Kitchen respraying has become something of a game-changer for homeowners who want to transform their tired old kitchens without the eye-watering costs of a full renovation. I’ve seen firsthand how this process can breathe new life into dated cabinets, turning what was once a cramped, uninspiring space into something that wouldn’t look out of place in a glossy magazine.
The beauty of kitchen respraying lies in its simplicity. Rather than ripping out perfectly functional cabinets & replacing them with new ones, you’re essentially giving your existing units a complete makeover. It’s like putting a fresh coat of paint on your house — except infinitely more complex and requiring considerably more skill.
But here’s the thing: not all kitchen respraying services are created equal. I’ve learned this the hard way after watching neighbours rush into decisions without proper research, only to end up with patchy finishes that started peeling within months.
The Magic Behind Professional Kitchen Respraying
Professional kitchen respraying involves far more than simply slapping some paint onto your cabinet doors. The process starts with meticulous preparation — and I mean meticulous. Every surface needs to be cleaned, degreased, and sanded to create the perfect foundation for the new finish.
The doors and drawer fronts are typically removed and taken to a spray booth where they’re treated with primer, base coats, and topcoats using specialised spray equipment. This isn’t your average DIY job with a brush from B&Q. The equipment used creates an incredibly smooth, factory-like finish that’s virtually impossible to achieve with traditional painting methods.
What impressed me most during my own kitchen transformation was the attention to detail. Every hinge, every handle, every internal shelf receives the same level of care. The professionals I worked with even masked off areas with surgical precision, ensuring that not a single speck of overspray landed where it shouldn’t.
The colour options are practically endless. From classic whites and creams to bold navy blues, sage greens, or even dramatic charcoal greys — you can choose virtually any shade that takes your fancy. Some companies offer colour matching services, meaning you can bring in a sample of your dream colour & they’ll replicate it perfectly.
Cost Comparison: Respraying Versus Full Replacement
Let’s talk numbers, because this is where kitchen respraying really shines. A full kitchen replacement can easily cost £15,000 to £25,000 or more, depending on the size of your kitchen and the quality of units you choose. The disruption to your daily life is enormous — weeks without a functioning kitchen, tradespeople tramping through your house, and the inevitable complications that arise with any major renovation.
Kitchen respraying, on the other hand, typically costs between £1,200 and £3,500 for an average-sized kitchen. The work is usually completed within 3-5 days, and you’re left with a kitchen that looks completely transformed.
However, I should mention that the cost can vary significantly based on several factors. The size of your kitchen, the number of doors and drawers, the complexity of the style (shaker doors cost more to spray than flat panels), and your chosen finish all impact the final price.
Some companies charge per door, others provide a comprehensive quote for the entire job. It’s worth getting multiple quotes to compare, though I’d caution against automatically choosing the cheapest option. Quality matters enormously in this trade.
Choosing the Right Finish for Your Lifestyle
The finish you choose makes a huge difference to both the appearance and practicality of your resprayed kitchen. Matt finishes look incredibly contemporary and sophisticated, but they’re not always the most practical choice for busy family kitchens. They tend to show fingerprints, watermarks, and general wear more readily than other options.
Satin finishes offer a good compromise. They have a subtle sheen that’s easy to clean while still looking modern and stylish. I opted for a satin finish in my own kitchen, and it’s held up remarkably well despite having two teenagers who seem incapable of closing a cupboard door gently.
Gloss finishes are the most durable and easiest to clean, but they can look a bit dated in some settings. They also highlight any imperfections in the underlying surface, so they require perfect preparation to look their best.
Semi-gloss sits somewhere between satin and full gloss. It’s practical, relatively easy to maintain, and works well in traditional or transitional kitchen designs.
Preparation: The Foundation of Success
I cannot stress enough how crucial proper preparation is to achieving a professional-looking result. This is where many DIY attempts fall flat, and it’s also where some less scrupulous companies try to cut corners.
