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Paint kitchen cupboards.
Doors off, sanded, primed and 2-coated in eggshell — instant kitchen refresh without ripping out.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Paint chipping at edges
Wrong primer or insufficient cure. Quality 2K systems chip-resistant.
Visible brush marks
Cheap brush hand-painting on smooth fronts. Spray gives flawless finish; hand-brush with right brush and laying-off technique can come close.
Yellowing white finish
Oil-based finishes yellow. Water-based 2K polyurethane stays white.
Tannin bleed from oak units
Oak and pine units leak tannins through paint. Use stain-blocking primer (Zinsser BIN, Otex).
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Small kitchen (10–15 doors) hand-brushIn-situ
£400–£900
Small kitchen sprayed off-sitePremium finish
£900–£1.8k
Standard kitchen (15–25 doors) hand-brushIn-situ
£700–£1.5k
Standard kitchen sprayed off-siteFactory-perfect
£1.5k–£2.8k
Large kitchen (25+ doors) sprayedPremium spray
£2.5k–£4.5k
New handles (per door)Brass, brushed nickel
£5–£40
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Painting kitchen units gives the kitchen a complete refresh at 20–30% of replacement cost. Expect to pay £400–£3,500 in the UK depending on kitchen size, method (hand-brush or spray), and finish quality.
What Does the Work Involve?
Units are removed (in some cases sprayed off-site), thoroughly cleaned, sanded with 240-grit to break the existing finish, primed with adhesion primer designed for kitchen units (Otex, Bedec MSP, or Aquamax), and finished with 2–3 coats of water-based 2K polyurethane or premium eggshell. Hand-brushed jobs use specialist brushes (Wooster, Purdy) to minimise brush marks. Sprayed jobs give factory-perfect finish.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (10–15 doors) hand-brush | 400 | 900 | In-situ |
| Small kitchen sprayed off-site | 900 | 1,800 | Premium finish |
| Standard kitchen (15–25 doors) hand-brush | 700 | 1,500 | In-situ |
| Standard kitchen sprayed off-site | 1,500 | 2,800 | Factory-perfect |
| Large kitchen (25+ doors) sprayed | 2,500 | 4,500 | Premium spray |
| 2K polyurethane upgrade | +£200 | +£800 | Most durable finish |
| New handles (per door) | 5 | 40 | Brass, brushed nickel |
How Long Does It Take?
Hand-brush in-situ: 3–5 days. Spray off-site: 4–7 days (kitchen unusable, doors away). Plus replacement of handles and reassembly.
DIY or Professional?
Professional. The adhesion primer system is critical and getting it wrong means the paint peels within months. Spray finishing is professional-only equipment.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Kitchen unit respray specialist (different to general decorator). Look for companies that have a permanent spray booth and offer warranties. Pulp Brothers, Kitchen Door Workshop, and PaintEasy are UK specialists. Get the finish system in writing.
UK Regulations
No specific regulations. VOC compliance on paint.
Common Problems
- Paint chipping at edges: Wrong primer or insufficient cure. Quality 2K systems chip-resistant.
- Visible brush marks: Cheap brush hand-painting on smooth fronts. Spray gives flawless finish; hand-brush with right brush and laying-off technique can come close.
- Yellowing white finish: Oil-based finishes yellow. Water-based 2K polyurethane stays white.
- Tannin bleed from oak units: Oak and pine units leak tannins through paint. Use stain-blocking primer (Zinsser BIN, Otex).
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the paint chip on kitchen units?
Quality 2K polyurethane: minimal chipping for 10+ years. Cheap finishes chip within 12 months — especially at the edges and around handles.
How long does the kitchen stay unusable?
Off-site spray: 4–7 days. In-situ: doors can be removed Friday, back on Monday with a fast turnaround team.
Can I paint over laminate kitchen units?
Yes — with the right adhesion primer (Bedec MSP, Otex Akva). Glossy laminate must be deglossed with 240-grit sanding first.
Worth painting vs new kitchen?
Yes if the carcasses and worktop are sound. New units cost £3,000–£15,000+; respray £400–£3,500. Same look, fraction of cost.
Can I change colour completely?
Yes — dark to light or vice versa. May need 3+ coats and a tinted primer to fully cover dark originals.
Best colours for kitchen units?
Modern UK trends: deep blues (Hague Blue, Inchyra Blue), sage greens, charcoal grey, soft whites. Cream and off-white remain timeless.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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