A new kitchen can cost £10,000 to £30,000. Painting the cabinets you already have usually costs a fraction of that and, done well, can give the same visual impact. We've painted kitchen cabinets in homes across Croydon, Purley, Kenley, Caterham, Warlingham and Redhill for over 15 years, and we've seen every finish from quick brush jobs that chip in six months to sprayed kitchens that still look factory-fresh years later.
This guide explains realistic costs for kitchen cabinet painting in Surrey, the difference between spray, hand-painted and brush finishes, and what makes one quote higher than another.
"We are hard working professional tradesmen who charge fair price for good quality work and no nonsense. If you spot a defect, we will come to rectify for free."
— Fred, Recommended Tradesmen, Kenley
Cost at a Glance
| Finish type | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Brush and roller | £800–£1,500+ | Budget refresh, simple doors |
| Hand-painted fine finish | £1,500–£2,500+ | High-end look, detailed doors |
| Spray finish (off-site) | £2,000–£3,500+ | Flawless factory-style finish |
| Spray finish (on-site) | £2,500–£4,000+ | Full kitchen with minimal disruption |
Prices assume a standard 12–16 unit kitchen in Surrey and include materials, prep, labour and VAT where applicable. Every kitchen is different, so the only way to get an accurate figure is a free, no-obligation quote.
Spray vs Brush vs Hand-Painted
Spray finish
A professional spray gives the smoothest, most even finish. Doors and drawers are usually removed and sprayed in a workshop. On-site spraying is possible but needs a controlled environment.
- Pros: flawless finish, durable, looks like a new kitchen
- Cons: higher cost, takes longer, not every kitchen suits it
Hand-painted finish
A skilled painter applies paint with brushes and rollers in thin, even coats. It takes longer than spraying but works well on detailed doors and in busy households.
- Pros: beautiful depth of finish, works on complex door profiles, more flexible
- Cons: takes longer, slightly higher risk of brush marks if poorly done
Brush and roller
The most affordable option. Good for plain doors and a quick refresh.
- Pros: cheapest, fastest
- Cons: less durable, more visible texture, may not last as long
How We Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Step 1: Empty and protect
We clear worktops, empty the cupboards being painted and protect floors, tiles and appliances.
Step 2: Clean thoroughly
Grease is the enemy. Every surface gets degreased so the primer can bond.
Step 3: Sand and prime
Doors, frames and carcasses are sanded, then primed with a product suited to the surface — wood, laminate or previously painted cabinets.
Step 4: Fill and repair
Damaged edges, chips and old handle holes are filled and sanded smooth.
Step 5: Apply topcoats
We build up thin, even coats of dedicated cabinet paint — usually two to three — with proper drying time between each.
Step 6: Reassemble
Hardware goes back on, adjustments are made, and we leave the kitchen clean.
What Affects the Price?
- Number of doors and drawers. More units mean more labour. A large kitchen with 30+ doors costs significantly more than a compact galley kitchen.
- Door profile. Plain shaker-style doors are quick to paint. Detailed in-frame doors with beading take far longer.
- Condition. Oily or varnished wood, peeling laminate or damaged edges need extra prep. That adds cost.
- Colour change. Going from dark to light usually needs more coats, especially on wood or stained surfaces.
- Internal colour. Painting the inside of cabinets as well as the outside roughly doubles the work.
- Handles and hardware. Removing and replacing handles is usually included. Upgrading hardware is extra.
How Long Does It Take?
| Finish type | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|
| Brush and roller | 3–5 days |
| Hand-painted | 5–7 days |
| Spray (off-site) | 7–10 days |
| Spray (on-site) | 5–7 days |
Drying time between coats is the main reason projects take several days. Rushing it ruins the finish.
"Most homeowners want the job done fast, but the difference between a finish that lasts five years and one that chips in six months is drying time. We don't cut corners."
— Fred, Recommended Tradesmen
Why Kitchen Cabinets Fail
The most common reasons painted kitchens look tired quickly:
- Grease not cleaned off before priming
- Wrong primer for the surface
- Paint applied too thickly
- Not enough drying time between coats
- Cheap paint that isn't designed for cabinets
A professional finish isn't just about the topcoat. It's about every layer underneath it. If you're weighing up doing it yourself, our DIY vs professional painter guide will help you decide. For the wider decorating budget, see our cost to paint a room in Surrey guide, and for the full decorating service see our interior painting and decorating page. For kitchen work in Purley, visit our Purley painter and decorator page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is painting kitchen cabinets worth it?
