Kitchen Cabinets

The Ultimate Guide to Painting Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget

Ryan Cunningham

November 20, 2024

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Want a kitchen makeover without breaking the bank? Painting your cabinets is the secret to achieving a brand-new look for just a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re tired of outdated cabinets or want to add a splash of personality to your kitchen, this DIY project can save you thousands of dollars and leave you with professional-quality results.

Here’s the deal:

• Painting Cabinets Yourself: $200–$700
• Hiring a Pro: $5,000–$7,500
• Refacing Cabinets: $6,000–$15,000
• Replacing Cabinets: $10,000–$40,000

By painting your cabinets, you’re not just saving money—you’re transforming your space without the stress of a major renovation. With the right tools, techniques, and guidance, you can achieve stunning, professional-quality results on a DIY budget.

Get Everything You Need in One Kit

Ready to start? Our Advanced Cabinet Makeover Kit has everything you need for flawless cabinet painting:

• Brushes, rollers, sanding sponges, tape, and more.
• Designed for DIYers who want professional-quality results.
• Limited-Time Offer: Save 10% with code DIY10!

Watch Before You Start: The Cost Breakdown

Before diving into the project, check out my video:
What Is The Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets – DIY vs Hiring a Pro Breakdown

In this video, I break down:

• The real cost of painting cabinets yourself.
• How it compares to hiring a professional.
• Budget-friendly tips to maximize your savings.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll discover:

• How to choose the right tools and supplies for your budget.
• The exact process for prepping, priming, and painting cabinets.
• Pro tips to achieve a flawless finish without overspending.
• Downloadable tools to make your project easy and organized.

💡 Content Upgrade:

Download our FREE Kitchen Cabinet Project Planner to track your progress, stay organized, and save time. Includes:

• Supply checklist
• Step-by-step instructions
• Budget tracker

Quick Overview: Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget

Painting your kitchen cabinets may seem like a big project, but it’s easy to tackle when broken into manageable steps. Here’s a quick roadmap for what you’ll be doing:

1. Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware
   • Take off the doors, drawers, and hinges to prep for painting.
   • 💡Pro Tip: Label the doors, hinges, and where each came from for easy reassembly.
2. Clean and Prep Surfaces
   • Clean all surfaces thoroughly to remove grease and grime.
   • Sand thoroughly until sheen has been removed to ensure proper adhesion.
   • Painting Oak Cabinets? Apply a grain filler to smooth the surface before priming.
3. Prime the Cabinets
   • Apply a high-quality primer to create a smooth, durable base.
4. Paint the Cabinets
   • Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply your chosen paint. Multiple thin coats work best.
5. Reassemble and Admire Your Work
   • Reattach doors and hardware once the paint is fully cured. Step back and enjoy your transformed kitchen!

Related Video: Painting Kitchen Cabinets Step-by-Step

Check out this video where I walk you through the entire process of painting kitchen cabinets, step by step:
Watch Now

Supplies Needed: Everything to Paint Your Cabinets on a Budget

Getting the right tools and materials is the first step to success. Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need, with budget-friendly options to keep costs under control.

Essential Supplies (For Every Budget)

These are the must-haves for any kitchen cabinet painting project:

1. Cleaner/Degreaser
   • Removes grease and grime. Look for a product like TSP (Trisodium Phosphate).
   • Amazon Link: Shop Degreaser
2. Sandpaper or Sanding Sponges
   • 120-grit for initial sanding and 220-grit for finishing.
   • DIY Painting Supply Product: Sanding Sponges
3. Grain Filler (For Oak Cabinets)
   • Fills wood grain for a smoother finish.
   • DIY Painting Supply Product: Cabinet Mud Grain Filler (coming soon!)
4. Primer
   • High-quality primer ensures proper adhesion and durability.
   • Amazon Link: Shop Primer
5. Paint
   • Durable paint in your chosen color. Use enamel or cabinet-grade paint for the best results.
   • Shop Paint
     • Benjamin Moore Advance
     • Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane
6. Brushes and Rollers
   • DIY Painting Supply Product: The Cabinet Brush, Mini Roller Kit
7. Masking Tape
   • Protect edges and surfaces.
   • DIY Painting Supply Product: Low Tack Professional Masking Tape
     • Frog Tape – My Personal Favorite!
8. Drop Cloths
   • Protect your floors and countertops.
   • DIY Painting Supply Product: Canvas Drop Cloth