The process should begin with a thorough cleaning to remove all grease, grime, and cooking residues that have accumulated over the years. Kitchen cabinets, particularly those near the hob, can harbor surprising amounts of grease that will prevent paint from adhering properly.
Next comes sanding. This isn’t about stripping the finish completely — it’s about creating a slightly rough surface that allows the new paint to grip effectively. Different types of existing finishes require different approaches. Laminate surfaces, for instance, need special primers to ensure proper adhesion.
Any damage to the cabinet doors needs to be addressed at this stage. Small dents can be filled and sanded smooth, but more significant damage might require replacement doors. A reputable company will be honest about what can and cannot be successfully resprayed.
The masking process is equally important. Everything that isn’t being sprayed needs to be carefully protected — walls, floors, appliances, and work surfaces. Professional companies use high-quality masking materials that create crisp, clean lines.
The Spraying Process: Precision and Technique
The actual spraying process is where the magic happens, but it’s also where things can go wrong if not done properly. Professional spray booths provide a controlled environment free from dust, debris, and temperature fluctuations that could affect the finish quality.
Multiple thin coats are applied rather than one thick coat. This approach reduces the risk of runs, sags, and other finish defects while building up a more durable surface. Each coat needs to be allowed to cure properly before the next one is applied.
The spray technique itself requires considerable skill. The gun must be held at the correct distance, moved at the right speed, and overlap patterns must be consistent to avoid streaking or patchiness. It’s one of those skills that looks deceptively simple but takes years to master.
Temperature and humidity control are crucial factors that many people don’t consider. Paint behaves differently in different conditions, and professional spray booths maintain optimal conditions for the best possible finish.
Durability and Maintenance: What to Expect
A professionally resprayed kitchen should last for years with proper care, but it’s not indestructible. The finish will gradually show signs of wear, particularly around handles and frequently touched areas. However, with reasonable care, you should expect at least 7-10 years before considering another respray.
Maintenance is straightforward but important. Use gentle cleaning products rather than harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. A simple solution of warm water and mild washing-up liquid works well for regular cleaning. Avoid steam cleaners, which can cause the finish to bubble or peel.
Minor chips or scratches can often be touched up, though matching the colour and finish perfectly can be challenging. Some companies offer touch-up services or provide small amounts of matching paint for future maintenance.
The hardware — hinges, handles, and drawer runners — should also be considered. Old, worn hardware can let down an otherwise beautiful finish. Many respraying companies can supply and fit new hardware as part of the package.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
I’ve seen several kitchen respraying disasters over the years, and most could have been avoided with better planning and company selection. The most common problem is poor preparation, which leads to paint adhesion issues down the line.
Another frequent issue is unrealistic expectations about what can be achieved. Very badly damaged cabinets, certain types of laminate finishes, or doors with complex profiles might not be suitable candidates for respraying. A good company will assess your kitchen honestly and advise whether respraying is the best option.
Choosing a company based solely on price is risky. The cheapest quote often comes from companies that cut corners on preparation, use inferior materials, or lack proper insurance and qualifications. Always check reviews, ask to see examples of previous work, and verify insurance coverage.
Timing can also be problematic. Don’t rush into booking the first available slot without doing proper research. Equally, don’t assume that a busy company with a longer waiting list is necessarily better — though it’s often a good sign.
Final Thoughts
Kitchen respraying represents excellent value for money when done properly. It’s transformed my own kitchen from something I was embarrassed to show visitors into a space I’m genuinely proud of. The process is relatively quick, the disruption minimal, and the results can be spectacular.
However, success depends heavily on choosing the right company and having realistic expectations. Take time to research properly, get multiple quotes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the process, materials, and guarantees offered.
The investment in professional kitchen respraying is significant, but it’s a fraction of the cost of a full renovation while delivering remarkable results. Just remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value — sometimes it pays to invest a bit more for quality that will last.
