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Professional spray painting kitchen cabinets, kitchen spray expert

Things to consider when getting a kitchen respray

Things to Consider When Getting a Kitchen Respray

Professional spray painting kitchen cabinets, kitchen spray expert

Things to Consider When Respraying Your Kitchen Cabinets

Respraying your kitchen cabinets is one of the most cost effective ways to refresh your space without the disruption of a full renovation. A beautifully sprayed finish can lift the whole room, add years of life to your cabinetry, and create a modern, cohesive look.

Before you dive in, it helps to understand the key factors that shape long‑lasting results. From the condition of your cabinets to preparation, products and finish quality, each step plays a role in creating a kitchen you’ll love walking into every day.

Understanding the Condition of Your Cabinets

The first step is taking a close look at the current condition of your cabinets. Solid wood, MDF and high‑quality laminates all respond well to professional respraying, but each material benefits from a slightly different approach.

Look at the doors, frames and end panels to understand what they’re made of and how they’ve aged. A stable, well‑built cabinet provides a strong foundation for a flawless sprayed finish; when the surface is sound, the transformation can be remarkable.

Even if your cabinets have seen better days, a skilled kitchen respray specialist can still bring them back to life with the right preparation, repair and professional techniques.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Lifestyle

Your kitchen works hard, so the finish you choose needs to support daily use. A professional spray finish offers durability, smoothness and a refined, “factory” look that instantly elevates the whole room.

Think about how you use your kitchen: frequent cooking, busy family life, pets, or a love of hosting all influence the level of durability you’ll want. A high‑quality paint system designed specifically for cabinetry provides a resilient surface that stands up to cleaning, handling and everyday wear, far better than standard wall paint.

When you work with a specialist, they can recommend the right product system, primers, topcoats and sheens to match your lifestyle and expectations.

Colour Selection and Design Flow

Colour is one of the most exciting parts of a kitchen respray, because you’re not limited by a manufacturer’s small sample book. You can choose virtually any shade to suit your home.

The right colour can brighten the space, create warmth, or introduce a bold, confident statement. When choosing a colour, consider:

  • Natural light in the room
  • The tones of your worktops, flooring and splashback
  • The overall style and period of your home

Soft neutrals create a calm, timeless feel, while deeper tones add richness and depth. Two‑tone schemes (for example, lighter wall units and darker base units) can add interest and help zone open‑plan spaces.

A well‑chosen palette brings harmony to the space and enhances the craftsmanship of the sprayed finish.

Preparation: The Foundation of a Quality Finish

A long‑lasting spray finish begins with thorough preparation. Cleaning, sanding and priming create a surface that bonds beautifully with the topcoat.

This stage:

  • Removes grease and everyday kitchen residues
  • Smooths minor imperfections and softens sharp edges
  • Ensures the paint adheres evenly and cures properly
  • Professional preparation also includes careful masking and protection of surrounding areas – floors, worktops, appliances and adjacent rooms – keeping your kitchen tidy and organised throughout the process.

When preparation is done with care, the final result looks refined, feels silky to the touch and stands up to real‑world use.

The Value of Professional Kitchen Spraying

Spraying is a craft that blends technique, precision and experience. Professional sprayers use specialist equipment to achieve a smooth, even finish that brushes and rollers simply can’t replicate.

The controlled application creates:

  • Consistent sheen across every door and panel
  • Even coverage with no visible brush marks or roller texture
  • Crisp edges and clean lines around panels and profiles

Skilled sprayers also understand how to manage drying times, ventilation and environmental conditions to support a durable, high‑quality result. When the work is carried out by trained hands, the transformation feels seamless – your cabinets look as though they’ve always been that colour.

Minimising Disruption to Your Home

A kitchen respray is a practical choice when you want a fresh look without major upheaval. Most of the work can be completed with minimal disruption compared with a full replacement.

Replacing cabinets usually means:

  • Removing old units
  • Possible rewiring and changes to plumbing
  • Multiple trades on site
  • Dust, noise and a temporarily unusable kitchen

Spraying is far less intrusive and keeps your kitchen functional throughout most of the process. Doors are often removed and sprayed in a controlled environment, while frames can be carefully prepared and finished on site.

Clear communication and a tidy, organised workflow help everything run smoothly, giving you confidence from start to finish.

Kitchen Respraying for Sustainability

Respraying your cabinets supports a more sustainable approach to home improvement. By refreshing what you already have, you reduce waste and extend the life of your existing materials.