Optional Upgrades (For a Smoother Finish)

If you’re looking for a more professional finish or extra convenience, consider these upgrades:

1. Paint Sprayer
   • Provides a smooth, streak-free finish.
   • Wagner Flexio 5000 – My personal favorite for DIYers painting cabinets.
   • Graco Ultra Quick Shot (Amazon Link) – My personal favorite for Professionals
2. Dust Barrier Poles
   • Keeps dust and overspray contained.
   • DIY Painting Supply Product: Dust Barrier Poles
3. Paint Drying Rack
   • Speeds up the drying process and prevents smudging.
   • Shop Drying Racks

Get Unlimited Support With Purchase Of The Wagner Flexio 5000!

Using a sprayer can feel intimidating, but the FLEXiO 5000 makes it simple—and I’m here to help:

• 3 Months of Unlimited Support: Email me anytime with questions about setup, troubleshooting, or technique.
• Designed for DIYers: Easy-to-use features and fine-finish capabilities for flawless cabinets.
• Price Match Guarantee: Get the best deal with confidence.
• Limited-Time Offer: Save 10% with code DIY10!

Related Video: Best Supplies for Painting Cabinets

Check out this video where I share the tools and materials I use for a flawless cabinet transformation:

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget

Follow these simple steps to transform your kitchen cabinets with a beautiful, professional-quality finish.

Step 1: Prep Your Kitchen

Before you begin painting, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen to protect surfaces and minimize mess.

1. Cover Floors and Countertops
   • Use rosin paper or plastic sheeting to protect your floors and countertops from dust, paint, and overspray.
   • Tape the edges securely to prevent shifting.
2. Create a Dust Barrier
   • Use plastic sheeting and Dust Barrier Poles to seal off the kitchen from the rest of the house. This keeps dust and paint contained.
3. Prep the Inside of Cabinets (If Spraying)
   • Remove all items from cabinets.
   • Tape off the interior edges with plastic or paper to avoid getting paint inside.
   • Use a pre-taped plastic to easily tape off the insides of your cabinets.
4. Protect Appliances
   • Cover appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers with plastic sheeting to protect them from overspray.
   • Use pre-taped plastic to cover your appliances and protect them from dust and over-spray.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re not using a sprayer, less prep is required—focus on covering nearby surfaces that might accidentally get paint on them.

🛒 Recommended Products:

• Dust Barrier Poles: Shop Now
• Plastic Sheeting: Shop Now
• Masking Tape: Shop Now

🎥 Related Video: Watch me prep these Beat Up Oak Cabinets and aive them a Fresh New Look!

Step 2: Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware

• Carefully take off the cabinet doors, drawers, and hinges.
• Label each door, hinge, and drawer to ensure easy reassembly.
• Store all hardware in labeled bags or containers to keep things organized.

💡 Pro Tip: Use small adhesive labels or painter’s tape to mark the location of each piece.

Step 3: Clean and Prep Surfaces

• Clean Thoroughly: Use a degreaser like Krud Kutter to remove grease, oil, and grime from the cabinets.
• Sand the Surface: Use 120-grit sanding sponges to remove the sheen and create a rough surface for the primer to adhere to. Follow with 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
• Fill the Grain (If Painting Oak Cabinets): Apply a grain filler like Cabinet Mud to ensure a smooth, professional look.

🛒 Recommended Products:

• Cleaner/Degreaser: Shop Now
• Sanding Sponges: Shop Now
• Cabinet Mud Grain Filler: Shop Now (coming soon!)

🎥 Related Video: Watch how I fill the grain in these oak kitchen cabinets!

