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Spray-paint surfaces.
Kitchen, doors, ceilings or radiators — airless or HVLP spray for a factory-smooth finish.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Top tips
Hiring a decorator, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Overspray
Cheap mask jobs leave overspray on adjacent surfaces. Quality decorators mask everything in plastic and pole-tape.
Runs and sags
Spray applied too heavy or in wrong direction. Multiple thinner coats give better finish.
Adhesion failure on kitchen units
MDF and laminate cabinet doors need specific adhesion primer (Otex, Aquamax). Standard primer fails within months.
Yellowing
Cheap oil-based finishes yellow over time. Use water-based polyurethane for white units.
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
Kitchen unit doors respray (full kitchen)15–25 doors
£1.2k–£3.5k
Internal doors per doorIncluding masking and prep
£80–£200
Panelled wall spray per m²Wainscoting, panelling
£30–£80/m²
Ceiling spray per m²For large rooms
£15–£40/m²
Skirting and architrave per metreIf sprayed in situ
£5–£15
Spray-respray full house woodworkDoors, skirting, architrave
£2.5k–£8k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Airless spray painting gives a factory-perfect finish on woodwork, kitchen units, panelling and large walls — much smoother than brush-and-roller. Expect to pay £400–£2,500 for spray painting in the UK depending on project scope. Increasingly popular for kitchen unit refreshes.
What Does the Work Involve?
The decorator masks everything that's not being sprayed — windows, floors, walls, hardware. Substrate is sanded smooth, primed with adhesion primer, and sprayed with 2–3 coats of finish (water-based polyurethane or oil-based primer with topcoat). Each coat is sanded lightly between with 320–400 grit. Final finish is glass-smooth with no brush or roller marks.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen unit doors respray (full kitchen) | 1,200 | 3,500 | 15–25 doors |
| Internal doors per door | 80 | 200 | Including masking and prep |
| Panelled wall spray per m² | 30 | 80 | Wainscoting, panelling |
| Ceiling spray per m² | 15 | 40 | For large rooms |
| Skirting and architrave per metre | 5 | 15 | If sprayed in situ |
| Premium 2K polyurethane upgrade | +30% | +50% | Versus standard finish |
| Spray-respray full house woodwork | 2,500 | 8,000 | Doors, skirting, architrave |
How Long Does It Take?
Kitchen units off-site spray: 4–7 days including transport, prep, three coats, cure, return. In-situ spray of doors and architrave: 2–4 days per room. Whole-house woodwork: 1–2 weeks.
DIY or Professional?
Professional only. Airless spray equipment is £400+ and requires training to control overspray. The masking is the bigger challenge — get it wrong and overspray ruins floors and adjacent surfaces.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
A spray-painting specialist — many decorators don't do spray. Brands of finishes: Tikkurila, Dulux Aquamax, Bedec MSP, Crown Trade Fastflow. For kitchens: Polyvine, Otex or Tikkurila 2K systems give the durable finish.
UK Regulations
No specific regulations. VOC content disclosure required for trade paint. Off-site kitchen-respray facilities need spray-booth ventilation.
Common Problems
- Overspray: Cheap mask jobs leave overspray on adjacent surfaces. Quality decorators mask everything in plastic and pole-tape.
- Runs and sags: Spray applied too heavy or in wrong direction. Multiple thinner coats give better finish.
- Adhesion failure on kitchen units: MDF and laminate cabinet doors need specific adhesion primer (Otex, Aquamax). Standard primer fails within months.
- Yellowing: Cheap oil-based finishes yellow over time. Use water-based polyurethane for white units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spray or brush kitchen units?
Spray gives the factory-perfect finish that brush can't match. For visible kitchen units, spray is the standard. Adds 30–50% to cost vs brush.
Can spray be done in situ?
Yes for doors, panelling, woodwork. Kitchen units are usually removed and sprayed off-site (cleaner result, faster cure).
How long does spray finish last?
2K polyurethane on kitchen units: 10–15 years. Standard water-based: 7–10 years. Less robust than factory original but much better than brush.
What's 2K polyurethane?
Two-pack catalysed polyurethane — chemical cure (not air-dry). Much harder and more durable than standard 1K paint. Industrial-grade.
Will spray paint cover dark wood?
Yes — with adhesion primer first. Knot stain blocker needed for pine or tannin-rich woods (oak, teak) to prevent bleed-through.
Is spray finish washable?
Yes — far more washable than brushed paint. Premium 2K systems handle daily cleaning without marking.
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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