This approach:

  • Keeps perfectly good cabinetry in use for many more years
  • Avoids sending large amounts of timber, MDF and hardware to landfill
  • Reduces the need for new cabinet manufacturing and transport

A respray gives your kitchen a renewed look while aligning with a more mindful, resource‑conscious way of living.

Considering Upgrades to your Kitchen Respray

A cabinet respray pairs perfectly with small upgrades that enhance the overall transformation. New handles, updated hinges or refreshed worktops can complement the new colour and finish.

You might also consider:

  • Modernising lighting or adding under‑cabinet lights
  • Respraying tiles or splashbacks to match the new scheme
  • Repairing or refinishing existing worktops rather than replacing them

These details bring the whole design together and create a cohesive, polished look. Even subtle changes can make the space feel more modern and thoughtfully curated. Check out our Practical Guide to Cost Up a Kitchen Respray »

Enjoying the Transformation

Once the final coat has cured and the doors are rehung, the transformation becomes clear. A freshly sprayed kitchen feels brighter, cleaner and more inviting.

The smooth finish, renewed colour and attention to detail create a space that feels crafted with care. It’s a practical, cost‑effective, stress free and stylish way to breathe new life into the heart of your home.

The Bees Knees Decorating Approach to Kitchen Resprays

At Bees Knees Decorating, we specialise in professional kitchen cabinet respraying for homes in Brighton, Hove and across Sussex. Our process combines careful preparation, high‑performance coatings and specialist spray equipment to deliver durable, factory‑style finishes in the colours you love.

If you’re considering a kitchen respray and would like friendly, expert advice on colours, products and what’s possible in your space, we’d be happy to help.

Get in touch to arrange a quote or site visit and start planning your new‑look kitchen.

Check out our reviews on Google, Facebook and Yell.

Google Reviews
facebook-5star-reviews
Yell Reviews

WHY CHOOSE US

We pride ourselves on being polite, respectful, friendly & considerate. We offer: 

Top class workmanship Top class workmanship
Professional, dependable, reliable service Professional, dependable, reliable service
Great communication from start to finish Great communication from start to finish
Qualified in both traditional painting and decorating methods and the latest technologies Qualified in both traditional painting and decorating methods and the latest technologies
Public Liability Insurance, City & Guilds Accredited, CITB registered Public Liability Insurance, City & Guilds Accredited, CITB registered
Brighton Painters and Decorators, Professional Spray Painting Kitchen Cabinets, Multi image
Circular Modern kitchen respray photo

How Much Does It Cost to Respray a Kitchen in Brighton?

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How Much Does It Cost to Respray a Kitchen in Brighton?

Circular Modern kitchen respray photo

A Practical Guide for Homeowners

Respraying your kitchen is one of the most cost‑effective ways to transform your space without the expense and disruption of a full replacement. A professionally sprayed finish can make dated cabinets look fresh and new, transform the feel of the room, and add real value to your home.

This guide breaks down typical costs and the main factors that influence them, so you can plan with confidence.

Typical Cost Range for Kitchen Respraying

Most professionally resprayed kitchens fall between £1,000 and £4,000, depending on size, condition and chosen finish.

As a rough guide:

  • Small kitchen (8–12 doors): £1,000 – £1,800
  • Medium kitchen (13–20 doors): £1,800 – £2,800
  • Large kitchen (21–30+ doors): £2,800 – £4,000+

These figures usually include the full process needed to achieve a durable, smooth finish: preparation, priming, spraying and reinstallation. 

Smaller kitchens with fewer doors sit at the lower end of the range, while larger or more complex layouts with islands, tall units or extra panels naturally cost more.

What Affects the Cost of a Kitchen Respray?

Several factors influence the final price of a kitchen respray. Understanding these helps you compare quotes fairly and avoid surprises.

1.| The Number of Doors and Drawers

This is often the single biggest driver of cost. Each door and drawer front needs to be removed, cleaned, prepped, primed, sprayed, cured and reinstalled.

A simple rule of thumb applies: more doors = more time = higher cost.

If you’re counting up your own kitchen, include all doors, drawer fronts, tall units and integrated fronts (like dishwasher panels) to get a realistic picture.

2.| The Condition of Your Existing Cabinets

Preparation is everything. A flawless finish starts long before the spray gun comes out.

Your price may increase if your cabinets need:

  • Extra cleaning to remove built‑up grease
  • Repairs to dents, chips or peeling laminate / vinyl wrap
  • Additional sanding or filling
  • Specialist primers for tricky or damaged surfaces
  • Tannin‑blocking coatings for natural wooden kitchens to prevent staining and discolouration bleeding through the finish
  • Well‑kept, solid cabinets will be quicker to prep and therefore cheaper than units with heavy wear, water damage or failing coatings.

