If your kitchen feels outdated or your cabinets are starting to show wear, you may be considering a refresh without the price tag of a full remodel. Painting is one of the most popular ways to transform a kitchen and one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets in Wake Forest, NC?”
The truth is that kitchen cabinet painting is one of the most affordable and high-impact upgrades you can make. At Wallscapers, we help homeowners throughout Wake Forest, Rolesville, North Raleigh, Youngsville, and Wake County understand their options and choose the right finish for their budget and style.
This guide breaks down the full cost, what affects pricing, and how to get the best results for your home.
Average Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in Wake Forest, NC
On average, the cost to paint kitchen cabinets in Wake Forest, NC ranges from $2,800 to $6,500, depending on the size of your kitchen, the number of doors and drawers, and the condition of the existing cabinets.
Here’s the typical breakdown:
- Small kitchens: $2,800–$3,800
- Medium kitchens: $3,800–$5,200
- Large kitchens: $5,200–$6,500+
This is significantly less than refacing or replacing, and it delivers one of the highest returns on investment for homeowners looking to modernize their kitchen.
What Affects the Cost of Painting Kitchen Cabinets?
Cabinet painting costs can vary based on several factors. Here’s what has the biggest impact on your final price:
1. Number of Cabinets (Doors + Drawers)
Most cabinet painting estimates are based on how many surfaces need to be prepped and sprayed.
Typical counts:
- Small kitchen: 20–30 doors/drawers
- Medium kitchen: 30–45 doors/drawers
- Large kitchen: 45–60+ doors/drawers
More doors = more prep work, sanding, priming, and painting, so larger kitchens cost more.
2. Existing Cabinet Condition
If your cabinets have:
- Grease buildup
- Peeling finish
- Deep scratches
- Water or heat damage
- Heavy grain that needs leveling
…your project may require additional prep and priming.
Proper surface prep is the difference between a smooth, durable factory-style finish and a paint job that chips within a year. Wallscapers’ process includes sanding, priming, and professional spray finishing to ensure long-lasting results.
3. Paint Type and Finish Level
Higher-quality paints designed specifically for cabinetry provide:
- Better durability
- Smoother finish
- Improved scratch resistance
- Longer lifespan
Most professional painters in Wake Forest use premium cabinet paints or industrial-grade coatings. While they cost more upfront, they last years longer and maintain a beautiful finish.
4. Kitchen Layout and Accessibility
Complex kitchen layouts require more time and detail work:
- Island cabinets
- Corner cabinets
- Built-in pantries
- Multiple coats for white/light colors
- Hard-to-reach crown molding or trim
These features can add to the total price.
5. Add-On Services
Homeowners often combine cabinet painting with:
- Hardware replacement
- Soft-close hinge upgrades
- Island color contrast
- Interior cabinet painting
- Light carpentry repairs
Each add-on affects total cost but also enhances the final look. Call us today for expert kitchen cabinet refacing services.
Cost Comparison: Painting vs Refinishing vs Refacing vs Replacing
If you’re still deciding which upgrade fits your budget, here’s a helpful comparison:
| Service | Average Cost | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| Painting | $2,800–$6,500 | Outdated colors, budget upgrades | Affordable, fast, huge visual impact | Won’t fix damaged doors |
| Refinishing (Staining) | $3,500–$7,500 | Solid wood cabinets | Restores wood grain, durable | Limited color options |
| Refacing | $8,000–$15,000 | Outdated door styles | New doors, modern look | Higher cost |
| Full Replacement | $15,000–$25,000+ | Complete remodels | Total customization | Most expensive |
Painting offers the best value if your cabinets are in good shape and you simply want a modern new look.
How Long Does It Take to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
A typical cabinet painting project in Wake Forest takes 3–5 days depending on size and complexity.
Wallscapers’ process includes:
- Removing doors and hardware
- Cleaning and degreasing
- Sanding and surface prep
- Priming
- Applying multiple coats of professional-grade paint
- Curing and reinstalling doors and hardware
Our spray-finish method leaves your cabinets with a factory-smooth finish, no brush marks, no streaking, no uneven color.
Most Popular Cabinet Paint Colors in Wake Forest, NC
Wake Forest and North Raleigh homeowners consistently choose:
- Pure White, bright, clean, timeless
- Soft Gray, warm and modern
- Navy Blue, bold island or lower cabinet accent
- Black, ultra-modern and elegant
- Greige, trending color that pairs with farmhouse and traditional styles
White and soft neutrals remain the top choices for resale value.
How to Get the Best Price When Painting Kitchen Cabinets
If you want to get the best results without overpaying, here are a few tips:
1. Avoid DIY for Cabinets
DIY paint often leads to:
- Chipping
- Peeling
- Brush marks
- Uneven surfaces
- Poor durability
Professional spraying delivers a factory-grade finish that lasts.
2. Choose a Company with a Dedicated Cabinet Painting Process
Cabinet painting is a specialty, not every painter does it well. Wallscapers uses professional tools, cabinet-grade coatings, and a dedicated prep system designed for long-term durability.
3. Get an In-Home Estimate
Every kitchen is different. A professional evaluation ensures accurate pricing and no surprises.
Upgrade Your Wake Forest Kitchen Cabinets with Wallscapers, Get a Free Estimate
If you’re ready to transform your kitchen without the cost of a full remodel, cabinet painting is one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades. Wallscapers delivers beautiful, durable, factory-smooth finishes for homeowners throughout North Carolina.
Whether you want a bright new color or a complete kitchen makeover, our team can help bring your vision to life.
Contact Wallscapers today for a free cabinet painting estimate in Wake Forest, NC!
FAQs About Cabinet Painting in Wake Forest, NC
How long does cabinet paint last?
With proper prep and high-quality coatings, painted cabinets typically last 8–10+ years before needing touch-ups or a refresh.
Does painting cabinets increase home value?
Absolutely. Freshly painted cabinets make your kitchen look newer and more modern, a major selling point for Wake Forest buyers.
Can all cabinets be painted?
Most can, including wood, MDF, and laminate. Wallscapers can confirm your cabinet type during a consultation.
Is cabinet painting messy?
A professional team will tape, mask, and protect your kitchen surfaces. Wallscapers uses a controlled spray setup to keep your home clean and dust-free.