How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Kitchen? [2025 Data]
The average cost to paint a kitchen is $800, with most homeowners spending between $570 and $1,210 on average. The main cost factors include kitchen size, paint type, and labor.
The cost to paint a kitchen depends on kitchen size, paint type, and prep work needed.
Expect to spend $2 to $6 per square foot to have a professional paint your kitchen.
Hiring a pro for $20 to $100 ensures even coverage and durable results.
DIY painting can save on labor but requires time and skill.
Add-ons like cabinet painting or trim work increase the total cost.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
The cost to paint a kitchen averages $800, with most projects ranging from $570 to $1,210 on average. Homeowners can expect to pay $2 to $6 per square foot for their kitchen painting project, depending on the kitchen’s size, paint quality, and local labor rates. Understanding these cost factors helps you plan your kitchen painting budget.
A fresh coat of paint can transform your kitchen’s look and feel, making it a smart investment for both comfort and resale value. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about painting costs, options, and ways to maximize your results.
Kitchen Painting Cost Factors
Let’s look closely at the factors that impact the cost to paint a kitchen, from kitchen type and size to materials and labor.
Kitchen Type
The style and scope of your kitchen painting project have a direct effect on cost. Galley kitchens, L-shaped layouts, and open-plan kitchens each require different amounts of paint and labor. The scope—whether you’re painting only the walls, adding the ceiling or trim, or tackling the full kitchen, including doors, also changes the price. Specialty painting, like accent walls or decorative finishes, adds both complexity and cost.
| Kitchen Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Galley | $250–$700 |
| L-shaped | $300–$1,200 |
| Open-plan | $600–$1,500 |
| Accent wall | $200–$400 |
Size
Kitchen size is a major driver of painting costs, with an average range of $2 to $6 per square foot. The larger the wall or ceiling area, the more paint and labor you’ll need. Most kitchens fall between 70 and 200 square feet of wall area, but open-plan kitchens can be even larger. The cost per square foot helps you estimate your budget as your kitchen gets bigger.
| Kitchen Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 70 | $140–$420 |
| 100 | $200–$600 |
| 150 | $300–$900 |
| 200 | $400–$1,200 |
| 250+ | $500–$1,500+ |
Smaller kitchens have a higher cost per square foot due to labor minimums, while larger spaces may benefit from bulk pricing.
Materials
Material choices can significantly impact your total cost to paint a kitchen. Standard paints are less expensive, but premium or specialty kitchen paints—such as mildew-resistant or washable options—cost more upfront and last longer. Primer is often necessary, especially on new or previously unpainted surfaces.
Add in brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths, and patching compounds for a complete materials list. Supplies and tools cost an average of $30 to $100.
The paint finish you select (matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss) also affects cost and durability.
| Paint Type | Average Cost (per gallon) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water-based | $15–$60 | Good for basic coverage, less washable |
| Oil-based | $30–$70 | More durable, easier to clean |
| Primer | $15–$80 | Needed for new or stained surfaces |
Investing in high-quality paint and finishes pays off in a kitchen, where surfaces require frequent cleaning and are subject to higher humidity.
Labor
Labor is a substantial part of the cost to paint a kitchen. You’ll find a range of professionals: general painters, contractors, and specialists who focus on kitchens. Hourly rates run from $20 to $100, while per-project bids can vary based on kitchen complexity and region.
Most average kitchens require eight to 16 hours of labor, but kitchens with detailed trim, multiple colors, or cabinet painting will require more time. Urban areas or high-cost regions often see higher labor rates.
Complex designs, intricate trim, or specialty finishes will increase both the labor hours and the final price.
Prep
Surface preparation is a crucial step in any kitchen painting project. Painting prep work includes cleaning, sanding, patching holes, repairing drywall, and removing old paint. Kitchens often require extra prep, such as degreasing walls, removing hardware, and moving appliances.
If there’s water damage or mold, repairs can add to the cost and timeline. Extensive prep sometimes rivals the cost of painting itself, but skipping it risks poor results and shorter paint life.
Tipping
Tipping for professional painters is appreciated but not mandatory. If your painters exceeded expectations or managed a complex project, consider tipping 10% to 15% of the total cost or a flat $20 to $50 per painter. Exceptional service, careful prep, and attention to detail are all good reasons to tip. Always base your decision on service quality.
