If your kitchen cabinet boxes are sound but the doors look tired, you have two options: paint the existing doors or replace them with new ones. The decision depends on the door material, the finish you want, and your budget. This guide compares both paths.
$2,500 - $6,500
Sand back existing doors, prime, spray-apply 2-pac polyurethane in your chosen colour. Fastest and cheapest option if your doors are sound.
Includes
Out of scope
$4,500 - $9,500
Keep existing carcasses. Order new doors in your chosen profile, finish, and colour. Network door-replacement specialists in our matching service.
Includes
Out of scope
| Item | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paint existing doors (typical 18-door kitchen) | $2,500 | $4,200 | $6,500 |
| New replacement doors (typical 18-door kitchen) | $4,500 | $6,500 | $9,500 |
| New hinges and runners (full kitchen) | $350 | $600 | $950 |
| New handles (full kitchen) | $280 | $600 | $1,500 |
Some homeowners do, with mixed results. The challenges are dust contamination during drying, brush marks, and the limited durability of household paint. Professional 2-pac polyurethane spray-finish (done in a workshop, cured under controlled conditions) lasts 15-20 years. Household paint typically chips within 2-3 years.
If the existing doors are sound (no warping, no damage), painted doors look identical to new 2-pac doors at completion. The difference is in the door profile: painting keeps the existing profile (slab, shaker, etc.), while new doors let you change the profile.
Painting is faster: typically 5-10 days from drop-off to refit. Replacement doors take 2-4 weeks lead time for custom orders. If you need the kitchen back quickly, painting wins.
Free, fast, fixed-price quotes from Adelaide renovators.