How much does it cost to repaint a small kitchen yourself?

For a small kitchen (around 300 square feet of walls), DIY costs typically run $100 to $200 for paint and supplies. This assumes you already own basic tools like a roller handle, ladder, and drop cloths. If you need to buy everything new, add $50 to $100.

Do I need to prime kitchen walls before painting?

Yes, in most cases. Priming seals the surface, helps paint adhere, and blocks stains from grease or smoke. It's especially important if you're painting over a dark color, new drywall, or previously unpainted surfaces. Primer adds $15 to $35 per gallon to your costs.

What's the best paint finish for kitchen walls?

Satin or semi-gloss finishes are best for kitchen walls because they resist moisture, are easier to wipe clean, and hold up to grease. Flat finishes show marks and are harder to clean. For trim and cabinets, semi-gloss or high-gloss is recommended for durability.

Can I paint over old kitchen paint without sanding?

Yes, if the old paint is in good condition and not glossy. Clean the walls with a degreaser, then use a liquid deglosser or a light scuff sanding to improve adhesion. Skipping this step may cause the new paint to peel, so it's worth the extra time and small cost.

How to Estimate Kitchen Repainting Cost: A Step-by-Step DIY Breakdown

Start With the Square Footage of Your Kitchen Walls

The first number you need is the total wall area you plan to paint. Grab a tape measure and record the height and width of each wall, including the area above cabinets and behind appliances. For a typical kitchen, this might range from 300 to 800 square feet, but the exact figure drives nearly every other cost estimate.

Calculate square footage by multiplying each wall's height by its width, then add all walls together. Subtract large openings like windows and doorways—about 15 square feet for a standard window and 21 for a door. If you have a backsplash that won't be painted, subtract that area too. Write this number down; you'll use it to estimate paint quantity and labor if you hire help.

Person measuring a kitchen wall with a tape measure

Calculate How Much Paint You Actually Need

A gallon of paint typically covers 350 to 400 square feet with one coat. For a smooth finish on kitchen walls, plan for two coats—this accounts for the uneven absorption of primer and the coverage needed to hide old colors. Divide your net square footage by 350, then multiply by 2 to get the total gallons needed. For a 500-square-foot kitchen, that's about 3 gallons.

Kitchen-specific paint costs more than standard wall paint. A gallon of kitchen-rated paint with a scrubbable, mildew-resistant finish runs roughly $30 to $60 at a home center. Standard interior latex paint may cost $20 to $40 per gallon, but it won't hold up as well to grease and frequent cleaning. Choose a satin or semi-gloss sheen for walls and trim—these are easier to wipe down than flat finishes.

Item	Typical Cost Range
Kitchen-rated wall paint (per gallon)	$30–$60
Standard interior latex paint (per gallon)	$20–$40
Primer (per gallon)	$15–$35
Paint for cabinets (per gallon, if applicable)	$25–$70

Budget for Supplies and Prep Materials

Paint is only part of the total. You'll need rollers, brushes, painter's tape, drop cloths, and a tray—these consumables typically add $40 to $80 to a DIY project. A roller cover costs $5 to $10, a quality angled brush $8 to $15, and painter's tape $5 to $10 per roll. Drop cloths made of canvas or plastic run $10 to $25 depending on size.

Prep work often costs more than people expect. Cleaning walls with a degreaser, filling holes with spackle, and sanding rough spots require materials that add $10 to $30. If your kitchen has glossy or oil-based paint, you'll need a liquid deglosser or sandpaper to help the new paint adhere—add $10 to $20 for these. Don't skip this step; skipping prep leads to peeling paint and wasted money.

Roller covers and frames: $10–$20
Brushes (2–3 sizes): $15–$25
Painter's tape: $5–$10 per roll
Drop cloths: $10–$25
Spackle, sandpaper, degreaser: $10–$30

Decide Whether to Paint Cabinets and Trim

If you're only painting walls, your estimate is nearly complete. But many kitchen repainting projects include cabinets, trim, or both. Cabinet painting is a separate job with its own costs—typically $3 to $10 per square foot of cabinet surface if you DIY, because it requires more prep, more coats, and often a specialized paint or primer. For a standard 10-by-10 kitchen, that might add $200 to $600 in materials alone.

Trim and baseboards add another layer. A gallon of trim paint covers about 400 square feet, and you'll need a smaller brush for cutting in. If your trim is in good shape, one coat plus touch-up may suffice, but if it's previously painted with a dark color, plan for two coats. Measure your trim length and multiply by its height to get the area, then add 10% for waste. This step is easy to overlook, so include it before you finalize your budget.

Painting a kitchen cabinet door with a small roller

Add Up Your DIY Total and Compare With Hiring a Pro

Now add your paint, supplies, prep materials, and any cabinet or trim costs. For a 500-square-foot kitchen with walls only, a typical DIY total falls between $150 and $300. Add cabinets and trim, and that figure can rise to $400 to $800. These are material costs only—your labor is free, but your time is a real cost. Most DIYers spend 15 to 25 hours on a kitchen repaint, including prep and drying time.

A professional painter charges $2 to $6 per square foot for walls, plus extra for cabinets and trim. For the same 500-square-foot kitchen, expect a quote of $600 to $1,500 for walls alone, and $1,000 to $3,000 if cabinets are included. Hiring a pro saves time and often gives a smoother finish, but the DIY route can cut costs by 50% to 70%. Use your itemized list to get accurate quotes—contractors can price a job precisely when you give them exact measurements and paint choices.