How Much Does Cabinet Painting Cost in the Tri-Cities?
Thinking about updating your kitchen cabinets in Johnson City, Kingsport, or Bristol? Cabinet painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your kitchen without the $15,000–$30,000 price tag of new cabinets. Here's what professional cabinet painting actually costs in the Tri-Cities area and what you should expect for your investment.
Tri-Cities Cabinet Painting Prices
| Project Type | Cost Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Small Kitchen (10-15 doors) | $2,500 – $4,000 | $3,200 |
| Average Kitchen (20-30 doors) | $3,500 – $5,500 | $4,500 |
| Large Kitchen (35-50 doors) | $5,000 – $7,500 | $6,200 |
| Bathroom Vanity | $400 – $800 | $600 |
| Kitchen Island Only | $500 – $1,200 | $800 |
Cost Per Cabinet Door
Another way to estimate cabinet painting costs is by the door. In the Tri-Cities, expect to pay:
- Cabinet doors: $50–$100 per door (painted both sides)
- Drawer fronts: $25–$50 each
- Cabinet frames (boxes): $30–$75 per opening
- End panels: $50–$100 each
A typical kitchen with 20 doors, 15 drawer fronts, and frame painting usually totals $3,500–$5,000 with professional preparation and premium cabinet paint.
What's Included in Professional Cabinet Painting?
Professional cabinet painting involves far more than just painting. Here's what a quality Tri-Cities cabinet painter should include:
Preparation (50% of the work)
- Removing all doors, drawers, and hardware
- Labeling everything for proper reinstallation
- Thorough degreasing with TSP or similar cleaner
- Sanding all surfaces to create proper adhesion
- Filling holes, dents, and imperfections
- Applying high-adhesion primer designed for cabinets
Painting
- Two coats of premium cabinet paint
- Light sanding between coats for smooth finish
- Proper dry time between coats (often 24+ hours)
- Spray application for factory-smooth results (or high-quality brush/roller)
Finishing
- Reinstalling all doors and drawers
- Installing new or existing hardware
- Adjusting hinges for proper alignment
- Final inspection and touch-ups
What Affects Cabinet Painting Cost?
1. Number of Cabinets and Doors
More doors and drawers means more surface area to prep, prime, and paint. Count your doors and drawer fronts to get a rough estimate before calling for quotes.
2. Current Cabinet Condition
Cabinets with heavy grease buildup, water damage, peeling finish, or significant wear require more preparation. Oak cabinets with prominent grain may need grain-filling primer for a smooth finish, adding cost and time.
3. Paint Quality
Cabinet paints vary significantly in quality and durability. We recommend premium waterborne alkyd paints like Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane, or PPG Breakthrough. These products cost $60–$90 per gallon but cure to a hard, scrubbable finish that resists chipping and yellowing for years.
4. Color Change Direction
Painting dark cabinets white requires more coats and often tinted primer to block bleed-through. Light-to-dark color changes are generally easier and may cost slightly less.
5. Door Style
Flat-panel (slab) doors are faster to paint than raised-panel or detailed Shaker-style doors. Intricate trim details, glazing, or distressed finishes add to the labor.
6. Spray vs. Brush Application
Spray application produces the smoothest, most factory-like finish but requires more setup and masking. Brush and roller work can look excellent with skilled application and high-quality products, often at slightly lower cost.
Cabinet Painting vs. Replacement: Cost Comparison
| Option | Average Kitchen Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Cabinet Painting | $3,500 – $6,000 | 3-5 days |
| Cabinet Refacing | $8,000 – $15,000 | 3-5 days |
| Stock Cabinet Replacement | $10,000 – $20,000 | 2-4 weeks |
| Custom Cabinet Replacement | $20,000 – $40,000+ | 6-12 weeks |
For structurally sound cabinets that just look dated, professional painting delivers a dramatic transformation at 10-20% of replacement cost.
Popular Cabinet Colors in the Tri-Cities
Based on our recent projects throughout Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, the most requested cabinet colors are:
- White and Off-White: Still the most popular choice. Benjamin Moore White Dove, Simply White, and Chantilly Lace are top picks.
- Light Gray: Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray and Agreeable Gray work beautifully with various countertops.
- Navy Blue: Bold choice for islands or lower cabinets. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy is a Tri-Cities favorite.
- Sage Green: Trending for 2026, pairs well with brass hardware and natural materials.
- Greige: The gray-beige blend works with both warm and cool design elements.
Questions to Ask Cabinet Painting Contractors
- What preparation steps are included?
- What paint brand and product line do you use?
- Do you spray or brush? Can I see examples of your finish?
- How many coats of primer and paint?
- What's the timeline, and will my kitchen be usable during the project?
- Do you fill old hardware holes if I'm changing hardware?
- What warranty do you offer on the finish?
Get Your Free Cabinet Painting Estimate
Rock's Painting specializes in professional cabinet painting throughout the Tri-Cities. We use premium cabinet paints from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, follow a thorough multi-step process, and deliver factory-smooth finishes that our customers love. With over 250 completed projects, we bring the experience and attention to detail your kitchen deserves.
Request your free estimate or call (423) 207-2347 to discuss your cabinet painting project. We serve Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and all surrounding communities.