How Much Does Kitchen Cabinet Painting Cost?
If you’ve been thinking about giving your kitchen a fresh new look, painting the cabinets is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. In Vancouver BC, the cost to paint kitchen cabinets is significantly lower than replacing them, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners. This guide covers everything you need to know, from average prices and materials to pro tips and ways to save.
Why More Homeowners Are Painting Kitchen Cabinets (Instead of Replacing)
Kitchen renovations in Vancouver aren’t cheap. Even a modest remodel can quickly run $25,000 or more. That’s why so many homeowners are skipping the full tear-out and choosing a smarter alternative: cabinet painting.
If your cabinets are still in solid shape but just look outdated or worn, a professional repaint can completely refresh your kitchen cabinets for a fraction of the cost. This approach is ideal for anyone looking to pull off a kitchen makeover on a budget, without sacrificing the look and feel of a high-end upgrade.
From young families in East Van to downsizers in Kits, painting kitchen cabinets is becoming the go-to move for people who want an affordable kitchen upgrade that adds value, modern style, and years of extra life to their existing space.
So… is cabinet painting worth it?
If you’re working with a decent layout and functional cabinets, the short answer is: absolutely. This guide breaks down the full picture. From the cost to paint kitchen cabinets in Vancouver BC to what affects pricing, whether you should go DIY or hire a pro, and how to get the best possible finish that lasts.
Let’s dive in.
Average Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in Vancouver
The cost to paint kitchen cabinets in Vancouver typically ranges from $1,900 to $6,000 or more, depending on the size of your kitchen, the condition of the cabinets, and the method used (spray vs brush). It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to update your kitchen without a full remodel.
Here’s a general pricing breakdown based on kitchen size:
| Kitchen Size | Cabinet Count | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small condo kitchen | 15–20 doors/drawers | $1,900 – $2,400 |
| Mid-sized family kitchen | 25–35 doors/drawers | $2,600 – $4,000 |
| Large or custom kitchen | 40+ doors/drawers | $4,300 – $6,000+ |
In Vancouver, professional cabinet painting costs are often calculated in different ways:
Per cabinet door/drawer: $85 – $125
Per linear foot: $40 – $70
Per square foot: $7 – $12
Spray finishes usually cost more than brushing or rolling due to the added prep and specialized equipment. That said, many homeowners choose spraying for its flawless, factory-like finish… especially on cabinet doors.
Labour costs in the Lower Mainland are also a factor. On average, Vancouver painters charge $45 to $90 per hour, with material costs (primer, paint, sandpaper, masking tape, etc.) adding another $200 to $600 to the overall project depending on the products used.
Understanding these average kitchen cabinet painting prices gives you a solid baseline before reaching out for quotes, and helps you spot when a deal seems too good to be true.
Key Factors That Impact Your Quote
Not all kitchens are created equal — and neither are cabinet painting jobs. Several variables can affect your final price, even if two kitchens appear similar on the surface.
1. Number of Cabinets & Layout Complexity
The more doors, drawers, and awkward angles your kitchen has, the more labour is required. A basic galley kitchen with 15 cabinet doors will cost far less than a large L-shaped kitchen with 40+ doors and multiple corner units. If you’re wondering how much it costs to paint 30 cabinet doors, you’re likely looking at $2,600 to $3,800 depending on the paint method and materials used.
2. Prep Work & Cabinet Condition
One of the biggest factors in pricing is how much prep work for cabinet painting is needed. That includes:
Degreasing surfaces
Light sanding
Filling holes or cracks
Caulking gaps
Masking and protecting nearby areas
If your cabinets are chipped, water-damaged, or coated in thick grease, that’s more labour before a drop of paint is applied — and you’ll see that reflected in the quote.
3. Cabinet Material Types
What your cabinets are made of also plays a huge role in how they’re painted and how much it costs:
Oak cabinet painting often requires grain filler and shellac-based primer to prevent bleed-through. Oak’s open grain makes it trickier to achieve a smooth finish.
MDF cabinet painting is easier, but the material needs a sealing primer to prevent swelling or poor adhesion.
Laminate cabinet refinishing requires a special bonding primer to make sure paint sticks to the slick surface. While it’s doable, it takes extra steps.
So yes — you can paint oak, MDF, or laminate cabinets — but each one comes with specific prep needs and may affect the final cost.
4. Colour Change Complexity
Switching from dark cherry wood to crisp white? That’ll likely take multiple coats of high-quality paint to fully cover the old colour. Lighter colours generally require more layers, which increases both labour and materials.
5. Cabinet Hardware Removal & Reinstallation
Most pros will remove and reinstall your knobs, pulls, and hinges. If your hardware is outdated or damaged, this might be a good time to upgrade, just keep in mind that it adds to the total cost.
When you factor in all these details, it’s easy to see why prices can vary so much between homes. That’s why it’s always smart to get a personalized quote based on your kitchen’s exact needs.
Cabinet Painting vs. Refacing vs. Replacing: What’s the Best Option?
If you’re ready to update your kitchen, you’ve likely considered a few routes: painting, refacing, or fully replacing your cabinets. Each option has its place — but the best choice depends on your budget, timeline, and how dramatic of a transformation you want.
Here’s how the three compare:
| Option | What It Is | Cost Range (Vancouver) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Painting | Keeps your existing cabinet boxes and doors, changes only the colour/finish | $1,900 – $6,000 | Budget-friendly, fast, minimal disruption | Limited to colour change, can’t fix poor layout or broken boxes |
| Refacing | Replaces cabinet doors and drawer fronts, keeps cabinet boxes | $4,500 – $12,000+ | New look with less mess than a full reno, mid-cost | More expensive than painting, layout stays the same |
| Replacing | Full tear-out and install of new cabinets | $15,000 – $40,000+ | Total design freedom, can change layout completely | Most expensive, longest timeline, disruptive |
When Does Each Make Sense?
