Kitchen cabinet painting in Melbourne costs $1,000 to $5,000. A full kitchen cabinet replacement costs $8,000 to $25,000 or more. If your cabinets are structurally sound, painting them gives you a new look at a fraction of the replacement cost.
This guide compares the costs, timelines, and outcomes of painting versus replacing kitchen cabinets in Melbourne.
Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost Range |
| Small kitchen paint (10-15 doors) | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Medium kitchen paint (15-25 doors) | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Large kitchen paint (25+ doors) | $3,000 to $5,000 |
| 2-pack polyurethane finish | $5,000 to $8,000 |
| Full cabinet replacement (flat pack) | $8,000 to $15,000 |
| Full cabinet replacement (custom) | $15,000 to $25,000+ |
Painting your cabinets costs 20% to 40% of a full replacement. The savings are significant, especially if you redirect the difference to benchtops, splashbacks, or appliances.
When Painting Works
Cabinet painting is a good option when:
- The cabinet boxes are structurally sound with no water damage or warping.
- The layout of your kitchen works. You do not need to move cabinets.
- You want to change the colour without changing the style.
- Your budget is under $8,000 for a kitchen refresh.
When Replacement Is Better
Replace your cabinets when:
- Cabinet boxes have water damage, swelling, or structural failure.
- You need to change the kitchen layout (move cabinetry, change sizes).
- The cabinet doors are so damaged that paint will not cover the defects.
- You are renovating the entire kitchen including benchtops and plumbing.
What Finish Options Are There?
Two main finishes for painted kitchen cabinets:
2-pack polyurethane:
The premium option. Sprayed on in a controlled environment. Cures to a hard, smooth, factory-like finish. Resists chips, scratches, and moisture better than enamel. Lasts 15+ years. Costs more due to spray equipment and skilled application.
Enamel (Dulux Aquanamel):
A quality alternative. Brush or roller application. Dries to a hard, washable finish. Works well for moderate-use kitchens. Lasts 8 to 12 years. More affordable than 2-pack.
For kitchens that get heavy daily use, 2-pack is the better long-term investment. For rental properties or budget renovations, enamel delivers a strong result.
Timeline Comparison
- Cabinet painting: 3 to 5 working days. Minimal disruption. Your kitchen is usable during most of the process.
- Cabinet replacement: 2 to 6 weeks from order to installation. Your kitchen is out of commission for several days during installation.
Popular Cabinet Colours in Melbourne (2026)
- White and off-white: Dulux White on White, Dulux Lexicon Quarter, Dulux Natural White.
- Dark tones (for islands and feature units): Dulux Domino, Dulux Monument.
- Sage and olive greens: Growing trend in renovated period homes.
Next Steps
Prestige Painting Experts paints kitchen cabinets across 20 Melbourne suburbs. We use 2-pack and enamel systems for a durable, professional finish. Call 0423 481 233 or request a quote online.