Figure Out How Many Gallons Of Paint For Kitchen Cabinets

So, how many gallons of paint do you need for your kitchen cabinets? And how much primer for kitchen cabinets should you get? There is no single, quick answer because the amount of paint and primer depends a lot on the size of your kitchen, how many cabinets you have, the type of cabinets, the paint you pick, and how many coats you plan to put on. But don’t worry, you can figure it out with a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through how to estimate paint needed for cabinets accurately, covering everything from measuring the square footage for painting cabinets to understanding cabinet paint coverage per gallon and deciding how many coats of paint on cabinets you will need.

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Why Calculating Paint Matters

Knowing how much paint you need before you start painting your kitchen cabinets is really helpful. If you buy too little, you have to stop your project and go get more. This can be frustrating, especially if the store is far away or they run out of your color. If you buy too much, you waste money. Extra paint also takes up space and can be hard to store. Taking the time to estimate paint needed for cabinets correctly saves you time, money, and hassle. It makes the whole job go much smoother. It’s like using a kitchen cabinet paint calculator in your head or on paper before you go shopping.

Key Things That Change How Much Paint You Need

Lots of things affect how much paint you will use on your cabinets. Thinking about these points helps you get a better estimate.

Number and Size of Your Cabinets

This is the most important part. More cabinets mean more area to paint. Bigger cabinets also mean more area. The size and number tell you the total square footage for painting cabinets. A small kitchen with just a few upper and lower cabinets will need much less paint than a large kitchen with lots of cabinets, drawers, and maybe an island.

Style of Cabinet Doors

Cabinet doors come in different styles.
* Flat Panel Doors: These are smooth and easy to paint. They have less surface area.
* Raised Panel Doors: These have raised areas, grooves, or details. These details add more surface area and can use a bit more paint because the paint needs to get into all the dips and bumps.
* Shaker Style Doors: These have a flat center panel with raised edges. They are somewhere between flat and raised panel in terms of surface area.
More details mean you might use a little more paint per door.

What Your Cabinets Are Like Now

The current finish on your cabinets changes how much paint and primer you need.
* Bare Wood: New, unpainted wood will soak up more primer and maybe the first coat of paint. You’ll need a good wood primer.
* Previously Painted Cabinets: If they are already painted and the paint is in good shape, you might need less primer (or just a bonding primer) and maybe one less coat of paint if you are painting a similar color.
* Stained and Sealed Wood: You’ll need a primer that sticks well to the sealer. The primer helps the new paint grip the surface and stops the stain color from showing through the new paint.
* Laminate or Melamine: These smooth, non-wood surfaces are tricky. They need special bonding primers to make sure the paint sticks.

The Type of Paint You Pick

Different paints have different qualities. Some paints cover better than others. This is often called paint coverage per gallon or paint coverage per square foot cabinets.
* Higher Quality Paints: Often have better coverage. You might use less paint overall or need fewer coats.
* Lower Quality Paints: Might be thinner and need more coats to get a solid color.
* Color: Darker colors often cover better than lighter colors. If you are painting a dark color over a light color, you might need fewer coats. If you are painting a light color over a dark color, you will likely need more coats of paint, maybe three instead of two. Some very bright colors also need special base coats.

How Many Coats You Plan to Put On

You usually need more than one coat.
* Primer: Most cabinet projects need at least one coat of primer. Bare wood or cabinets with a dark stain might need two coats of primer. This is part of figuring out how much primer for kitchen cabinets you need.
* Paint: Most cabinets need two coats of paint for a smooth, even color that lasts. If you are making a big color change (like dark to light) or using a paint with less coverage, you might need a third coat. Knowing how many coats of paint on cabinets you plan helps figure the total amount.

How You Apply the Paint

The tools you use can affect how much paint you use.
* Brushing and Rolling: This is common for cabinets. You might use paint slightly differently than spraying.
* Spraying: A paint sprayer can give a very smooth finish, but sprayers often use more paint because some paint mist goes into the air (overspray). However, a sprayer might apply thinner coats, so you might still use a similar amount overall, or slightly more.

