, count both before you call. Ask each painter whether the quote includes prep, primer, and two coats.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint one cabinet door?
Angi lists $100 to $250 per door, and HomeGuide lists $70 to $125 per door.
How long does it take to paint kitchen cabinets yourself?
HomeGuide says 30 to 60 hours for 200 square feet of cabinets, including prep, priming, and two coats.
What sheen should kitchen cabinets be?
Sherwin-Williams suggests high gloss for cabinets and doors, a finish it describes as durable with a striking look.
Can I see a cabinet color on my kitchen before I paint?
Yes. Upload a photo of your kitchen to House AI and describe the color. Confirm the result with a real paint sample, since screen color is not paint color.
Keep reading
- How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?
- Can AI Design a Kitchen From a Photo?
- Small Kitchen Design Tips: Maximize Space with AI
- AI Wall Design: Try Paint Colors On Your Walls
- House AI Pricing
Sources: Angi, "How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets? [2026 Data]," updated September 8, 2026. HomeGuide, "How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?," by Kristen Cramer, updated February 21, 2025. Sherwin-Williams, "How to Choose Paint Finishes," no page date. All checked October 3, 2026. House AI figures come from the House AI app.