Are you thinking about giving your kitchen cabinets a new look? In 2025, many people want to refresh their kitchens without spending a lot of money. Painting cabinets is a smart way to do this. Did you know that hiring a professional to paint your kitchen cabinets in Buckinghamshire UK can cost between $1,000 and $12,000? On the other hand, DIY kitchen cabinet painting can cost as little as $200 to $600.
This guide will help you decide if DIY kitchen cabinet painting vs hiring a professional: what’s better for you. Let’s explore the pros and cons, costs, and tips to get a fresh kitchen that looks great.
1. DIY Kitchen Cabinet Painting vs Hiring a Professional: What’s Better?
This is the big question. It is like asking if you should cook a big meal yourself or go to a restaurant. Both ways are good. But they are very different. Let’s look at what is good and what is not so good about each way.
Doing It Yourself (DIY)
- You Save Money: This is a big reason to do it yourself. You do not have to pay for a person to do the work. You just buy the paint and the tools.
- You Feel Proud: When you finish the job, you can feel very proud. You did it all on your own!
- You Go at Your Own Speed: If you are busy, you can paint a little bit each day. You do not have to finish quickly.
Hiring a Pro
- The Job Looks Perfect: A professional painter has special tools and a lot of practice. They can make the paint look very smooth. No brush marks or drips!
- It is Done Fast: Pros work very quickly. They can finish a whole kitchen in just a few days. You do not have to wait a long time.
- You Can Relax: You do not have to do any of the hard work. You can sit back and let someone else do the job.
As you can see, both ways are good. You have to decide which one is better for you.
2. How Much Does It Cost to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets Professionally?
This is a very important thing to know. When you hire a professional, you are paying for their time and their skills. The price can change a lot. A small kitchen will cost less. A big kitchen will cost more. The price can also change based on the type of cabinets you have.
The price to get a professional to paint your cabinets is usually from $2,000 to $6,500. That is a big range, right? The price goes up or down based on things like:
- How many doors and drawers do you have?
- If your cabinets have a lot of special bumps and shapes.
- What kind of paint and finish do you want?
Even with this cost, it is much cheaper than buying a whole new kitchen. A new kitchen can cost over $20,000! So, hiring a pro is a great way to save money and still get a brand-new-looking kitchen.
3. How Long Do Professionally Painted Kitchen Cabinets Last?
This is a great question. You want the paint to last a very, very long time. A good professional job can last a long time. With the right care, professionally painted cabinets can last for 8 to 15 years.
The reason they last so long is because of three things:
- The Painter’s Skill: A professional knows how to apply the paint perfectly so it does not chip or peel.
- The Special Paint: They use very strong paints that are made just for cabinets.
- Good Preparation: A well-prepped cabinet will hold onto paint for many years.
To make them last even longer, you should clean them gently. Do not use strong cleaners or a rough cloth. Just use a soft cloth with a little soap and water.
4. How Often Should You Repaint Kitchen Cabinets for Best Results?
You do not need to repaint your cabinets on a set schedule. You only need to repaint them when they start to look tired. This could be after 10 years, or maybe 15 years. It just depends on how much you use your kitchen.
You should think about repainting when you see:
- Chips in the paint.
- Scratches that you cannot hide.
- The colour looks faded.
- You just want a new colour!
So, the rule is to only repaint when they need it. A good kitchen cabinet painting job will last for a very long time.
5. Is It Worth Repainting Kitchen Cabinets Before Selling a House?
Yes! This is a very smart thing to do. Many people want to buy a house with a kitchen that looks new and clean. When you paint your cabinets, you make the whole kitchen look new. It is one of the best ways to get more money for your house.
- More Money: An updated kitchen can help you sell your house for 3% to 7% more money. That is a lot of money!
- More People Like It: People looking at your house will see a clean, modern kitchen. This makes them feel good about the house. It might even help you sell the house faster.
- It is Easy and Fast: Painting cabinets is much faster and cheaper than buying all new cabinets. It is a big change for a small price.
6. How to Prepare Kitchen Cabinets for Spray Painting
This is a bit more detail on the earlier topic. Spray painting gives a super smooth finish. It makes the cabinets look like they came from a factory. But the preparation part is very, very important.
Here are the steps a pro takes for the perfect job:
- Remove All Parts: Take off all doors, drawers, and hardware. They will work on them in a special room.
- Clean Everything: They use a special cleaner to get rid of all dirt and grease.
- Sand and Smooth: They use a machine to sand everything lightly. This makes the surface perfect for the paint to stick.
- Cover Everything: They cover your whole kitchen with plastic. This stops the spray paint from getting on your floor and counters.
- Use Primer: They spray a special primer coat. This is like glue for the paint. It helps the paint last for a very long time.
This careful work is what makes a professional spray job so good.
7. Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets to Get a Professional Finish
What kind of paint should you use? The best paint is one that is strong and lasts a long time. A professional will use special paints. Some good paints are called “enamels.” They are very strong and easy to clean.
You should look for paints that are:
- Durable: This means they will not chip or scratch easily.
- Easy to Clean: You want to be able to wipe them with a wet cloth.
- Smooth: The paint should not leave brush marks.
Some good brands in the US are Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane, and Behr. Pros know the best paints to use for the best results.
8. Eco-Friendly Paints for Repainting Kitchen Cabinets
Do you care about the planet? You can use special paints that are better for the Earth. These are called eco-friendly paints. They have fewer bad chemicals in them. They are good for you and good for the planet.
Some good eco-friendly paint brands in the US are:
- ECOS Paints
- Benjamin Moore’s Eco Spec
- The Real Milk Paint Co.
Using these paints helps keep the air in your house clean. This is good for your family and pets.
Conclusion
Painting your kitchen cabinets is a smart choice. You can make your kitchen look new without spending a lot of money. You have to decide if you want to do the job yourself or hire a pro.
Doing it yourself saves money, but it is a lot of hard work. Hiring a pro costs more, but you get a perfect job that is done fast and will last a very long time.
No matter which way you choose, a new coat of paint will make you love your kitchen again.
Transform Your Kitchen Today!
Whether you choose the DIY route or hire a pro, a fresh coat of paint can completely change the look of your kitchen. If you want a flawless, long-lasting finish without the stress, let UPVC’s expert painters handle it for you.
📞 Call us today at 01134 364 364
Book your kitchen cabinet painting consultation online today and get a free quotation!
FAQs
Q.1: Is it really cheaper to paint my cabinets than to replace them?
Yes, it is much, much cheaper. Repainting can save you thousands of dollars.
Q.2: Will the new paint chip or peel off easily?
If the cabinets are prepared correctly and good paint is used, the paint will be very strong and will not chip or peel.
Q.3: Can I paint my own cabinets with a brush?
Yes, you can. But a sprayer will give you a much smoother finish with no brush marks.
Q.4: What is the best kind of paint for my kitchen cabinet painting?
You should use a very durable paint made just for cabinets. A professional can help you choose the best one.