Cabinet Painting Calculator
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How to Calculate Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
Painting kitchen cabinets is the single most cost-effective kitchen upgrade. For EUR 50-200 in materials, you can completely transform the look of your kitchen. This calculator estimates paint, primer, and cost based on the number of doors you plan to paint.
Paint Coverage Reference
| Number of Doors | Cabinet Area (sqm) | Paint Needed (2 coats) | Primer Needed (1 coat) | Materials Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 doors | 4.0 sqm | 0.8 L | 0.4 L | EUR 40-70 |
| 12 doors | 6.0 sqm | 1.2 L | 0.6 L | EUR 55-100 |
| 16 doors | 8.0 sqm | 1.6 L | 0.8 L | EUR 70-130 |
| 20 doors | 10.0 sqm | 2.0 L | 1.0 L | EUR 90-160 |
| 25 doors | 12.5 sqm | 2.5 L | 1.3 L | EUR 110-200 |
Each door is estimated at 0.5 sqm. For extra-large pantry doors, count them as 2 doors. Drawer fronts are typically smaller — count small drawers as 0.5 doors each.
Cabinet Paint Types Compared
| Paint Type | Adhesion | Durability | Finish Options | Price per Litre | Drying Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melamine paint | Excellent (no primer needed) | High | Satin, semi-gloss | EUR 25-40 | 16 hours |
| Alkyd/oil-based | Very good | Very high | Satin, gloss | EUR 20-35 | 24 hours |
| Acrylic cabinet paint | Good (needs primer) | High | Satin, semi-gloss | EUR 20-35 | 4-6 hours |
| Chalk paint | Moderate | Low-moderate | Matt, distressed | EUR 15-30 | 2-4 hours |
Melamine paint is the top choice for kitchen cabinets — it adheres directly to glossy laminate and melamine surfaces without heavy sanding. Chalk paint gives a trendy distressed look but needs a wax or lacquer topcoat for durability in kitchens.
Step-by-Step Cabinet Painting Process
| Step | Time | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Remove doors and hardware | 30-60 minutes | Screwdriver, bags for screws |
| 2. Clean and degrease | 30-60 minutes | Sugar soap or TSP cleaner |
| 3. Sand or degloss | 1-2 hours | 120-grit sandpaper or liquid deglosser |
| 4. Prime (1 coat) | 1-2 hours + 12-24h drying | Adhesion primer, foam roller |
| 5. First coat of paint | 1-2 hours + 16-24h drying | Cabinet paint, foam roller |
| 6. Light sand (220-grit) | 30 minutes | 220-grit sandpaper, tack cloth |
| 7. Second coat of paint | 1-2 hours + 24h drying | Cabinet paint, foam roller |
| 8. Refit doors and hardware | 30-60 minutes | Screwdriver, new handles (optional) |
| Total | 3-5 days (drying time) |
Use a foam roller for the flattest possible finish — brush marks are the number one complaint with cabinet painting. A 4-inch foam roller reaches into door panel recesses while leaving a smooth, even coating.
Common Cabinet Painting Mistakes
| Mistake | Result | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Skipping degreasing | Paint peels within weeks | Clean with sugar soap or TSP before sanding |
| No primer on laminate | Paint does not stick | Use adhesion primer on all glossy surfaces |
| Painting in humid conditions | Slow drying, soft finish | Paint at 15-25 degrees, low humidity |
| Thin coats rushed | Streaky, uneven coverage | Apply even coats, wait full drying time |
| Refitting too soon | Doors stick together | Wait 72 hours before refitting |
Cost Comparison: Paint vs Replace
| Option | Materials | Labour | Total (12-door kitchen) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paint existing doors | EUR 55-100 | EUR 0-300 | EUR 55-400 | 3-5 days |
| New doors only (keep boxes) | EUR 600-2000 | EUR 300-600 | EUR 900-2600 | 2-3 days |
| Full cabinet replacement | EUR 2000-8000 | EUR 800-2000 | EUR 2800-10000 | 5-10 days |
Painting saves 85-95% compared to replacement and is the ideal first step — if you do not like the colour, it costs very little to repaint. For the full kitchen renovation including backsplash and countertops, use the kitchen renovation calculator. For other painting projects in your home, try the paint calculator.
These calculations are estimates only. Actual requirements may vary depending on surface conditions, product specifications, and installation methods. Always consult a qualified professional for precise measurements.
Prices updated: 2026-03Frequently Asked Questions
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