3.| The Type of Material

Different materials require different preparation and product systems:

  • Solid wood is generally straightforward to prep and takes paint beautifully. However it may need tannin‑blocking primers as above to control natural staining.
  • MDF gives a very smooth finish but needs careful sealing to avoid swelling or fibre “raising”.
  • Laminate or vinyl‑wrapped doors may need specialist primers and repair work, especially if they’re peeling or lifting.

More complex materials and problem surfaces require extra time, products and expertise, which will be reflected in the price.

3.| The Finish You Choose

Your chosen finish affects both materials and labour.

Typical options include:

  • Matt – smooth, modern and forgiving of minor imperfections.
  • Satin – the most popular choice; durable with a soft sheen that’s easy to live with.
  • Gloss – striking and reflective, but it shows every flaw and demands impeccable preparation.

Gloss finishes often cost more because the prep needs to be meticulous and additional coats may be required to achieve a perfectly even sheen.

4.| Colour Choice

Most colours fall within standard pricing, but some specialist shades or multi‑coat systems can increase the cost slightly. Dark colours, for example, may require extra coats to achieve full, even coverage.

If you’re moving from very dark to very light (or vice versa), your sprayer may recommend specific primers or additional coats, which can nudge the price upwards.

5.|Whether You Want the Inside of the Cabinets Sprayed

Most homeowners choose to spray only the exteriors, frames and doors, as the inside of the cabinets is rarely visible when the doors are closed.

Spraying the interiors adds:

  • More surfaces to prepare
  • Extra masking and protection
  • Additional product and labour

Expect the overall cost to rise if you decide you’d like the insides sprayed as well.

6.| Additional Items, Fixed Parts and Handle Changes

Extras such as:

  • Cornices and pelmets
  • End panels and gable ends
  • Plinths and kickboards
  • Open shelving and wine racks
    Integrated handle profiles

All add to the total because they require the same level of preparation and spraying as the doors and drawer fronts.

In most kitchens, these fixed parts account for around 15–25% of the total work, so it’s important to include them when you’re estimating or comparing quotes rather than counting doors alone.

Handle changes are also worth factoring in. Replacing like‑for‑like handles (same fixing points) is usually a simple, low‑cost add‑on.

Changing handle style or position (for example, from knobs to longer bars, or drilling new holes) involves filling and refinishing the old holes before spraying, plus fitting the new hardware – adding extra labour and materials.

Updating handles at the same time as a respray is a smart way to complete the transformation. But, it will sit on top of the spraying price, depending on the type and number of handles you choose.

7.| Location and Access

Practical factors like access and parking can influence the time needed for setup, protection and moving doors to and from a spray area.

If your kitchen is awkward to access, on an upper floor with limited parking, or in a very tight space, professionals will factor this into the quote to allow enough time to do the job properly and safely.

A Simple Framework to Estimate Your Kitchen Respray Cost

Before you start gathering quotes, you can use this framework to work out a realistic ballpark figure for your kitchen respray.

Step 1| Count Your Doors and Drawers

This gives you your baseline.

Use this guide:

  • £80–£120 per door
  • £40–£60 per drawer front

Multiply these by your total number of doors and drawers to get a starting figure.

Step 2| Add 15–25% for Panels and Extras

Most kitchens have end panels, cornices, pelmets, plinths, open shelving or integrated trim. These fixed parts typically make up around 15–25% of the overall work. So add 15–25% to your baseline to allow for these. 

Doors & drawers total + 15–25% for panels and extras.

Step 3| Add 10–30% for Condition and Material

If your kitchen is:

  • Particularly greasy or heavily used
  • Damaged, chipped or peeling
  • Made from more complex materials such as laminate or vinyl wrap
  • A natural timber kitchen likely to need tannin‑blocking coatings

Then you’ll need to factor in extra preparation time and specialist primers.

Add 10–30% depending on how much work you can see will be needed.

Step 4| Consider Your Finish

  • Matt or satin: usually no change to the estimate.
  • Gloss: add around 15–20% to allow for extra preparation and coats.

Step 5| Decide Whether You Want the Interiors Done

If you’d like the inside of the cabinets sprayed as well as the outsides, add £300–£600 depending on the size and complexity of your kitchen.

