Cabinet painting in Maryland typically costs between $2,000 and $6,500 for an average-sized kitchen. The total price depends on the number of cabinet doors, drawers, and panels, the finishes selected, and the amount of surface preparation required. Smaller projects in condos or townhomes may cost as little as $1,000, while large kitchens with high-end finishes or custom cabinetry can exceed $10,000.
Cabinet painting remains one of the most cost-effective ways to update a Maryland kitchen without undergoing a full remodel. Professionally refinished cabinets can completely transform the look of your space, improve resale value, and extend the lifespan of existing woodwork for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Keep reading to understand the full cost of cabinet painting in Maryland!
Average Maryland Cabinet Painting Costs by Kitchen Size
The cost to paint kitchen cabinets depends heavily on the total cabinet area and door count. Below is a 2025 cost breakdown by kitchen size.
| Kitchen Size | Cabinet Area Estimate | Typical Range (USD) | Average Cost per Sq Ft |
| Small (70- 100 sq ft) | 10- 14 doors | $1,000 – $3,500 | $3 – $10 |
| Medium (100- 200 sq ft) | 15- 24 doors | $2,000 – $6,500 | $3 – $15 |
| Large (200+ sq ft) | 25+ doors | $5,000 – $10,000+ | $4 – $15 |
For most Maryland kitchens, $3,500 represents a reasonable statewide average that includes cleaning, sanding, priming, and two coats of premium paint applied via spraying or brushing.
Cost Breakdown by Cabinet Type
Smaller kitchens in townhouses or apartments- common in areas like Silver Spring or Laurel- fall on the lower end of the range, especially if the cabinets are newer and in good condition. Larger suburban kitchens in counties like Anne Arundel, Montgomery, and Howard often feature more cabinetry, complex trim details, and high-end finishes that increase labor and material costs.
Unit Pricing Averages
Homeowners planning smaller touch-up projects or partial repainting can also reference unit-based pricing to estimate costs.
| Unit | Typical Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
| Per cabinet door | $70 – $125 | Includes sanding, primer, and two-coat enamel finish |
| Per drawer front | $30 – $110 | Often refinished along with doors |
| Per linear foot | $30 – $70 | Ideal for continuous cabinet runs |
| Per sq ft | $5.33 – $10.63 (Oct 2025 avg.) | Includes prep, sanding, priming, and two coats |
Professional cabinet painters in Maryland often calculate project estimates based on total surface area, with $5 to $10 per square foot as a typical range for high-quality finishes.
Regional Cabinet Painting Prices Across Maryland
Cabinet painting costs vary regionally due to labor rates, home age, and climate factors like humidity.
| Region | Average Project Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Annapolis (Anne Arundel County) | $2,332 – $3,249 avg., range $955 – $5,313 | Older cabinetry and moisture protection increase prep costs |
| Baltimore & Suburbs | $2,500 – $6,500 avg. | More prep time needed for older painted trim kitchens |
| Southern Maryland / Charles County | $1,800 – $4,000 typical | Lower labor rates compared to metro areas |
Regional Insights
- Annapolis and Coastal Areas: Homes near the Chesapeake Bay face higher humidity, requiring moisture-resistant primers and topcoats.
- Baltimore Metro: Many kitchens feature dated painted cabinets that need sanding and deglossing before new finishes.
- Southern Maryland: Slightly lower labor costs and newer housing stock keep prices more affordable.
Labor and Material Costs
Labor Costs
Labor typically makes up 70- 80% of total cabinet painting expenses. Professional painters in Maryland charge between $60 and $120 per hour, or roughly $2 to $5 per square foot of cabinet surface. More detailed cabinetry with trim, crown molding, or inset doors requires additional time and precision, pushing costs toward the higher end.
Material Costs
High-quality cabinet-grade paints and primers range from $50 to $150 per gallon, with most kitchens requiring 2- 3 gallons for full coverage. These coatings are specifically designed for durability and washability, providing a smooth, factory-like finish that can withstand kitchen heat, moisture, and frequent cleaning.
Common Finish Types
- Standard Acrylic Enamel: Lasts 5- 8 years, offering a durable, satin-to-semi-gloss finish suitable for most residential kitchens.
