By Bruno Venichand, J. Perry & Sons — Florida CGC1540699
Cabinet painting cost in South Florida runs $5,500–$9,500 for most kitchens, which works out to about $175–$275 per door and drawer front with the boxes, face frames and end panels included. A small kitchen with 20 fronts sits at the low end; a large kitchen with an island, tall pantry cabinets and a dark-to-white color change sits at the top. J. Perry & Sons painting sprays cabinets with a hard enamel built for kitchen use. Here is how the price is built.
Cabinet painting cost by kitchen size
| Kitchen | Doors and drawer fronts | Typical price, sprayed, two-tone not included |
|---|---|---|
| Small or condo kitchen | 18–24 | $5,500–$6,500 |
| Average single-family kitchen | 25–35 | $6,500–$8,250 |
| Large kitchen with island and pantry | 36–50 | $8,250–$9,500+ |
| Island only, different color | 6–12 | $1,250–$2,250 |
| Bathroom vanity | 4–8 | $1,000–$1,750 |
| Laundry or bar cabinets | 8–14 | $1,750–$3,000 |
Add-ons: new hardware installed with filled holes and new drilling, $15–$30 per piece in labor; grain filling on oak, priced after a sample door; interior of the boxes, quoted only if you want them painted.
Is painting worth it vs refacing or replacing?
Painting makes sense when the cabinet boxes are solid wood or plywood, the doors are a style you like, and the layout works. It costs a fraction of new cabinets, which start in the tens of thousands for a full kitchen remodel at $54,000–$140,000+.
It doesn't make sense when the doors are thermofoil or a peeling laminate, the boxes are water-damaged particleboard under the sink, or you want to change the layout. Refacing replaces doors and drawer fronts and veneers the boxes; see cabinet refacing vs replacement.
Free estimate — call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project. Send a photo of the kitchen and a close-up of one door and we'll send a same-day range.
Call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project with photos, the city, approximate dimensions, and material selections.
How we paint cabinets
- Label and remove every door, drawer front and hinge. Labels go in the hinge holes so every piece returns to its spot.
- Protect the kitchen. Countertops, floors, appliances and walls are masked and covered. Plastic seals the room from the rest of the house.
- Degrease. Kitchen cabinets carry cooking grease, especially near the range. Paint won't bond to it.
- Scuff sand the existing finish and fill dents, cracks and old hardware holes if you're changing hardware.
- Bonding primer. A primer made for slick factory finishes. On oak, a grain filler first if you want a smooth look.
- Spray two finish coats of a hard cabinet enamel, with a light sand between coats. Doors and fronts are sprayed flat in a controlled area; boxes and face frames are sprayed in place with the room masked.
- Cure and reinstall. Doors go back once they're hard enough to handle, then hinges are adjusted and bumpers added.
What moves the price
- Count of fronts. The main driver. Count every door and every drawer front.
- Color change. Dark wood or cherry to white often needs an extra primer coat to block tannin bleed.
- Door style. Raised panels and detailed profiles take longer to sand and spray than flat slab or shaker doors.
- Oak grain. Painted oak shows the grain unless it's filled. Some owners like the texture; filling adds labor.
- Condition. Water damage under the sink, peeling edges or chipped corners need repair before paint.
- Two-tone. A different island color adds a second setup.
Choosing a cabinet color that lasts
White and off-white remain the most requested colors in South Florida kitchens, and they show wear first at the edges of the sink base and the trash pull-out. Mid-tone grays, greige and muted greens hide fingerprints better. Navy or black on an island is a common two-tone pairing with white perimeter cabinets. Whatever the color, a satin or semi-gloss sheen cleans easier than flat. We spray a sample door before the full job so you can see the color next to your countertop and floor in your own light.
South Florida conditions
Humidity. Cabinet enamel cures slower in humid air. We keep the AC running during and after, and doors don't go back up until they pass a hardness check.
Condos. Spraying inside a condo unit needs ventilation planning and association approval in many buildings; some buildings have rules about spray equipment and odors. We confirm before scheduling.
Kitchen downtime. You can use the fridge and a counter during the job, but the sink and range areas will be masked at stages.
Permits. Painting cabinets doesn't need a permit.
Timeline
- Prep and masking: 1 day
- Degrease, sand, prime: 1–2 days
- Finish coats: 2–3 days
- Cure and reinstall: 1–2 days
- Total: 5–8 working days for most kitchens
The finish keeps hardening for a few weeks after. Treat doors gently and avoid harsh cleaners in that period.
Painting by city
- Painting in Boca Raton
- Painting in Weston
- Painting in Pembroke Pines
- Painting in Wellington
- Painting in Fort Lauderdale
- Painting in Miami
- Painting in Palm Beach Gardens
Related guides: Interior painting cost · Kitchen remodel cost · Kitchen backsplash cost
Prefer to send photos or plans? Send us your project
Cabinet painting cost — FAQ
How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets in South Florida? $5,500–$9,500 for most kitchens, or about $175–$275 per door and drawer front, with boxes and face frames included.
Is it cheaper to paint or replace cabinets? Painting costs a fraction of new cabinets. Replacement makes sense when boxes are damaged, doors are thermofoil, or the layout is changing.
How long does painted cabinet finish last? A sprayed cabinet enamel over proper prep holds up for many years of normal use. Touch-ups are possible on chips.
Can you paint thermofoil or laminate cabinets? We don't recommend it. Thermofoil tends to peel and laminate doesn't bond well. Replacing doors or refacing is the better route.
How do I get an exact price? Call (561) 556-7509 or send photos and rough dimensions through our project form. A written estimate is typically ready within 24–48 hours after a site review and scope confirmation.
Free estimate — call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project. Licensed Florida general contractor CGC1540699. Serving Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.
Call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project with photos, the city, approximate dimensions, and material selections.