Who Should I Hire to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are deciding who to hire to paint kitchen cabinets, a professional cabinet painter offers the experience and expertise to ensure proper prep and a lasting finish. You can choose a general contractor when you are coordinating broader kitchen updates and want centralized project management. 

This cabinet painter hiring guide explains benefits, process, timing, and costs so you can plan confidently while minimizing disruption and ensuring consistent, high-quality results.

Benefits of Hiring a Cabinet Painter for Kitchen Cabinets

Hiring a local cabinet painter is the ideal choice because they focus on cabinetry and understand the products and techniques that matter. They know the best paint for kitchen cabinets and how to prep for a smooth, long-lasting finish. Pros also streamline setup and painting, reducing downtime in a space you use daily and keeping the project neat, efficient, and on schedule.

Here are some of the top benefits of working with a cabinet painting pro:

• Specialized cabinet prep prevents uneven texture, drips, and peeling

• Knows the best cabinet-appropriate primers and paints

• Achieves smooth, even coats and durable finishes

• Completes priming, prep, and painting quickly

• Protects floors, counters, and adjoining walls carefully

• Applies at least two coats for uniform coverage

• Adds a topcoat or sealer for longevity

• Reassembles doors and hardware with a clean finish

• Minimizes disruption in a high-use kitchen

• Cleans the workspace thoroughly after painting

Can I Hire Other Pros to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

Most handypeople focus on small, quick tasks rather than detailed cabinet painting. This project demands speed, neatness, and precision. The results vary with a handyperson, and quality is harder to guarantee. 

Choose a contractor if you are planning additional kitchen upgrades and want project management. Contractors coordinate pros skilled in surface prep, application technique, and finish quality. Get multiple quotes, check references, review prior work, and always hire a reliable contractor with cabinet painting experience.

Cabinet painters are the best choice when you want a pro-grade, durable finish. If you want the job done right the first time, consider a cabinet painter near you to ensure a professional, lasting result.

How Do Professional Cabinet Painters Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

Here’s a look at the standard cabinet painting process:

1. Remove doors and hardware

2. Protect floors, counters, and walls with protective coverings

3. Clean and prep all cabinet surfaces thoroughly

4. Apply a high-quality primer for adhesion

5. Brush, roll, or spray for a smooth, even finish

6. Add a topcoat or sealer for durability

7. Reassemble doors and hardware, inspect, and clean up. 

Most projects require two coats, with a third coat used in some cases.

How Much Does Painting Kitchen Cabinets Cost?

Hiring a professional cabinet painter costs $425 to $1,460, or $3 to $10 per square foot. Pricing varies by project size and location. Pros include thorough stripping and cleaning, and the use of the correct paint to deliver high-quality results. 

Expect a two to five-day timeline based on kitchen size, cabinet condition, and complexity, which influences labor needs. Painting is often cheaper than replacing cabinets for most homes.