If your kitchen cabinets are solid but dated, painting them is the single most cost-effective kitchen upgrade you can make. Here is what homeowners in Shelby Township and the surrounding Macomb County communities can expect to pay in 2026, and why prices vary.
Typical cabinet painting prices in Macomb County
| Project | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom vanity | $600 – $1,400 |
| Small kitchen (up to ~20 doors/drawers) | $3,200 – $5,000 |
| Average kitchen (~20–35 doors/drawers) | $4,800 – $7,500 |
| Large kitchen with island & pantry | $7,000 – $11,000 |
These are planning ranges based on typical projects. Your actual price comes from a free in-home walkthrough.
What drives the cost
- Number of doors and drawer fronts — each one is removed, prepped, sprayed on both sides and reinstalled.
- Cabinet material — oak with open grain needs grain filler for a smooth look.
- Condition — heavy grease, water damage or peeling factory finishes add prep time.
- Color change — going from dark stain to bright white may need an extra primer coat.
- Extras — glazing, two-tone designs, cabinet interiors and new hardware.
Painting vs. refacing vs. replacing
Refacing (new doors and veneers over existing boxes) usually costs two to three times as much as painting. Full replacement with semi-custom cabinets commonly runs $15,000–$35,000 or more, and new cabinets often force you to replace countertops and backsplash too. If your boxes are sound and you like your layout, painting delivers the best value.
Why the cheapest quote often costs more
Cabinet paint fails for predictable reasons: grease left on the surface, no sanding, the wrong primer, or wall paint used instead of a cabinet enamel. Ask every contractor exactly how they clean, prime and spray. A job that peels in a year costs far more to strip and redo than doing it right the first time.
Frequently asked questions
Planning a project? Learn more about our cabinet painting & refinishing services or ask the Paint Pro.
