Get a realistic ballpark for your kitchen cabinets in about 2 minutes. Built on real job data from 40+ years of painting San Diego homes.
Licensed & Insured · CSLB #491884Serving San Diego Since 1982No Pressure · Ever
Step 1 of 617%
Step 1 of 6
How big is your kitchen?
Pick the layout that looks most like yours.
Small Kitchen
Cabinets along one or two walls — a straight run or simple corner. Typical of condos, townhomes, or older homes.
Medium Kitchen
Cabinets wrapping two or three walls — the most common layout in San Diego homes.
Most Common
Large Kitchen
Cabinets on multiple walls plus an island — larger homes, open-plan layouts, lots of storage.
💡 Quick way to tell: Count the cabinet doors in your kitchen (uppers + lowers). Under 20 = Small · 20–35 = Medium · 36+ = Large.
Step 2 of 6
Do you have an island?
An island means more cabinet faces, doors, and drawers to paint.
🚫
No Island
Standard perimeter cabinets only
🟦
Yes — Same Color as Other Cabinets
More surface area to paint, but one color throughout — simpler setup
Common
🎨
Yes — Different Color (Accent)
Island is a different color than the perimeter cabinets — adds masking, color changes, and cleanup time
Adds Cost
Step 3 of 6
How many colors?
Each additional color adds masking time, setup, and color-change cleanup.
1 Color Throughout
All uppers, lowers, and island (if any) the same color — most efficient setup
Best Value
2 Colors
E.g., navy uppers + cream lowers, or matching perimeter with an accent island — very popular
3 Colors
Uppers, lowers, and island each different — e.g., navy uppers, cream lowers, warm wood-tone island
Premium Finish
Step 4 of 6
Cabinet Condition
And will you want the inside of the boxes painted too?
What condition are your cabinets in?
✅
Good Shape
Solid and structurally sound — just need fresh paint. Standard prep applies.
🔧
Minor Wear
Some dings, nicks, peeling, or grease buildup — extra prep and sanding needed
⚠️
Heavy Wear / Converting from Stain or Wood
Damaged, heavily greasy, or going from natural wood/stain to painted — significant prep work
Paint the inside of the cabinet boxes? (the interior shelving areas)
🚫
No — Exteriors Only
Doors, drawers, and frames — the standard approach
Most Common
✨
Yes — Paint Interiors Too
Inside of all cabinet boxes — adds significant labor time
+$800–1,500
Step 5 of 6
Hardware & Add-Ons
Any additional work while we have the doors off?
🚫
No Add-Ons — Paint Only
No hardware changes needed
🔩
Install New Knobs & Pulls
Using existing hole pattern — no new drilling. A quick and efficient add-on while doors are already off.
~$300–500
🔧
Hinge Replacement / Change Style
Switching to a different hinge style (e.g., exposed to soft-close hidden) requires skilled carpentry. Price varies by scope — labor only.
~$2,000–2,500 labor
💡 Installing hardware while the doors are already removed for painting is very efficient — great time to do it if you're planning the change anyway.
Step 6 of 6
Where do we send your estimate?
We'll follow up to schedule your free on-site consultation.
🔒 No spam, ever. This estimate is yours — no obligation, no pressure, ever. Once you see your range, you'll have the option to reach out to us for a formal on-site quote whenever you're ready.
Your Cabinet Painting Estimate
Based on your answers — here's your ballpark range:
3-Year warranty against peeling or adhesion failure
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When you're ready, we're here.
This estimate gives you an honest starting point. When it feels right — whether that's today or six months from now — here's how to take the next step. Our estimators are straightforward, knowledgeable, and genuinely not pushy. We want you to love the whole experience, not just the end result.
About this estimate: This tool provides a good-faith ballpark based on typical San Diego County pricing as of 2026. Actual quotes depend on a precise door count, wood species, finish condition, and spray setup assessed in person. Prices typically vary ±20–30% from this estimate. Cabinet painting material costs — primers, cabinet-grade enamels, and sundries — have continued to increase year over year. Delaying a project by even one to two years can meaningfully affect what you'll pay. Chism Brothers Painting is licensed (CSLB #491884) and fully insured. chismbrothers.com