Additional Cost Factors
Several factors can raise your kitchen painting costs. Removing wallpaper or textured finishes adds demolition time and disposal fees. If your home is older and may have lead paint, specialized removal and permits are required for safety.
Post-painting cleanup, structural repairs, and painting additional features—like cabinets, islands, doors, or crown molding—each add to the overall price. Decorative techniques, such as faux finishes or murals, also increase both labor and material costs.
Ongoing Kitchen Painting Costs
Ongoing costs for a painted kitchen are low, but maintenance and repairs can add up over time.
Maintenance
Kitchen walls endure more wear than other rooms, so touch-ups are needed more frequently, often every two to five years. Grease, moisture, and stains are common culprits. Occasional deep cleaning, using gentle cleaners designed for painted surfaces, helps preserve the finish. Professional cleaning services can cost $100 to $200 per visit, while DIY cleaning supplies cost much less.
Operating Costs
Maintaining your painted kitchen involves purchasing cleaning supplies and occasional touch-up paint. Specialty finishes may require special care, but most high-quality kitchen paints are made for easy maintenance. No ongoing energy or utility costs are associated with painted surfaces.
Repairs
Common repair needs include patching chips, fixing peeling or bubbling paint, and repairing water-damaged areas. Minor touch-ups cost as little as $20 to $50 in materials, while hiring a pro for larger repairs can cost $100 to $400. Major repairs, such as addressing water damage or mold, will increase costs and may require drywall replacement.
Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance may cover accidental paint damage due to leaks or fire, but routine wear is often excluded. Reputable professional painters carry liability insurance, protecting you from accidental damage during the project. For larger painting jobs or older homes, check your policy and ask your painter about their coverage for extra peace of mind.
DIY vs. Hiring a Kitchen Painting Pro
Some homeowners choose to paint their kitchens themselves to save on labor costs. DIY can be rewarding, but it does require time, skill, and attention to detail.
A DIY kitchen painting project means buying all materials—paint, primer, brushes, rollers, trays, drop cloths, tape, and cleaning supplies. Expect material costs of $150 to $400, plus your own time investment. While you save on labor, you take on the risk of uneven coverage, paint drips, or improper prep. DIY projects often take longer, especially if you’re working around appliances or need time for drying between coats.
Professionals bring experience and efficiency, finishing most kitchens in one to two days with high-quality, lasting results. They have all the necessary tools and handle complex prep or repairs. The trade-off is a higher upfront cost, but you gain peace of mind and a polished finish.
| Approach | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY | $150–$400 | Saves on labor, flexible schedule, personal satisfaction | Time-consuming, risk of errors, longer kitchen downtime |
| Professional | $360–$1,620 | Fast, high-quality finish, warranty, cleanup included | Higher cost, need to schedule, less DIY control |
If you have painting experience and the time, DIY can be a good option for simple kitchens. For large, complex, or high-traffic kitchens, hiring a pro delivers lasting value.
Cost of Common Kitchen Painting Add-Ons
Beyond walls and ceilings, painting other kitchen features can increase your total cost.
Painting kitchen cabinets is a popular add-on, costing $30 to $70 per linear foot or $70 to $1250 per cabinet.
Painting trim, baseboards, or crown molding adds $1 to $4 per linear foot.
Painting doors or windows within the kitchen ranges from $50 to $350 each.
Chalkboard paint or metallics can add $80 to $140 per gallon, depending on size and complexity.
Removing wallpaper or textured finishes before painting may cost $1,700 to $2,100.
Upgrading to premium or specialty paints, like mildew-resistant or scrubbable finishes, will also raise your budget. Painting kitchen islands or breakfast nooks is priced similarly to cabinets or walls, depending on size.
Tips to Reduce Costs While Painting a Kitchen
If you want to get the most out of your kitchen painting budget, consider these proven ways to save:
Get multiple quotes from local painting pros to compare pricing and services.
Choose standard paint colors and finishes, which are less expensive than custom or specialty options.
Prep the kitchen yourself by cleaning, moving furniture, and taping off surfaces before the pros arrive.
Bundle painting with other home improvement projects for potential discounts.
Schedule painting during off-peak seasons, such as late fall or winter, when demand is lower.
Buy paint and materials during sales or with manufacturer rebates.
Limit the number of paint colors or specialty finishes to keep labor and material costs manageable.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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