Spills and Mistakes

It’s always wise to get a little extra paint. Accidents happen. You might spill a little, or you might need touch-ups later. Building in a little bit extra helps avoid running out near the end.

How to Measure Your Cabinets (Getting the Size)

To figure out how much paint you need, you first need to know the total size of the surfaces you will paint. This gives you the square footage for painting cabinets. You will likely paint the outsides of the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, plus the front frame of the cabinet boxes that stay in the kitchen. You might also paint the exposed sides of the cabinet boxes.

Here is a simple way to measure:

1. Count Everything: Count the number of doors and the number of drawer fronts.
2. Measure Doors: Measure the height and width of each cabinet door in inches. Write it down.
3. Measure Drawer Fronts: Measure the height and width of each drawer front in inches. Write it down.
4. Measure Cabinet Frames: Measure the size of the front frame of each cabinet box. Think of it as the opening where the door goes. Measure the height and width of this opening or the whole front frame area. Also, measure the size of any exposed sides of the cabinet boxes.
5. Consider Insides: Decide if you will paint the inside of the cabinet doors or the inside of the cabinet boxes. Most people only paint the outsides for kitchens. If you paint the insides, you will need to double your measurements for those parts.

Calculating Cabinet Surface Area Simply

Now, let’s turn those measurements into a total area. It’s easier than it sounds.

1. Doors: For each door, multiply height by width (in inches). Add up the areas of all doors. Since you paint both sides of the door, you need to multiply the total door area by 2.
   • Example: A door is 10 inches wide and 20 inches tall. Area = 10 * 20 = 200 square inches. If you have 20 doors like this, total door area = 20 * 200 = 4000 square inches. Painting both sides means 4000 * 2 = 8000 square inches for doors.
2. Drawer Fronts: For each drawer front, multiply height by width (in inches). Add up the areas of all drawer fronts. You usually only paint the outside of drawer fronts.
   • Example: A drawer front is 5 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Area = 5 * 20 = 100 square inches. If you have 10 drawer fronts like this, total drawer area = 10 * 100 = 1000 square inches.

3. Cabinet Frames and Sides: Measure the flat surface area of the front frames (the part that shows when the doors are closed) and any exposed sides. Add these areas together. You only paint the outside of these.

   • Example: A cabinet frame section is 25 inches wide and 30 inches tall. Area = 25 * 30 = 750 square inches. If you have frames and sides that add up to this total area, that’s your frame/side area.

4. Total Area in Square Inches: Add the total area for doors (both sides), drawer fronts (one side), and cabinet frames/sides (one side).

   • Example: 8000 (doors) + 1000 (drawers) + 750 (frames/sides) = 9750 square inches.

5. Convert to Square Feet: Paint coverage is usually given in square feet. To convert square inches to square feet, divide the total square inches by 144 (because 1 square foot is 12 inches * 12 inches = 144 square inches).

   • Example: 9750 square inches / 144 = about 67.7 square feet.

This gives you the total square footage for painting cabinets. This number represents the actual physical surface area you need to cover with paint and primer for one coat.

Figuring Out Paint Coverage

Paint cans tell you how much area the paint should cover. This is the cabinet paint coverage per gallon or paint coverage per square foot cabinets. This number is usually given for one coat on a smooth surface. A typical estimate is 300 to 400 square feet per gallon. However, this number can change based on:

• The Brand and Type of Paint: Some paints are thicker and cover better.
• The Color: Painting light over dark needs more coats for good coverage.
• The Surface: Painting rough wood uses more paint than painting smooth, primed wood.
• How You Apply It: Spraying can use a bit more paint due to overspray.

Always check the paint can label for the specific coverage rate of the product you choose. Let’s use an average estimate of 350 square feet per gallon per coat for our calculations.

How Much Primer For Kitchen Cabinets?

Primer is super important for kitchen cabinets. It helps the paint stick well, blocks stains from coming through, and makes the final paint color look even and true.