Choose painting if your cabinets are in good shape structurally and you just want a modern update. It’s often the best value cabinet upgrade.
Go with refacing if your cabinet boxes are solid but you want a completely new style or wood finish without tearing out everything.
Opt for replacing only if your current cabinets are damaged, poorly laid out, or you’re doing a full kitchen renovation.
When comparing cabinet refacing vs repainting, painting wins on cost and speed, while refacing gives you more style options at a higher price point. And when looking at kitchen cabinet replacement vs refinishing, it really comes down to how functional your current setup is and how much you’re willing to invest.
So before you commit to ripping everything out, ask yourself: do I really need new cabinets, or just a fresh new look?
Paint Types and Finish Options (Sheen Guide)
When it comes to cabinet refinishing, not all paints, or finishes, are created equal. The right combination of product and paint sheen for kitchen cabinets can make all the difference in durability, cleanability, and long-term appearance.
Let’s break down the best paint for kitchen cabinets, the finish options available, and what pros in Vancouver actually use.
Paint Types: What the Pros Use
Cabinets live in a high-traffic, high-moisture environment — so wall paint just won’t cut it. Here are the top types used by professionals:
Acrylic / Water-Based: Easier cleanup, low-VOC, good for DIYers but not as tough over time.
Alkyd / Oil-Based: High durability, smooth flow, strong adhesion, but higher VOCs and longer dry times.
Hybrid Urethane: Combines durability of oil with ease of water-based cleanup. A top choice for pros.
Lacquer: Ultra-smooth, professional-grade spray finish. Fast-drying but requires experience and a spray booth setup.
Popular brands used by pros in Vancouver include:
Benjamin Moore Cabinet Coat (hybrid urethane)
Renner (European lacquer system, often sprayed)
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel (excellent flow and toughness)
For a high durability cabinet paint, these are the go-to options that last for years.
Cabinet Paint Finish Types (Sheen Guide)
Different cabinet paint finish types have unique pros and cons. Here’s how they compare:
| Sheen | Appearance | Durability | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satin | Soft glow, low-reflective | Very good | Most kitchens, subtle finish |
| Semi-gloss | More reflective, clean, bright look | Excellent | High-use kitchens, rental units |
| Gloss | Very shiny, bold, modern | High, but shows flaws | Statement kitchens, modern styles |
| Matte | Flat finish, hides texture | Low (not recommended) | Rarely used in kitchens |
So what’s better, satin vs semi-gloss cabinet paint?
Satin gives a smoother, understated finish and hides minor flaws well.
Semi-gloss is more reflective, super easy to clean, and more resistant to moisture, making it ideal for families, rental units, and high-use kitchens.
While some people love the bold look of gloss, it can magnify imperfections in older cabinets. Matte finishes, on the other hand, don’t hold up well to scrubbing or steam — so they’re generally avoided in kitchens altogether.
How Paint Type and Finish Affect the Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
The type of paint and sheen you choose can have a noticeable impact on your total project cost.
High-end products like Renner or Cabinet Coat come at a premium, but they reduce the need for extra coats and last longer, saving you money long term.
Gloss and semi-gloss finishes often require more precise application and better surface prep, which increases labour costs, especially for spray jobs.
Matte or flat finishes may be cheaper in materials, but they’re rarely used in kitchens due to low durability, you may end up repainting sooner, which adds to your overall lifetime cost.
So while a high durability cabinet paint might increase your upfront quote, it often reduces the need for touch-ups, flaking repairs, or full repaints down the road; making it the smarter investment.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional: What’s the Real Difference?
Trying to decide whether to tackle your kitchen cabinet painting project yourself or bring in a pro? Here’s a breakdown of the cost, effort, and outcome so you can make an informed call.
DIY Cabinet Painting Cost
If you go the DIY route, expect to spend anywhere from $400 to $1,100, depending on the tools and materials you need to buy. Here’s a basic list:
Degreaser and cleaner
Primer (possibly shellac-based)
Cabinet-grade paint
Sandpaper, filler, tape, drop cloths
HVLP sprayer (optional but highly recommended)
While the cost of DIY cabinet painting seems lower upfront, the real investment is your time — plan for several full days of prep, priming, painting, and drying time.
Mistakes That Can Ruin the Finish
Even with good paint, a few small missteps can lead to big problems:
Not sanding or degreasing properly → paint doesn’t stick
Using low-quality tools → brush marks or uneven finish
Skipping primer → bleed-through on wood like oak
These issues often lead to redoing the project or hiring someone to fix it — doubling your cost and frustration.
Why Most Homeowners Hire Pros
Hiring a pro may cost $2,000 to $6,500, but here’s what you get:
Factory-smooth finish with spray equipment
Fast turnaround (4–7 days)
Premium products and proper adhesion techniques
No mess, no stress, no guesswork
Peace of mind with a warranty on the work
If you’re serious about results and want your kitchen to look like new, it’s hard to beat the value of professional cabinet refinishing.
Whether you’re doing a quick update before selling, or you just want to modernize your space, most people find it’s worth it to hire a cabinet painter in Vancouver who knows what they’re doing.
Final Thoughts
Painting your kitchen cabinets is hands-down one of the best ways to transform your space without ripping everything out. It’s fast, affordable, and if done right, looks just as clean and modern as a full renovation. Whether you’re refreshing a condo in Vancouver or updating a family home, it’s a smart, high-ROI move.
Ready to Get Started?
If you want it done right the first time, with zero stress and a finish that lasts reach out to Grade A Painters for a quote. We’ll walk you through everything, show you real results, and help you make a confident decision for your kitchen. Call us or book your estimate now and let’s bring your cabinets back to life.
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