Many homeowners want to refresh their kitchen but fear the cost. Kitchen respray is a fantastic alternative to replacement that can completely transform your kitchen for a fraction of the costs. Often, kitchen respray saves home owners up to 80% of the cost of a replacement.
With a much wider choice of colours than most new modular kitchens, kitchen respray also gives you the flexibility to create a finish that’s truly bespoke to your home.
What Is a Kitchen Respray?
Kitchen respray is a process that refreshes your existing kitchen without the cost or disruption of installing entirely new units. It involves removing your existing cabinets and respraying them using specialist kitchen spray painting equipment, and then putting them back in your kitchen, giving the space a refreshed look.
It’s perfect for kitchens that are in good structural shape but could benefit from a modern update in colour or finish.
What Does a Full Kitchen Replacement Involve?
A full kitchen replacement is a major project that goes far beyond updating the look of your cabinets.
Kitchen replacement process usually includes:
- Removing the existing kitchen – cabinets, counters, and appliances are stripped out.
- Redesign and layout changes – If required walls will be moved or altered to reconfigure the space.
- Installing new cabinetry – often custom built or modular units fitted to the space.
- Replacing worktops and surfaces – new counters, splashbacks, and sometimes flooring are installed.
- Plumbing and electrical work – new appliances are connected to electricity and water is plumbed in, adjustments may be required for sinks, taps, lighting, and appliances.
- Finishing touches – tiling, painting, and fitting new fixtures or hardware are added to bring the kitchen together.
This process can take several weeks, creates significant disruption, and comes with a much higher cost compared to a respray, which is usually completed in as little as one day.
A kitchen respray is a quicker, less disruptive way to refresh your space.
The kitchen respray process usually includes:
- Preparing the surfaces – cabinets, doors, and drawers are cleaned, sanded, and masked to protect hardware and countertops.
- Repairing minor imperfections – any small scratches, dents, or chips are filled for a smooth finish.
- Priming the surfaces – a base coat is applied to ensure the paint adheres evenly.
- Kitchen unit respray – a durable, high quality paint is applied using professional kitchen spray painting equipment.
- Cabinets are refitted – the paint is allowed to dry and harden, then hardware and fittings are reattached.
Cost Comparison: Kitchen Respray vs. Replacement
The cost of a new kitchen can vary depending on several factors including: the location of your home/ company, the size of your kitchen and your appliance requirements. On average, a lager, bespoke new kitchen costs £10,000. Whereas, an equivalent kitchen respray costs around £3000.
Other Cost Factors to Consider
Not only does a kitchen respray cost significantly less than a full replacement, but it also uses fewer materials and causes far less disruption. With a quicker turnaround, your kitchen will only be unusable for a short time, saving you extra costs you might not have considered, like not being able to make your morning coffee at home, takeaways or dining out while your kitchen is out of action.
The Longevity of Kitchen Respray Compared To Replacement
A newly installed kitchen is expected to last between 10 to 20 years.
When done by a professional, kitchen respray should last just as long as a brand new kitchen, lasting anywhere from 5 to 15 years depending on the paint used and how well the surface is prepped.
At The Spraying Company, we only use high quality and durable paints which ensure your resprayed kitchen will be more resistant to wear and fading, making it last longer. Our team are also experts at service preparation, we pride ourselves on creating a durable, flawless finish.
However, you could have your kitchen resprayed, in any colour to change the look of your home multiple times before it would come close to the cost of a full kitchen replacement.
Which Option Adds More Value to Your Home?
A kitchen respray is one of the most cost effective ways to refresh your space and can instantly make your home feel more clean and modern, appealing to potential buyers. It’s an excellent option if your kitchen layout is already functional and the units are in good condition. By improving the appearance without the high cost, kitchen respraying often delivers a strong return on investment when it comes to selling your home.
Even if you aren’t considering selling your home kitchen respray adds huge value to your home and your family. You can create a living space that matches your style and makes you feel inspired whilst still having enough money left over for a family holiday and days out. For those looking to take their kitchen transformation even further, we also offer quartz overlay worktops. This service enhances your countertops with a durable, stylish finish that complements your newly sprayed units.
A full kitchen replacement, on the other hand, can add greater value if your kitchen is outdated, damaged, or poorly designed. A brand new kitchen with upgraded cabinetry, worktops, and appliances is a big selling point and can significantly increase the desirability of your property, but it does come with significantly higher upfront costs and disruption.
When to Respray and When to Replace
Respraying your kitchen can save thousands of pounds, especially if your updates are mostly cosmetic. It’s ideal for refreshing worn or dated surfaces, changing colours, or creating a modern, bespoke look without the cost and disruption of a full renovation.
However, a full replacement may be necessary if your cabinets or units are significantly damaged, warped, or structurally unsound. Similarly, if you would like significant layout changes, need new appliances, or want to upgrade plumbing and electrical work, replacing your kitchen may be the more practical solution.
In short: choose a respray for style and surface updates, and a replacement when structure is damaged or you want major layout changes.
It’s always a good idea to get a professional quote for both kitchen respray and replacement before deciding, so you can compare costs, understand the size of the job, and make an informed choice between respraying or replacing your kitchen.