Step 6| Factor in Handle Replacement or Swaps

If you’re planning to:

  • Replace existing handles with new ones of the same size and fixing points, allow a small extra amount for fitting.
  • Change handle style, size or position (new holes, filling old ones), expect additional labour for filling, sanding and re‑drilling before spraying, plus the cost of the new hardware itself.

For many homeowners, new handles are a worthwhile extra that completes the “new kitchen” look without the cost of replacement units.

This framework gives you a realistic starting point so you know what to expect when you start speaking to specialists. You’ll still need to get professional quotes for the work.

Are Kitchen Resprays Cost‑Effective?

Yes. Respraying your kitchen is one of the most cost‑effective ways to refresh your home. With the right preparation, products and expertise, you can achieve a durable, factory‑smooth finish that looks brand new.  Without the price tag, disruption and waste of a full replacement.

For many homeowners, a kitchen respray unlocks the look and feel of a new kitchen at a fraction of the cost, while keeping solid existing cabinetry in use for years to come. Check out Things to Consider When Respraying Your Kitchen »

The Bees Knees Decorating Approach

At Bees Knees Decorating, we specialise in kitchen cabinet respraying and interior spray finishes across Brighton, Hove and Sussex, and we’re always happy to provide clear, itemised quotes so you can see exactly what’s included – from doors, panels and fixed parts to any handle changes you’re considering.

If you’d like help working out the cost of respraying your own kitchen – based on your doors, layout, condition, materials and hardware – you can share a few photos or arrange a site visit, and we’ll talk you through the options.

Check out our reviews on Google, Facebook and Yell.

Google Reviews
facebook-5star-reviews
Yell Reviews

WHY CHOOSE US

We pride ourselves on being polite, respectful, friendly & considerate. We offer: 

Top class workmanship Top class workmanship
Professional, dependable, reliable service Professional, dependable, reliable service
Great communication from start to finish Great communication from start to finish
Qualified in both traditional painting and decorating methods and the latest technologies Qualified in both traditional painting and decorating methods and the latest technologies
Public Liability Insurance, City & Guilds Accredited, CITB registered Public Liability Insurance, City & Guilds Accredited, CITB registered
Brighton Painters and Decorators, Professional Spray Painting Kitchen Cabinets, Multi image
Interior painter and decorator, Professional Wallpapering, Professional Decorator,

How to find a good decorator

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How to find a good decorator

Interior painter and decorator, Professional Wallpapering, Professional Decorator,

Inviting a tradesperson into your home is a big decision. It’s about more than just the price. It’s about trust, professionalism, and feeling comfortable with the person working in your space.

Whether you’re planning a full interior redecoration, feature walls and wallpapering, staircase painting, or a smaller touch‑up, choosing the right local decorator makes all the difference to your experience and the final finish.

At Bees Knees Decorating, we’ve spent over 20 years working in homes across Brighton, Hove and the wider Sussex area, transforming kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, staircases and home offices. This guide explains what to look for before you say yes to anyone picking up a brush, roller or spray gun in your home.

1. Check Credentials and Insurance

A trustworthy tradesperson will be happy for you to ask about qualifications, experience and memberships. Most professional decorators hold recognised accreditations such as City & Guilds and CITB, and may be members of relevant trade bodies.

One of the most important checks is insurance. Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong, and a reputable decorator will be able to confirm their cover and the amount of protection they carry. Qualifications, training and memberships demonstrate a commitment to standards, safety and ongoing professional development rather than a “quick coat of paint” approach.

2.| Look for Real Examples of Their Decorating Work

A good decorator should be able to show you real examples of past projects, ideally similar to the work you’re planning in your own home. Ask to see before‑and‑after photos, case studies or a portfolio covering rooms they’ve decorated.

For general interior decorating, you’re looking for:

  • Clean, crisp paint lines around ceilings, skirting and architraves.
  • Smooth, even finishes on walls, ceilings and woodwork.
  • Neat wallpapering with patterns matched correctly and seams barely visible.

If someone struggles to show any examples, or only has one or two vague photos, that’s usually a sign to dig deeper before getting a quote.

3. | Read Testimonials – and How They Respond

Testimonials and online reviews tell you how a decorator works, communicates and treats people’s homes. Look for patterns: do customers regularly mention punctuality, cleanliness, friendliness, eye for detail and reliability?

Specific comments are more useful than general praise. “They protected all our carpets and left the room spotless” reveals more than “Good decorator”, and feedback about how challenges were handled shows you how they respond when things don’t go perfectly. If you see any lower‑rated reviews, focus on how they replied – a respectful, solution‑focused response speaks volumes about their professionalism.