• Coverage: Primer coverage is often similar to paint coverage, maybe slightly less if it’s a bonding primer designed to grip smooth surfaces. Check the can, but you can often estimate primer coverage around 300-400 square feet per gallon per coat.
• Number of Coats:
  • For previously painted or lightly stained cabinets in good shape, one coat of a good bonding primer might be enough.
  • For bare wood, dark stains, or cabinets with issues like knots (which can bleed through paint), you might need two coats of primer.
  • Special primers (like shellac-based for blocking tough stains/odors) might have different coverage rates.

You calculate the needed primer amount the same way you calculate paint: total cabinet surface area multiplied by the number of primer coats, then divided by the primer’s coverage per gallon.

Deciding How Many Coats of Paint on Cabinets

For a durable and good-looking finish on kitchen cabinets, you almost always need two coats of paint after priming.

• First Coat: Provides initial color and coverage.
• Second Coat: Deepens the color, provides full coverage, and builds a thicker, more durable film that can withstand the daily use cabinets get.

In some cases, you might need a third coat:
* When painting a very light color over a very dark color.
* When using a paint that has lower coverage.
* When you are unhappy with the coverage or evenness after two coats.

Knowing how many coats of paint on cabinets you plan (usually two) is a key part of the calculation.

Bringing it Together: Estimating Paint Needed for Cabinets

Here is the step-by-step process to figure out how much paint (and primer) you need. This is your manual kitchen cabinet paint calculator.

Step 1: Get Your Total Cabinet Surface Area
* Measure all surfaces you plan to paint (both sides of doors, front of drawer fronts, front frames, exposed sides).
* Add all these areas in square inches.
* Divide the total square inches by 144 to get the total area in square feet.
* Formula: Total Surface Area (sq ft) = (Sum of all surface areas in sq inches) / 144

Step 2: Figure Out Total Area to Cover with Primer
* Decide how many coats of primer you will use (usually 1 or 2).
* Multiply your Total Surface Area (from Step 1) by the number of primer coats.
* Formula: Total Primer Area (sq ft) = Total Surface Area (sq ft) * Number of Primer Coats

Step 3: Calculate How Much Primer You Need
* Find the coverage rate of your chosen primer on the can (e.g., 350 sq ft per gallon).
* Divide the Total Primer Area (from Step 2) by the primer’s coverage rate per gallon.
* Formula: Gallons of Primer = Total Primer Area (sq ft) / Primer Coverage per Gallon (sq ft/gallon)

Step 4: Figure Out Total Area to Cover with Paint
* Decide how many coats of paint you will use (usually 2).
* Multiply your Total Surface Area (from Step 1) by the number of paint coats.
* Formula: Total Paint Area (sq ft) = Total Surface Area (sq ft) * Number of Paint Coats

Step 5: Calculate How Much Paint You Need
* Find the coverage rate of your chosen paint on the can (e.g., 400 sq ft per gallon).
* Divide the Total Paint Area (from Step 4) by the paint’s coverage rate per gallon.
* Formula: Gallons of Paint = Total Paint Area (sq ft) / Paint Coverage per Gallon (sq ft/gallon)

Step 6: Add a Buffer
* Always add about 10-15% extra to your paint and primer calculations. This accounts for waste, touch-ups, or needing slightly more than the can suggests.
* Formula: Final Gallons = Calculated Gallons * 1.10 (for 10% buffer) or 1.15 (for 15% buffer)

Round your final numbers up to the nearest quart or gallon size that the paint is sold in. For example, if you calculate 0.8 gallons needed, buy 1 gallon. If you need 1.2 gallons, buy 2 gallons. Paint for cabinets is often sold in quarts and gallons, and sometimes smaller sample sizes. Buying quarts for the extra amount after your base gallon calculation can be smart.