Step 4: Prime the Cabinets

• Choose the Right Primer: A high-quality bonding primer is essential for durability and smooth coverage.
• Apply primer with The Cabinet Brush for edges and a roller for flat surfaces.
• Allow the primer to dry completely before moving to the next step.

💡 Pro Tip: Sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper after the primer dries to eliminate any texture.

🛒 Recommended Products:

• Recommended Primers:
  • Zinsser Smart Prime
  • Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer (Urethane modified acrylic)
  • INSL-X Stix
• Cabinet Brush: Shop Now
• Mini Roller Kit: Shop Now

🎥 Related Video: Best Primer for Kitchen Cabinets (coming soon!)

Step 5: Paint the Cabinets

• Choose the Right Paint: Use an enamel or cabinet-grade paint for the best results.
• Apply the first coat with The Cabinet Brush for detailed areas and a roller or sprayer for large surfaces.
• Let the paint dry completely between coats. Apply 2–3 thin coats for a smooth, durable finish.

💡 Pro Tip: If using a sprayer, practice on cardboard first to perfect your technique.

🛒 Recommended Products:

• Cabinet Paint:
  • Benjamin Moore Advance
  • Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane
  • INSL-X Cabinet Coat
• Sprayer:
  • DIYer: Wagner Flexio 5000
  • Professional: Graco Ultra Quickshot
• Cabinet Brush: Shop Now

🎥 Related Video: How To Paint Maple Kitchen Cabinets – Step-by-Step Painting Tutorial

Step 6: Reassemble and Admire Your Work

• Once the paint is fully cured (24–48 hours for most paints), reattach the doors, drawers, and hardware.
• Replace outdated hardware with new knobs or handles for an extra polished look.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down cabinets and hardware before reassembly to remove dust.

🛒 Recommended Products:

• New Hardware: Shop Now

💡 Content Upgrade:

Download our FREE Kitchen Cabinet Project Planner to track your progress, stay organized, and save time. Includes:

• Supply checklist
• Step-by-step instructions
• Budget tracker

Budget Breakdown: How Much Will It Really Cost?

Painting your kitchen cabinets yourself is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your kitchen. Let’s break down the costs so you can see exactly how much you’ll save compared to hiring a pro or replacing your cabinets.

DIY Cabinet Painting: $200–$700

A typical DIY project will cost between $200 and $700, depending on the tools and materials you choose. Here’s a sample budget:

Sample Total: $200–$700

Hiring a Professional: $5,000–$7,500

Hiring a professional to paint your cabinets is significantly more expensive, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $7,500. While pros can deliver great results, you can achieve the same quality with the right tools, a little patience, and this guide.

You can hire me to paint your kitchen cabinets!

My name is Ryan and I have been a professional painter for over 20 years and completed over 250 sets of kitchen cabinets during that time.

These days I travel around doing cabinet painting projects for you my Youtube channel DIY Painting.

If you have a cabinet painting project and would like to get a free quote from me, just send me an email at [email protected]

www.GrovePainting.com

Refacing Cabinets: $6,000–$15,000

Cabinet refacing involves replacing the doors and veneering the cabinet boxes. While it updates the look, it’s far more expensive than painting and doesn’t offer the customization of a DIY project.

Replacing Cabinets: $10,000–$40,000

A full cabinet replacement can cost tens of thousands of dollars and often requires extensive remodeling work. Painting your cabinets yourself saves you a substantial amount while still delivering a fresh, modern look.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: The Savings Add Up

Here’s how the numbers compare:

💡 Pro Tip: Investing in high-quality tools, like The Cabinet Brush or the Advanced Cabinet Makeover Kit, ensures professional-looking results and can be reused for future projects.

Get A Great Finish with The Original Cabinet Brush

Achieve a smooth finish with The Original Cabinet Brush, designed specifically for painting kitchen cabinets:

• Precision Results: Smooth, streak-free finishes even in tight spots.Pro-Quality, DIY-Friendly: Built for durability and ease of use.Loved by DIYers & Pros: Backed by 20+ 5-star reviews!
• Limited-Time Offer: Save 10% with code DIY10!