4. Ask About Their Process for Decorating

A reliable decorator will have a clear, structured way of working rather than “seeing how it goes on the day”. This usually includes a site visit to understand the rooms properly, followed by a written quote breaking down labour, materials and timelines.

For interior painting and wallpapering, expect a discussion about:

  • Preparation: filling, sanding, caulking and priming.
  • Masking and protection of floors, furniture and fixtures.
  • Access and working with your household routine.

A well‑planned process, from prep through painting or wallpapering to cleanup, gives you clarity about what will happen, when, and why. This all leads to a smooth, tidy, high‑quality finish.

5.| Communication is key

You can learn a lot about a decorator from your first enquiry. The right professional communicates with clarity, respect and genuine interest in your project, responding promptly and taking time to understand what you’re aiming for.

Good communication continues throughout the job – from confirming start dates and timelines to updating you on progress and explaining any unexpected issues, such as hidden cracks or damp patches discovered once old paper comes off. That steady, open dialogue helps you feel confident and in control, turning what could be a disruptive experience into a smooth, straightforward process.

6.| Notice How They Treat Your Home

The way a decorator treats your home is just as important as the technical skill they bring. A true professional will ask about your vision, parking, access, pets and children, and will explain how they’ll protect floors, furniture and adjoining rooms.

For interior decorating, that means:

  • Dust sheets and floor protection laid carefully.
  • Furniture moved or covered properly.
  • Doorways, sockets and fixtures masked where needed.

You’re not just hiring a skill, you’re inviting someone into your personal space. Politeness, reliability and respect for your home should be non‑negotiable.

7. | Ask About Their Range of Services

Different decorating projects require different skills, products and methods, so it helps to ask what they actually specialise in. A good interior decorator will be comfortable explaining their approach to:

  • General room painting, including ceilings, walls and woodwork.
  • Wallpapering, feature walls and pattern matching.
  • Staircase and hallway transformations.
  • Repairing minor surface defects before painting.
  • Kitchen resprays

If you’re planning a series of rooms or a whole‑house refresh, choosing someone experienced across all of these areas can give you a more consistent, cohesive result.

FAQs – Choosing a Decorator

How do I choose a reliable decorator?

Look for proven experience in the area, proper insurance, clear communication, and real examples of similar projects such as living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, staircases or full interior redecorations.

Should a decorator have insurance?

Yes. Public liability insurance is essential – it protects both you and them if something goes wrong during the job, and any professional should be happy to confirm their cover.

How much does interior decorating cost in Brighton & Hove?

Costs vary depending on room size, the preparation needed, the products used and whether the work includes specialist wallpapering or spraying. A detailed written quote should explain exactly what’s included and how the price is built up.

How long does it take to decorate a room?

Most single rooms can be completed within a few days, depending on how much preparation is needed and whether wallpapering is involved. Hallways and staircases may take longer due to access and detail work.

Can I have multiple rooms decorated at once?

Yes. Many homeowners choose to have several rooms done in one go to create a more cohesive look and reduce disruption. A good decorator will help you plan the sequence so you can still use your home comfortably.

The Bees Knees Decorating Way

Choosing the right decorator is about more than just finding the lowest quote. It’s about trusting someone to work safely, respectfully and to a high standard in your home. 

At Bees Knees Decorating, we specialise in kitchen spraying, interior painting and decorating, wallpapering, spray finishes for furniture and staircases, and whole‑room transformations. We combine traditional skills with modern techniques for beautiful, long‑lasting results. If you’re planning a project, we’d be happy to visit, talk through your ideas and provide a clear, no‑obligation quote.

If you’re looking for a reliable decorator in Brighton & Hove to refresh your rooms, wallpaper feature walls or update your staircases, get in touch to discuss your project and find out what’s possible.

Check out our reviews on Google, Facebook and Yell.

Google Reviews
facebook-5star-reviews
Yell Reviews

WHY CHOOSE US

We pride ourselves on being polite, respectful, friendly & considerate. We offer: 

Top class workmanship Top class workmanship
Professional, dependable, reliable service Professional, dependable, reliable service
Great communication from start to finish Great communication from start to finish
Qualified in both traditional painting and decorating methods and the latest technologies Qualified in both traditional painting and decorating methods and the latest technologies
Public Liability Insurance, City & Guilds Accredited, CITB registered Public Liability Insurance, City & Guilds Accredited, CITB registered
Brighton Painters and Decorators, Professional Spray Painting Kitchen Cabinets, Multi image