Decoding Paint Types for Cabinets

Choosing the right type of paint is important for how your cabinets look and last. It also slightly affects the paint coverage per square foot cabinets and how many coats you might need. Here are some common types:

• Acrylic Enamel (Water-Based): This is a very popular choice now.
  • Pros: Easy cleanup with water, low smell, dries fast, doesn’t yellow over time, durable when fully cured.
  • Cons: Can show brush strokes if not applied carefully or if it dries too fast, may take longer to fully harden compared to oil-based. Good quality acrylic enamels designed for cabinets often self-level well, reducing brush marks.
  • Coverage: Generally good, similar to latex, often 300-400 sq ft/gallon.
• Alkyd Enamel (Oil-Based): The older standard for durability.
  • Pros: Very hard and durable finish, levels out beautifully to hide brush strokes.
  • Cons: Strong smell, cleanup needs mineral spirits, takes a long time to dry and cure, can yellow over time, not always allowed due to VOC rules in some areas.
  • Coverage: Also good, maybe slightly better hiding power in some cases, around 350-450 sq ft/gallon.
• Water-Based Alkyd Hybrids: A newer type that tries to offer the best of both worlds.
  • Pros: Cleans up with water, lower smell than oil, levels well like an oil paint, dries faster than oil but slower than pure acrylic for better leveling, durable.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive, drying times are between acrylic and oil.
  • Coverage: Usually very good, similar to high-quality acrylic or oil, around 350-450 sq ft/gallon.
• Lacquers/Conversion Varnishes: These are often used in professional spray shops.
  • Pros: Very durable, hard, and smooth finish, dries extremely fast.
  • Cons: Strong fumes, need special spray equipment, not typically for DIY in a home setting due to safety and application difficulty.
  • Coverage: Can vary, often designed for spraying thin coats.

For most DIYers, a high-quality acrylic enamel or a water-based alkyd hybrid is the best choice. Look for paints specifically labeled for cabinets or trim, as they are made to be more durable. The best paint types for cabinets are those designed to be tough and washable once cured.

Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets (Materials)

The amount of paint you need is directly linked to the material cost to paint kitchen cabinets. High-quality cabinet paint can be expensive, ranging from $50 to $100+ per gallon. Primer also adds to the cost, usually $30 to $60 per gallon.

• Example: If your calculation shows you need 1 gallon of primer and 2 gallons of paint, and primer is $40/gallon and paint is $60/gallon, your estimated paint/primer cost is $40 + (2 * $60) = $40 + $120 = $160.
• Remember this is just paint and primer. You also need to budget for sandpaper, cleaner (like TSP or a degreaser), painter’s tape, plastic sheeting, rags, brushes, rollers, trays, drop cloths, and potentially a sprayer. These supplies can add another $100 – $300 or more, depending on the quality and quantity you buy.
• If you are hiring a professional, the cost will be much higher as it includes their labor, expertise, and tools. The refinishing cabinets paint amount cost is just one part of their total price.

Understanding how much paint is needed helps you estimate the material cost better, which is a big part of the overall cost to paint kitchen cabinets yourself.

Refinishing Cabinets vs. Painting – Amount Needed

Sometimes, people talk about “refinishing” cabinets when they mean painting them. True refinishing might involve stripping the old finish back to bare wood. If you strip your cabinets completely:

• You will definitely need a good wood primer.
• You might need two coats of primer because bare wood soaks it up.
• After priming, the amount of paint needed for the color coats will be the same as if you had sanded the old finish well and primed over it (typically two coats).

So, if you strip, you’ll likely need more primer than if you just sand and prime over the existing finish. The refinishing cabinets paint amount might include extra primer steps if stripping is involved.

