Kitchen Painting Cost UK 2026: Full Price Guide
The kitchen is one of the hardest-working rooms in your home — and one of the most rewarding to redecorate. Whether you're refreshing tired paintwork, changing colour schemes, or preparing to sell, understanding kitchen painting costs helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Average Kitchen Painting Costs 2026
Kitchen Painting Price Guide (Labour Only)
Prices are for labour only and exclude VAT. Materials (paint) are typically extra unless agreed otherwise.
What Affects Kitchen Painting Prices?
Kitchens are more complex to paint than standard rooms due to the number of wall units, sockets, switches, and obstacles. Here are the key factors that influence cost:
- Room size – larger kitchens take more time and materials
- Number of units and obstacles – more cutting-in work increases labour time
- Condition of existing paintwork – flaking, damp or stained walls need preparation
- Type of paint chosen – kitchen-specific paints with moisture resistance cost more
- Woodwork finish type – oil-based paints are more durable but take longer to apply
- Ceiling height – high ceilings require additional access equipment
- Number of coats required – heavily stained or dark walls may need 3 coats
What Paint Should You Use in a Kitchen?
Kitchens generate steam, grease, and moisture, so choosing the right paint is essential for a finish that lasts.
- Walls & Ceiling: Use a washable matt or soft sheen emulsion — soft sheen is easier to wipe clean
- Woodwork (doors, skirting, frames): Satin or eggshell finish in water-based or oil-based paint
- Kitchen cabinets: Purpose-made cabinet paint or hard-wearing eggshell — this is a separate job from room painting
- Heritage/premium ranges: Worth the upgrade for long-lasting colour in high-traffic kitchens
💡 Pro tip: Soft sheen emulsion on kitchen walls resists steam and grease much better than standard matt — and is far easier to wipe clean.
How Long Does Kitchen Painting Take?
A standard kitchen painting job typically takes 1–2 days for a professional decorator. Open-plan kitchen-diners can take 2–3 days depending on size and complexity.
Drying time between coats is usually 2–4 hours for water-based paints, or overnight for oil-based woodwork paints. Most decorators will plan the job to minimise disruption to your cooking schedule.
Kitchen Painting vs Kitchen Refurb: What's the Difference?
It's important to distinguish between painting the room (walls, ceiling, woodwork) and painting or replacing kitchen cabinet doors and units. Our service covers the room — walls, ceilings, skirting boards, door frames and doors.
Cabinet door painting is a specialist job that involves sanding, priming and applying a hard-wearing enamel or spray finish. We can quote for this separately — please use our Custom Quote option.
Tips to Reduce Your Kitchen Painting Cost
- Book alongside another room — multi-room discounts of up to 10% apply
- Supply your own paint to save on materials markup
- Clear the kitchen before the decorator arrives — saves time = saves money
- Avoid the need for prep by keeping walls in good condition between repaints
- Get a fixed price quote by uploading photos so there are no surprises
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kitchen painting included in a standard painting service?
Yes — our standard quote calculator covers kitchen painting including walls, ceiling and woodwork. Simply select 'Kitchen' as your room type and configure your preferences.
How often should I repaint a kitchen?
In a busy kitchen, walls typically need refreshing every 3–5 years. High-quality paints and soft sheen finishes extend this. Woodwork in oil-based paint can last 7–10 years with proper care.
Can you paint behind kitchen units?
This is usually not necessary and not included in standard quotes. If you're having units replaced, we can quote for painting the full wall surface before units are fitted.
Do I need to empty my kitchen before painting?
We recommend removing small appliances and clearing worktops where possible. Units don't need to be removed — we paint around them carefully. The more clear the space, the faster (and cheaper) the job.
Flexible ways to pay
A larger decorating project doesn't have to mean one limited way to pay. Get your fixed Paint-MyRoom.com price online and choose from available payment options at checkout, including Klarna and Clearpay.
Subject to eligibility and provider terms.
Related Guides
Bathroom Painting Cost Guide
What does it cost to paint a bathroom? Tips on moisture-resistant paints.
Room Painting Cost Guide
Full 2026 price guide for painting every room in your home.
Paint Finishes Explained
Matt, silk, eggshell, satin — which finish is right for each room?