# Cabinet Painting Calculator

> Calculate cabinet paint and primer for your kitchen doors. Instant estimates with cost breakdown and step-by-step painting guide.

Canonical: https://renoquant.com/cabinet-painting-calculator
Prices updated: 2026-03

## 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](/kitchen-renovation-calculator). For other painting projects in your home, try the [paint calculator](/paint-calculator).

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much paint do I need to paint kitchen cabinets?

Each cabinet door is approximately 0.5 sqm. One litre of cabinet paint covers about 10 sqm. With 2 coats, 12 doors (6 sqm) need 1.2L of paint and 0.6L of primer. Buy 2 tins of paint and 1 tin of primer to have enough with a small reserve.

### What type of paint is best for kitchen cabinets?

Use a specialist cabinet or melamine paint — these are formulated to adhere to glossy surfaces and resist kitchen grease and moisture. Satin or semi-gloss finishes are standard. Avoid standard wall paint, which will chip and peel within weeks.

### Do I need to sand kitchen cabinets before painting?

Light sanding (120-grit) or a liquid deglosser is essential to give the primer something to grip. You do not need to sand down to bare wood — just scuff the surface. Clean all dust with a tack cloth before priming.

### How long between coats when painting cabinets?

Allow 16-24 hours between coats for a hard, durable finish. Rushing the drying time causes brush marks, soft paint, and poor adhesion. Paint in a well-ventilated area at 15-25 degrees for optimal results.

### Can I paint laminate kitchen cabinets?

Yes. Use an adhesion primer specifically designed for laminate/melamine surfaces, followed by specialist cabinet paint. The key is thorough degreasing — kitchen cabinets accumulate years of grease that prevents paint adhesion.

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Interactive version with calculator: https://renoquant.com/cabinet-painting-calculator. Figures are estimates; final quotes vary by site conditions, materials, and region.