Painting vs. Refacing vs. Replacement
| Option | Typical Cost | What Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet painting | $30 – $60 per door/drawer front | Color only, existing boxes and doors |
| Cabinet refacing | $100 – $250 per linear ft. | New door/drawer fronts, existing boxes |
| Full replacement | See our Kitchen Cabinet guide | Entirely new cabinetry |
When Painting Makes Sense
If your cabinet boxes and doors are structurally sound and you're mainly tired of the color or finish, painting is the most cost-effective option by a wide margin. Proper cabinet painting requires degreasing, sanding, and a bonding primer specifically formulated for cabinetry — a rushed job without this prep is the most common cause of chipping within the first year.
When Refacing Makes More Sense
If door style or hardware placement needs to change — not just color — refacing (new door and drawer fronts on existing boxes) gets you closer to a full remodel look without the cost of new cabinetry.
"Cabinet painting is one of the best value projects we quote when the boxes are still solid. I always check the boxes first — if they're not structurally sound, painting is putting a new coat on a problem that's going to come back."
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