- 2K Urethane Systems (Renner or Milesi): Extend lifespan to 10- 15 years, resist chipping and yellowing, and deliver a flawless sprayed-on finish. These advanced coatings typically add around $1,000 to the project total but are ideal for homeowners seeking a long-term investment.
Factors That Influence Cabinet Painting Costs
1. Cabinet Condition and Preparation
Surface preparation plays a critical role in determining total cost. Cabinets with grease buildup, chipping paint, or damaged wood require cleaning, sanding, and priming before paint application. Skipping these steps can cause premature peeling and uneven finishes.
2. Door Style and Complexity
Raised-panel, shaker, or inset cabinet doors require more labor to sand and spray evenly compared to flat-panel styles. Complex trim or decorative moldings add to the prep and masking time.
3. Type of Finish and Application Method
Spray finishes produce a smoother, more professional look than brush or roller methods but require specialized equipment, ventilation, and masking of adjacent surfaces. Spray applications typically cost 15- 25% more but deliver longer-lasting results.
4. Color Changes and Primer Needs
Switching from dark to light colors requires additional primer layers for full coverage. Light cabinetry finishes like white or cream often need two to three coats of paint for even opacity.
5. Hardware Replacement or Reinstallation
If homeowners plan to replace knobs, hinges, or pulls, labor costs can rise slightly to account for drilling, alignment, and cleanup.
Maryland Cabinet Painting Process Overview
Professional cabinet painting typically follows these steps:
- Surface Cleaning and Degreasing: Removes kitchen residue for better paint adhesion.
- Sanding or Stripping: Smooths surfaces and eliminates imperfections.
- Priming: Seals the surface and prevents bleed-through from previous coatings.
- Paint Application: Usually two coats of durable enamel or urethane.
- Curing and Reassembly: Doors and drawers are reinstalled after drying, with hardware adjusted for alignment.
The process generally takes 3- 5 days, depending on kitchen size and paint type.
DIY vs. Professional Cabinet Painting
While DIY cabinet painting might seem appealing, it rarely achieves the same long-lasting results as professional work. Professional painters use HVLP sprayers, specialized primers, and dust-free environments to ensure smooth, durable coatings.
A DIY project may save $1,000- $2,000 upfront but can take weeks to complete and risk uneven coverage, brush marks, or paint failures. Considering that professional cabinet painting adds substantial resale appeal, most Maryland homeowners find the investment worthwhile.
Cost Comparison: Painting vs. Refacing vs. Replacement
- Cabinet Painting: $2,000 – $6,500 average; quickest and most budget-friendly option.
- Cabinet Refacing: $6,000 – $12,000; replaces doors and veneers for a like-new appearance.
- Cabinet Replacement: $12,000 – $25,000+; full remodel with new cabinetry and layout changes.
Painting offers the best balance of cost, appearance, and ROI- especially for solid wood cabinets in good condition.
Maintenance Tips for Painted Cabinets
To maximize lifespan and maintain appearance:
- Wipe surfaces regularly with mild soap and water; avoid harsh chemicals.
- Keep humidity levels moderate to prevent swelling or cracking.
- Use felt pads on doors and drawers to reduce friction and chipping.
- Recoat or touch up every 7- 10 years, depending on wear.
Summary: Planning Your Cabinet Painting Budget for 2025
For Maryland homeowners, the average cost of cabinet repainting in 2025 is around $3,500, with total project prices ranging from $2,000 to $7,000 depending on kitchen size, finish type, and labor complexity. Labor typically costs $60–$120 per hour, while materials and advanced finishes such as 2K urethane can add to the total but deliver exceptional longevity.
Cabinet painting is one of the most effective ways to refresh your kitchen’s style and improve resale value without the cost of replacement. By hiring an experienced Maryland painting professional and choosing durable, high-quality finishes, you can achieve a factory-smooth look that revitalizes your kitchen and protects your investment for years to come.
Ready to transform your kitchen? Contact Perfect Painters & More today for a free cabinet painting estimate. Our experienced Maryland painters specialize in precision prep, spray-grade finishes, and long-lasting coatings that bring new life to your cabinets—at a fraction of the cost of replacement. Trust Perfect Painters & More to deliver flawless results that make your kitchen look brand new again.