Practical Tips for Painting Cabinets

• Prep is Key: The success of your cabinet paint job depends most on how well you clean, sand, and prime the cabinets before painting. No amount of paint will fix a poorly prepped surface.
• Take Doors Off: For the best results, remove doors and drawers. Label them so you know where they go back. Paint them horizontally if possible to help with leveling.
• Clean Thoroughly: Kitchen cabinets get greasy. Use a strong degreaser and clean water rinse.
• Sand Properly: Sanding helps the primer stick. You don’t need to sand down to bare wood unless stripping. Just scuff the surface. Sand lightly between primer and paint coats, and between paint coats, for a smooth finish.
• Use Quality Tools: Good brushes and rollers make a big difference in the finish quality.
• “Box” Your Paint: If you are using more than one can of the same color, mix them all together in a larger bucket before you start. This ensures the color is exactly the same across all cabinets, as slight variations can happen between cans.
• Follow Drying Times: Let primer and paint dry completely between coats according to the can’s instructions. Rushing this step can ruin the finish.
• Allow Full Cure Time: Paint feels dry to the touch quickly, but it takes much longer (days or even weeks for cabinet paints) to become fully hard or “cured.” Be gentle with your cabinets during this time.

Example Calculation

Let’s walk through an example for a medium-sized kitchen to see how to use our kitchen cabinet paint calculator steps.

Imagine a kitchen with:
* 15 cabinet doors (average size 12″ wide x 30″ tall)
* 6 drawer fronts (average size 24″ wide x 6″ tall)
* Cabinet frames and exposed sides totaling about 100 square feet.

We plan to:
* Paint both sides of the doors.
* Paint the front of the drawer fronts.
* Paint the front frames and exposed sides.
* Use 1 coat of bonding primer.
* Use 2 coats of high-quality acrylic enamel paint.
* Primer coverage: 350 sq ft per gallon.
* Paint coverage: 400 sq ft per gallon.
* Add a 15% buffer.

Here’s the math:

Step 1: Get Total Cabinet Surface Area
* Door Area: 15 doors * (12 inches * 30 inches) = 15 * 360 sq inches = 5400 sq inches (for one side)
* Total Door Area (both sides): 5400 sq inches * 2 = 10800 sq inches
* Drawer Front Area: 6 drawers * (24 inches * 6 inches) = 6 * 144 sq inches = 864 sq inches
* Frame/Side Area: 100 sq feet = 100 * 144 sq inches = 14400 sq inches
* Total Surface Area in sq inches: 10800 + 864 + 14400 = 26064 sq inches
* Total Surface Area in sq feet: 26064 sq inches / 144 sq inches/sq ft = 181 sq feet

Step 2: Figure Out Total Area for Primer
* Total Surface Area: 181 sq ft
* Number of Primer Coats: 1
* Total Primer Area: 181 sq ft * 1 = 181 sq ft

Step 3: Calculate Primer Needed
* Total Primer Area: 181 sq ft
* Primer Coverage: 350 sq ft/gallon
* Gallons of Primer = 181 sq ft / 350 sq ft/gallon = 0.52 gallons

Step 4: Figure Out Total Area for Paint
* Total Surface Area: 181 sq ft
* Number of Paint Coats: 2
* Total Paint Area = 181 sq ft * 2 = 362 sq ft

Step 5: Calculate Paint Needed
* Total Paint Area: 362 sq ft
* Paint Coverage: 400 sq ft/gallon
* Gallons of Paint = 362 sq ft / 400 sq ft/gallon = 0.905 gallons

Step 6: Add Buffer
* Primer Needed (before buffer): 0.52 gallons
* Paint Needed (before buffer): 0.905 gallons
* Primer with 15% buffer: 0.52 * 1.15 = 0.598 gallons
* Paint with 15% buffer: 0.905 * 1.15 = 1.04 gallons

Final Amount to Buy (rounding up):
* Primer: You need about 0.6 gallons. Primer often comes in quarts (0.25 gallons) and gallons. You would likely buy two quarts or just one gallon to be safe and have plenty for touch-ups. One gallon is 4 quarts, so buying one gallon gives you 4 quarts, much more than the 2.4 quarts needed. Two quarts might be too close. Buy one gallon.
* Paint: You need about 1.04 gallons. Buy two gallons of paint.

So, for this example kitchen, you would likely buy 1 gallon of primer and 2 gallons of paint.

