Can I spray my kitchen cabinets myself?

Author: Dr. Murphy Schaefer II  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Yes, I actually set up a spray booth in my basement and sprayed 23 kitchen cabinet doors and 18 drawer faces. I sprayed the sides of our kitchen island in place. Each door and drawer face received three applications of paint on the front, back, and edges—one coat of primer and two topcoats.

Can I spray my own kitchen cabinets?

You can either use a paint sprayer or a foam roller and brush to prime/paint your cabinets. I found it easier to use a roller for this step as I was having issues with my paint sprayer but it's all personal preference.

How hard is it to spray cabinets?

You can spray the cabinets if you have the resources and space or paint them with a roller and brush. Spraying will always look better but you need the setup to do it. It's a highly labor intensive job but it's cheap if you DIY.

Is it better to roll or spray paint cabinets?

Spray painting is generally considered a better option for painting kitchen cabinets. It provides a smoother, more professional finish and allows for better coverage in hard-to-reach areas. Hand painting can be a viable alternative for smaller projects or when a more rustic or textured look is desired.

What do professionals use to spray kitchen cabinets?

CV is the best of the best. Two part lacquers are very similar, these are distinct from one part lacquers which you do not want. These two finishes are what professional cabinet shops spray, though some are switching to water based systems.

How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets - DIY Process for PROFESSIONAL results

How much should I pay for kitchen cabinets sprayed?

On average, the total to spray paint all of your kitchen cabinets will be in the region of £800-£1,600. Some spray painters may require removing your cupboards and taking them away to their site. With this service, there may be additional costs.

How long do sprayed cabinets last?

With proper care of professionally painted kitchen cabinets, you can expect your newly painted cabinets to last 8-10 years!

Is spraying kitchen cabinets worth it?

Using an airless paint sprayer is a quick and easy way to paint your cabinets and ensure you can get back to using your kitchen as soon as possible. Spraying your kitchen cabinets rather than painting can result in a smoother finish without leaving unsightly brush strokes or paint drips on your surfaces.

Do you backroll after spraying cabinets?

IS IT NECESSARY TO BACKROLL AFTER SPRAYING? Yes, you always want to follow up a spray application with backrolling. Back rolling ensures the bond between a porous surface and the paint, and skipping this step means the finish is more prone to peeling or flaking because it was not pressed into the surface.

How many coats of spray paint on kitchen cabinets?

Paint the Cabinets:

For cabinet doors, apply two coats of paint with an airless sprayer, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. Touch up edges or tight spaces with a small brush.

Do I need to sand cabinets before spraying?

Yes! You will find many articles on the net about painting cabinets without sanding, but that is not best practice. Your paint needs to grab onto something. A good primer will help with this, but your primer also needs some grip if you want your paint job to stand the test of time.

How much does it cost to professionally spray kitchen cabinets?

Professional painting companies generally price cabinet painting projects in one of two ways. Either you're paying per cabinet door and drawer, which can cost between $75 and $250 each, or you're going to pay per square foot of work, which runs about $10 to $12 per square foot.

How many gallons of paint do I need to spray kitchen cabinets?

Generally, one gallon of paint covers 350 – 400 square feet, so two gallons of paint is usually sufficient for a moderately sized kitchen.

What type of cabinet shouldn't you paint?

Cabinets made of stainless steel, vinyl, and laminate aren't easy to paint over. Paints are known not to bond with these particular surfaces, which may result in the paint chipping or peeling easily.

What type of paint sprayer is best for kitchen cabinets?

HVLP (High-Volume, Low-Pressure) sprayers are known for precision and control, making them ideal for cabinets.

Can I spray paint cabinets without sanding?

Can you paint cabinets without sanding? As long as the surface is stable and in good condition, the cabinets do not need to be sanded. Proper cleaning, deglossing, and using good-quality cabinet paint are key to painting cabinets without sanding.

Is it better to roll or spray cabinets?

The Final Verdict. Both Slavik and Fiorilli agree—using a paint sprayer is the best way to achieve the most professional cabinet finish as well as save time. That doesn't mean that a brush or roller should never be used though.

What is the best way to spray cabinets?

Inside the cabinets, spray the corners first and then fill in the center area. For the outside areas of the cabinets with edges, angle your gun so two-to-three spray passes will blend in the center. When the primer is completely dry, lightly sand the surfaces.

What is the downside to painting kitchen cabinets?

Although painted kitchen cabinets can offer a fresh new look, they may not stand the test of time as well as other finishes. The surfaces of painted cabinets in high-traffic areas, like the kitchen island or near the sink, can be prone to chips, scratches, and general wear over time.

Is it better to hand paint or spray paint?

It's a common misconception that using a paint sprayer rather than a brush and roller results in a lower quality job. In fact, in most cases, the newer substrates being used for siding today are better sprayed. In the hands of a skilled painter, spraying will leave a smooth, durable, uniform coat of paint.

How long does it take to spray kitchen cabinets?

It takes our teams between 1-3 days to complete a kitchen spray.

How much do you charge to spray cabinets?

Spray-painting kitchen cabinets costs $40 to $100 per linear foot. Spray painters charge $50 to $100+ per hour. Spraying creates a smooth, even finish that easily covers narrow crevices and detailed woodwork. Removing the doors or drawer fronts isn't necessary when spray-painting.

What is the best temperature to spray paint cabinets?

It is best to paint cabinets at room temperature.

Are painted cabinets cheaper than stained?

Painted cabinets typically cost more than stained cabinets. By how much? It depends on the colour, but you can expect painted cabinets to cost roughly 10-15% more than stained cabinets. Take a paint-grade wood like birch, for instance.

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