Yes — if the carcasses and doors are in good condition. It costs far less than replacement and can transform the room.
What paint is best for kitchen cabinets?
Dedicated cabinet paints like Tikkurila Helmi, Benjamin Moore Advance or Johnstones cupboard paint. These are hard-wearing and wipeable.
Do I need to empty the kitchen?
You need to clear worktops and empty at least the top drawers and cupboards being painted.
How long does the finish last?
A professionally painted kitchen should look good for 5–10 years with normal use.
Can laminate cabinets be painted?
Yes, but they need thorough cleaning, sanding and a specialist primer to prevent chipping.
Is spraying better than hand-painting?
Spraying gives the smoothest, most factory-like finish. Hand-painting is better for detailed doors and when on-site spraying isn't practical.
Do painted cabinets chip easily?
Not if the prep, primer and drying times are right. Cheap paint or rushed work chips quickly.
Can I use my kitchen while it's being painted?
Limited use, but most people set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere for a few days.
How much does kitchen cabinet painting cost in Surrey?
For a standard 12–16 unit kitchen, £800–£4,000+ depending on the finish, condition and number of units.
Do you paint inside the cabinets too?
We can, but it roughly doubles the labour. Most customers paint the outside and visible frames only.
What to Ask For in a Quote
When comparing kitchen cabinet painting quotes, make sure each includes the same scope:
- Removal and replacement of doors, drawers and hardware
- Cleaning, degreasing and sanding
- Primer suited to your cabinet material
- Number of topcoats and drying time allowed
- Protection for floors, worktops and appliances
- Reassembly, adjustment and cleanup
- Guarantee or rectification terms
A low quote that skips any of these steps usually costs more later in touch-ups or rework.
Mistakes That Ruin DIY Kitchen Cabinet Painting
We've fixed enough DIY cabinet jobs in Surrey to know the common failures:
- Not degreasing properly — cabinets look clean but hold grease that stops primer bonding
- Using wall emulsion on cabinets — it isn't durable and chips quickly
- Skipping primer on laminate or varnished wood — the paint has nothing to grip
- Painting doors while still hanging — drips, runs and uneven finish
- Rushing drying time — soft paint marks and peels
- Painting in a dusty room — dust settles in wet paint and ruins the finish
- Not labelling doors — putting them back in the wrong place is easy
These mistakes turn a cheap refresh into a job that needs redoing.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting: Is It Worth It?
For most Surrey homeowners with sound cabinets, yes. It costs a fraction of replacement, takes less time, and causes far less disruption. The finish can last 5–10 years if done properly.
The only time it isn't worth it is when the cabinets are damaged, the layout doesn't work, or the doors are falling apart. In those cases, replacement is the better investment. We always tell customers honestly whether painting is the right option for their kitchen.
How to Get the Longest Life From Painted Cabinets
To keep cabinets looking good:
- Wipe spills quickly, especially near handles and below the sink
- Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner — avoid abrasive scourers
- Don't hang wet cloths over door edges
- Touch up chips quickly before moisture gets underneath
- Avoid slamming doors and drawers
With good care and a professional finish, painted cabinets should look fresh for years.
Related Posts
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room in Surrey? (2026 Price Guide)
Budgeting for the rest of your decorating project
DIY vs Professional: When to Hire a Painter
Why kitchen cabinets are rarely a good DIY job
Interior Preparation Before Painting: What the Pros Actually Do
The prep work that makes painted finishes last
Services We Offer
Kitchen cabinet painting sits at the heart of what we do. Here's how we can help:
Interior Painting & Decorating
Kitchen cabinets, walls, ceilings and woodwork — the full interior finish.
Carpentry
Door adjustments, hinge repairs and hardware upgrades alongside the painting.
Handyman Services
The finishing touches — handles fitted, shelves adjusted, snagging sorted.
Wallpapering
Feature walls to complete the new-look kitchen or dining space.
Want a Kitchen That Looks New Without the Price Tag?
We paint kitchen cabinets across Croydon, Purley, Kenley, Caterham, Warlingham, Redhill and surrounding areas. Spray, hand-painted or brush finishes — we'll tell you honestly which one suits your kitchen.
Or email: info@recommended-tradesmen.co.uk
Last updated: August 2026. Based on 15+ years of painting and decorating homes in Surrey.