How long does kitchen cabinet painting takes?
Most homeowners know it’s cheaper than a full remodel, but don’t realize it still takes time and planning. It’s not just slapping on a coat of paint.
From removing hardware to curing the final coat, each step adds hours or days. Let’s break it down clearly, so you can plan with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
- DIY kitchen cabinet painting often takes 7–14 days, depending on kitchen size and prep time.
- Hiring professionals cuts the timeline down to 3–5 days with more consistent results.
- Cleaning, sanding, and priming are the most time-consuming but important prep steps.
- Drying and curing times vary based on paint type, humidity, and temperature.
- Cabinet finishes, door styles, and hardware reassembly can all affect the total cabinet project time.
The Short Answer: It Depends on the Scope and Skill
On average, a full kitchen cabinet painting project takes:
- 7 to 14 days for DIY jobs
- 3 to 5 days with professional painters
The difference? Tools, products, and experience. A pro team already knows how to work efficiently and avoid common mistakes. DIY painters often take longer because of limited time and unexpected delays.
But either way, here’s how the process usually looks.
Step 1: Prepping the Kitchen (1 to 2 Days)
Everything starts with proper prep. This includes:
- Removing all cabinet doors and drawer fronts
- Taking off knobs, pulls, and hinges
- Labeling parts to make reassembly easier
- Cleaning every surface to remove grease and buildup
This part’s easy to rush, but it sets the tone for everything that follows. If you’re working with different materials, like laminate or natural wood, check out this piece on kitchen cabinets finishes to better understand what you’re painting over.
Step 2: Sanding the Cabinets (1 to 2 Days)
Next comes sanding. It smooths the surface and gives the primer something to grip.
Use sandpaper or a sanding block. If your cabinets have raised trim or carvings, this part can be slow. A power sander helps with flat areas, but hand-sanding is still needed for details. You’ll also want to clean up dust between steps, or it can mess with the finish later.
Step 3: Applying Primer (1 Day Plus Dry Time)
Primer helps paint stick and blocks stains or wood grain from showing through.
Use a primer made for cabinets—not walls. Some homeowners skip this step and regret it when the paint starts peeling. If you’re painting oak or knotty pine, a stain-blocking formula is usually needed.
Step 4: Painting the Cabinets (2 to 4 Days)
This is where the transformation happens but it takes time.
- Most cabinets need 2 to 3 coats
- Dry time between coats is around 6 to 24 hours
- You’ll need to flip doors to paint both sides
- Use a sprayer for smoother coverage or brushes and rollers for tight areas
Paint type also affects the timeline. Oil-based paints take longer to cure but are more durable. Water-based paints dry faster but may need more coats. If your cabinets have paneling or trim, expect more touch-ups.
Step 5: Curing and Reassembly (1 to 3 Days)
Even if the paint feels dry, it’s still curing.
Reinstall the doors and hardware carefully to avoid smudging or fingerprints. Let drawers and doors rest a bit before using them heavily. Full cure time can take up to 30 days, but you’ll be able to use the kitchen again in just a few days.
Pro tip: Add felt pads to doors to avoid early chipping.
What Slows Things Down?
How long does kitchen cabinet painting takes? A few things can stretch the timeline:
- Humid weather or poor ventilation
- Using the wrong type of paint or primer
- Skipping prep steps like sanding or cleaning
- More doors, drawers, or detailed panels than expected
If you’re working evenings or weekends only, that also adds days. Planning ahead helps you stay on track.
So, How Long Does Kitchen Cabinet Painting Takes in Reality?
If you’re handling it yourself, plan on about 7 to 14 days. That includes prep, sanding, drying between coats, and reassembly.
Hiring a professional cuts that down to 3 to 5 days in most cases. The process is quicker, cleaner, and gives you a more consistent finish. Plus, you won’t have to spend two weeks without drawer fronts or usable counter space.
Here’s what Cabinet Coating Kings offers when it comes to kitchen cabinet painting:
- Full prep including door removal, sanding, and cleaning
- Cabinet-grade primers and paints for long-lasting results
- Spray application for a smooth, factory-like finish
- Clear updates so you always know what’s happening
- Clean-up and reassembly handled professionally
If you’re in Winter Park, Winter Garden, Windermere, FL and the surrounding areas, call 407-917-9535 to book your FREE estimate with Cabinet Coating Kings.
Let us take the stress out of the process and give your kitchen a clean, refreshed look—on time and done right!