FAQs

How long will it take?

For most kitchens, the timeline looks like this:

• Small Kitchens: 2–3 days
• Larger Kitchens: 4–5 days

This includes cleaning, prepping, priming, painting, and allowing adequate drying time between coats.

What kind of paint should I use?

Choose a durable, high-quality paint specifically designed for cabinets or furniture.

• Best Choice: Enamel paint for a hard, long-lasting finish that resists chipping and scratches.
• Pro Tip: Look for paints labeled as “cabinet-grade” for professional results.

Can I skip priming?

Absolutely not! Priming is non-negotiable for several reasons:

• It ensures proper adhesion of the paint.
• It blocks stains and tannins from bleeding through.
• It creates a smooth base for a flawless finish.
  💡 Pro Tip: Use a bonding primer for the best results on cabinets.

How do I avoid brush marks?

• Use a high-quality brush, like The Cabinet Brush.
• Apply thin coats of paint and avoid over-brushing.
• For a flawless finish, consider using a sprayer.

How can I reduce dust in the kitchen?

• Use dust barrier poles with plastic sheeting to seal off the kitchen.
• Vacuum surfaces and floors before painting to minimize airborne dust.

Should I paint the inside of my cabinets?

• Optional: Most DIYers only paint the cabinet exteriors to save time and effort.
• If painting the interiors, ensure they are completely cleaned, prepped, and primed for consistent results.

Can I paint laminate cabinets?

Yes, but you’ll need to:

1. Use a degreaser to clean thoroughly.
2. Sand the surface to create a profile for primer.
3. Use a high-adhesion bonding primer.

Pro Tips for Success

Take your cabinet painting project to the next level with these professional tips:

1. Use Project Lifters

• Elevate cabinet doors and drawers with project lifters to paint edges without smudging.
• DIY Solution: Use small wooden blocks or purchase lifters designed for this purpose.

2. Label Doors and Hardware

• Save time and frustration by labeling doors, drawers, and hardware as you remove them.
• Use painter’s tape or small adhesive labels to mark where each piece belongs.

3. Use a Paint Drying Rack

• Speed up the drying process and prevent smudging by using a paint drying rack.
• DIY Option: Create a rack using inexpensive PVC pipe or wood.
• Affordable Option: Shop Paint Drying Racks at Paintline.

4. Maintain a Clean Work Area

• Sweep and vacuum your workspace before painting to minimize dust.
• Wipe surfaces with a tack cloth before applying each coat.’

5. Invest in a Sprayer (Optional)

• For a professional-grade finish, consider using a sprayer.
• Practice on cardboard first to perfect your technique.

6. Check Your Work with Proper Lighting

• Use a bright work light to spot missed spots or imperfections while painting.

7. Add Cabinet Door Bumpers to Cabinet Doors

• Prevent scratches and noise by adding adhesive bumpers pads to the corners of cabinet doors.

8. Practice Spraying Techniques

• If using a sprayer, practice on cardboard or scrap wood to perfect your technique.

💡 Bonus Tip: Always allow paint to fully cure (24–48 hours) before reassembling to prevent damage to the finish.

Your Dream Kitchen Awaits

Congratulations! You’re now equipped to tackle your kitchen cabinet painting project like a pro. With the right tools, a little patience, and this step-by-step guide, you can transform your kitchen on a budget and enjoy a beautiful, professional-quality finish.

Share Your Success and Get a Free Brush

We’d love to see your before-and-after photos! Share your DIY cabinet makeover with us, and we’ll send you a FREE Cabinet Brush as a thank-you.
📧 Submit Your Photos: [Insert Submission Link]

💡 Content Upgrade:

Download our FREE Kitchen Cabinet Project Planner to track your progress, stay organized, and save time. Includes:

• Supply checklist
• Step-by-step instructions
• Budget tracker

More Cabinet Painting Videos From DIY Painting