Updated · 3 min read
Written by the Z Construction team, from the projects we price and build in Lee County.
Short answer
If your cabinet boxes are solid wood or plywood, in good shape, and you like the layout, professional cabinet painting ($3,500–$5,500 for a small kitchen, $5,000–$8,000 for an average one in Auburn) gives you a new-looking kitchen for roughly a fifth of replacement cost. Replace them if boxes are water-damaged, particleboard is swelling, doors are peeling thermofoil, or you want a different layout.
Cost side by side
| Option | Typical Auburn cost | Time | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional cabinet painting | $3,500–$12,000 | 3–7 days | Solid boxes, layout works, dated color or finish |
| Refacing (new doors, veneer boxes) | Between painting and replacing | 1–2 weeks | Solid boxes, but you want a new door style |
| New cabinets (with counters) | $25,000–$45,000 | 3–6 weeks | Damaged boxes, new layout, full remodel |
Is your kitchen a good candidate for paint?
- Open a door: are the boxes solid wood or plywood, not crumbling particleboard?
- Check under the sink for swelling or water damage.
- Do the doors sit flat, and do hinges hold screws?
- Is the layout working for you? Paint can't add an island.
- Are the doors thermofoil (a vinyl skin)? If it's peeling, paint won't hold reliably.
What makes a painted finish last
Wall paint brushed over greasy cabinets is why so many DIY cabinet jobs chip around the handles within months.
- Doors and drawer fronts removed and sprayed, not brushed in place
- Thorough degreasing, then scuff sanding
- A bonding primer made for slick cabinet finishes
- A catalyzed or urethane-modified enamel topcoat that cures hard
- Proper cure time before heavy use
Oak grain: fill it or keep it
Painted oak shows its grain through the paint. Some people like the texture; for a smooth, modern look the grain can be filled before priming, which adds labor.
Get a written price for cabinet painting & refinishing
A free walkthrough, a line-by-line estimate in writing, and the owner on the job from start to finish.
Typical 2026 range in Lee County: $3,500–$12,000
Or just leave your number
The owner calls or texts you back, usually the same business day. No spam, no mailing list.
FAQ
How long does painted cabinetry last?
Done with degreasing, bonding primer and a catalyzed enamel, many years of daily use. It's a different product and process from wall paint.
Can I keep using my kitchen?
Mostly. Boxes are painted in place with the kitchen masked, and doors are finished separately. Expect a few days of limited use.
Does painting cabinets add value?
Nationally, minor kitchen updates are among the best-returning remodels at resale, and cabinet painting is often the centerpiece of one.