Here is a table showing the calculation steps for this example:

Step	Calculation	Result (sq ft or gallons)
Total Surface Area (Doors)	15 * (12*30) * 2 / 144	108
Total Surface Area (Drawers)	6 * (24*6) / 144	6
Total Surface Area (Frames/Sides)	100	100
Total Surface Area (Sum)	108 + 6 + 100	214
Correction: Re-doing math from above. Door area was 10800 sq inches / 144 = 75 sqft. Drawer area 864 sq inches / 144 = 6 sqft. Frame/Side area 14400 sq inches / 144 = 100 sqft. Total = 75+6+100 = 181 sq ft. Yes, 181 sq ft is correct. Let’s use that.	181
Total Primer Area (1 coat)	181 * 1	181
Gallons of Primer (Coverage 350)	181 / 350	0.52
Total Paint Area (2 coats)	181 * 2	362
Gallons of Paint (Coverage 400)	362 / 400	0.905
Primer w/ 15% buffer	0.52 * 1.15	0.598
Paint w/ 15% buffer	0.905 * 1.15	1.04
Amount to Buy (Rounded Up)	Primer: Round 0.598 to nearest container size	1 gallon
Amount to Buy (Rounded Up)	Paint: Round 1.04 to nearest container size	2 gallons

Note: The initial example calculation had a slight error in summing the areas before converting to square feet, which was corrected in the table notes. The 181 sq ft total area is accurate based on the stated sizes.

FAQ: Common Questions About Cabinet Painting Amounts

Q: Can I use just one coat of paint on my cabinets?

A: It is strongly recommended to use at least two coats of paint after priming. One coat usually will not give full, even coverage, and the finish will not be as durable or long-lasting.

Q: Do I really need primer if my cabinets are already painted?

A: Yes, almost always. Primer helps the new paint stick firmly to the old surface, ensuring good adhesion and preventing peeling or chipping later. A bonding primer is usually needed over old paint or varnish.

Q: What if I am painting a very dark color over a very light color?

A: Dark colors usually cover better than light colors. You might get good coverage with two coats after priming, but sometimes a third coat might be needed for the deepest color. Check the paint can for advice on covering different colors.

Q: What if I am painting a very light color over a very dark color?

A: This is when you are most likely to need extra coats. You will need a good quality primer, possibly two coats of primer designed to block the dark color. Then, you might need three coats of your light-colored paint to get full, even coverage without the dark color showing through.

Q: Does the sheen of the paint affect how much I need?

A: Generally, the sheen (like satin, semi-gloss, or gloss) doesn’t significantly change the amount of paint needed for coverage. It mostly affects the look and durability of the final finish. Higher sheens are usually more durable and easier to clean, making them popular for cabinets.

Q: Is it better to buy too much paint than too little?

A: It is better to buy slightly too much than too little. Running out mid-project is frustrating, and paint colors can sometimes vary slightly between batches, even of the same color. Having extra from the start ensures consistent color for the whole job and leaves you with paint for future touch-ups.

Q: How long does cabinet paint last in the can?

A: If stored correctly in a sealed can at room temperature, latex or acrylic paint can last several years. Oil-based paint can last even longer. Store it upside down to help seal the lid and keep air out.

Q: Can I use a roller instead of a brush to save paint?

A: The application method (brush, roller, or sprayer) affects how the paint is applied and the finish texture, but the total amount needed based on square footage and coats remains similar. A sprayer might use a bit more paint due to overspray, but can apply thinner, more even coats. A roller might be faster for flat areas, but you still need enough paint to cover the surface properly.

Pulling It All Together

Figuring out how many gallons of paint for kitchen cabinets might seem tricky at first because so many things play a part. But by breaking it down into simple steps – measuring your cabinets to find the square footage for painting cabinets, learning about cabinet paint coverage per gallon, deciding how many coats of paint on cabinets (and primer) you will use, and considering the best paint types for cabinets – you can make a very good estimate. Using a kitchen cabinet paint calculator process like the one described helps ensure you buy the right amount, saving you time and money on your project. Remember to always add a little extra for touch-ups! Taking the time to plan the refinishing cabinets paint amount needed means you are well on your way to beautifully painted cabinets.