How Much to Spray Kitchen Cabinets UK: Real Costs Explained
One of the first questions we hear is: “How much to spray kitchen cabinets UK?” And it’s a fair one. Budget matters, and the price can swing depending on the size of your kitchen, the condition of your units, and the finish you’re after.
The problem is, if you search online, you’ll find vague ranges and confusing advice. Some sites suggest £300, others £3,000. So, what’s the truth? Let’s break it down from the perspective of people who actually spray kitchens across Cardiff every week.
The Typical Price Range
Here’s what most UK homeowners can expect for professional kitchen cabinet spraying:
- Small kitchens (8–10 doors): £600–£850
- Medium kitchens (12–18 doors): £850–£1,200
- Large kitchens (20+ doors): £1,200–£1,800+
That price usually includes:
- Door and drawer removal
- Degreasing and surface prep
- Adhesion primer
- Multiple colour coats
- Protective topcoat
- Reinstallation
In other words, it’s not just the “painting” – it’s the full service that gives your kitchen a durable, factory-quality finish.
Why Some Quotes Are Lower
You’ll sometimes see companies offering to spray a full kitchen for £400 or less. Sounds tempting, right? The issue is, these jobs almost always involve shortcuts.
- No degreasing – Kitchens gather invisible grease that will ruin adhesion.
- Skipping primer – Paint might look fine at first, but peel within months.
- Single coat only – Colour may look patchy and wear through quickly.
- DIY-grade paints – Cheaper products aren’t designed for constant cleaning or cooking heat.
We’ve been called to fix plenty of jobs like this. The homeowner ends up paying twice – once for the cheap job, and again to put it right.
What Increases the Price
When people ask “How much to spray kitchen cabinets UK?”, they often don’t realise a few factors can push the price up:
- Size of the kitchen – More doors and drawers = more labour and materials.
- Condition of units – Grease-heavy or damaged cupboards take extra prep.
- Colour choice – Going from dark to light colours usually means extra coats.
- Two-tone finishes – If you want, say, navy lowers and white uppers, that means more time and masking.
- High-gloss finishes – They need extra coats and polishing to achieve the mirror look.
Case Study: A “Cheap” Job That Cost More
We were recently asked to respray a kitchen in Llanrumney. The homeowner had gone with a bargain quote from a one-man outfit who promised to finish in two days. Within six months, the paint was peeling around the handles and bubbling near the oven.
We stripped it all back, prepped it properly, and resprayed it in a durable satin finish. The customer admitted that by trying to save £300, they ended up spending more in the long run.
Why Spraying Beats Replacement
Replacement is the elephant in the room. A new kitchen in Cardiff typically costs anywhere from £6,000 to £15,000, depending on quality. Spraying usually comes in at 10–20% of that figure, with far less disruption.
And here’s the kicker: the end result looks just as fresh. The units don’t know whether they’ve been replaced or sprayed – the difference is only in the surface finish.
Myths About Kitchen Cabinet Spraying
Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:
Myth 1: It won’t last.
Truth: With the right primers and coatings, sprayed cabinets last 7–10 years before needing a refresh.
Myth 2: It’s only for wooden cupboards.
Truth: We spray MDF, laminate, vinyl-wrapped, and UPVC doors all the time. Each just needs the right prep.
Myth 3: You can DIY it just as well.
Truth: Domestic paints don’t cure properly for kitchen use. Even with good technique, the finish won’t stand up to daily cleaning and cooking heat.
Getting the Best Value
If you’re pricing up your kitchen, here’s what to do:
- Ask for a detailed quote. A pro will list prep, primers, coats, and finishes.
- Check past work. Look for kitchens sprayed in your area that are still holding up after a year or two.
- Don’t be swayed by the cheapest. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
- Think long-term. Spending a bit more for quality spraying is still miles cheaper than replacing.
Final Thoughts on How Much to Spray Kitchen Cabinets UK
So, how much to spray kitchen cabinets UK? For most Cardiff homes, you’re looking between £600 and £1,800, depending on size and finish. It’s a fraction of the price of replacement, and when done properly, the results are just as transformative.
From Whitchurch to Cardiff Bay, we’ve turned dated kitchens into modern showpieces without the stress or waste of ripping everything out. If you’re considering it, get a proper quote – and make sure it covers the preparation and products that make the finish last.
If you’re weighing up spraying versus replacing, let us price your kitchen properly – you’ll see how much you can save.