Kitchen Respray vs Replacement: The Best Budget Makeover for Summer 2025
Kitchen Respray vs Replacement: The Best Budget Makeover for Summer 2025
Tired of Your Kitchen but Not Ready for a Full Renovation?
You don’t hate your kitchen... It does the job. But every time you visit someone else’s home, scroll past a stunning kitchen on Instagram, or watch a home renovation reel, something nags at you. Your cupboards look a bit tired. The colour feels stuck in a different decade. And even though it’s functional, it drags the rest of your space down - no matter how much cleaning.
You’ve probably thought about replacing it. Maybe even googled a few quotes. But between the cost, the disruption, and trying to fit it in around work, family, and the school holidays… it just hasn’t felt worth the stress.
And so, another year goes by with you feeling a little frustrated every time you walk in.
But what if there was a way to give your kitchen that same wow-factor without ripping it all out?
What’s the Real Difference Between a Kitchen Respray and a Full Replacement?
When your kitchen starts to feel dated, the first instinct is often, “Maybe it’s time for a full refit.” But as soon as the quotes roll in - and you start imagining the mess, the timeline, the trades coming in and out - it’s no wonder so many people put it off.
That’s where respraying has started to shift the game.
More and more homeowners are choosing to update what’s already working, rather than tearing it all out. Respraying has quickly become one of the most popular ways to modernise a kitchen - not just because it’s faster or more affordable, but because the end result genuinely transforms how the space looks and feels.
With a professional team, the process is quick, tidy, and refreshingly straightforward. You keep the layout, choose the finish, and get a completely new visual impact without weeks of upheaval.
Here’s how the two options compare:
Kitchen Respray
- Keeps your existing cabinets and layout intact
- Professionally cleaned, prepped and sprayed - no removals needed
- Custom colours and finishes (including Farrow & Ball colour matching)
- Typically completed in just one to two days
- More affordable than a full renovation
Full Replacement
- Involves removing all units and starting from scratch
- May require multiple trades such as builders, plumbers or electricians
- Typically takes one to three weeks or more
- Generates dust, noise and a lot of disruption
- Higher upfront and labour costs
If your kitchen layout works and the cabinets are still in decent shape, respraying is a serious option worth considering. It delivers the kind of visual refresh that makes a room feel new again - without the stress, the waste, or the renovation-level budget.
Respray vs Replacement: Full Cost Breakdown
| Feature | Kitchen Respray | Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | £2,500–£3,800 (small kitchen) £3,800 - £6,000 (big kitchen) | £12,000+ |
| Time to Complete | 1–2 Days | 1–3 Weeks |
| Disruption Level | Minimal | High |
| Eco Impact | Low (reuse units) | High (landfill + waste) |
| Colour Customisation | Yes (inc. F&B match) | Yes |
| Warranty | Yes With Elite Spray `Tech (2-Year) | Varies |
Curious what your kitchen refresh could cost?
What Can You Actually Respray in a Kitchen?
One of the biggest benefits of choosing a respray over a full replacement is flexibility. You’re not limited to just your cabinet doors - almost every visible surface in your kitchen can be refreshed.
Here’s what most homeowners choose to include:
KITCHEN CABINET SPRAY PAINTING
Whether your cabinets are solid wood, MDF, vinyl-wrapped or laminated, professional kitchen cabinet spray painting gives them a flawless new finish.
You choose the colour and finish, and the results are smooth, modern, and completely transform the look of the room.
KITCHEN CUPBOARD SPRAYING
Cupboards are one of the first things people notice when they walk into a kitchen.
Respraying them gives you the visual impact of a full renovation - without changing the layout or ripping anything out. It’s ideal for creating a fresh, cohesive look across the whole room.
KITCHEN ISLAND SPRAYING
Kitchen islands are often a focal point. Spraying your island in a contrasting or standout colour (like navy, charcoal, or deep green) is a stylish way to modernise the space and create a designer-style finish.
It’s also one of the easiest ways to refresh the room without touching the rest of the cabinetry.
KITCHEN CABINET RESPRAY
A full kitchen cabinet respray includes prepping and spraying all visible doors, drawer fronts, end panels, cornices, and pelmets - everything that gives your kitchen its look and character.
It’s one of the most cost-effective upgrades available and delivers a like-new result in just a couple of days.
No matter how small or large the kitchen, respraying gives you full control over the final look - with less mess, less waste, and more freedom to design a space that feels brand new.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Respraying
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RESPRAY KITCHENS IN THE UK?
The cost of a full kitchen respray in the UK typically ranges between £2,500 - £6,000, depending on the size of your kitchen, the number of doors and drawers, and the type of finish you choose.
Smaller kitchens may cost around £2,500 to £3,800, while larger kitchens may cost around £3,800 - £6,000. Compared to full kitchen replacement costs that can be significant higher, around £12,000 or more.
Respraying offers a significant cost-saving without compromising on the end result.
Most professional spray companies will provide a free quote after a site visit or photo review.
HOW LONG DOES A KITCHEN RESPRAY LAST?
When done professionally, a kitchen respray can last between 5 and 15 years. Longevity depends on how well the surfaces are prepped, the quality of paint used, and how you care for the finish over time.
Most spray professionals use durable, UV-stable, and scratch-resistant coatings that stand up well to everyday use. Avoiding harsh cleaners, using soft cloths, and not slamming doors will help preserve the finish longer.
Many companies also offer warranties of one to two years as standard.
CAN YOU SPRAY PAINT OVER WOOD, LAMINATE, OR VINYL KITCHEN CABINETS?
Yes. A professional respray can be applied to wood, laminate, vinyl wrap, MDF, and even some metal surfaces.
Each material requires different prep techniques, including degreasing, light sanding, and specialist primers to ensure the paint bonds correctly and provides a smooth, lasting finish.
The key is using the right process for the surface, which is why DIY methods often fail while professional spraying delivers a flawless result.
IS KITCHEN CABINET RESPRAYING SAFE AROUND FOOD PREPARATION AREAS?
Yes. When performed by trained professionals using low-VOC, water-based or polyurethane-based paints, resprayed kitchen cabinets are safe for households and food prep areas once cured.
Professionals typically ventilate the space properly and ensure surfaces are fully dry and hardened before use.
Most modern coatings used for kitchen resprays are non-toxic once dry and compliant with UK safety standards.
WHAT FINISHES ARE AVAILABLE FOR KITCHEN CABINET RESPRAYING?
Professional kitchen spraying offers a wide range of finishes to suit your taste and design goals, including:
* Matte: A smooth, flat look that hides minor imperfections and suits contemporary interiors.
* Satin: A soft sheen that reflects a small amount of light. It’s a popular middle ground and very easy to maintain.
* Gloss: A shinier surface that bounces more light around the room and adds a sleek feel.
* High Gloss: Ultra-reflective and smooth, often used for modern, minimalistic designs.
You can also choose from virtually any colour, including custom shades or matches to premium brands like Farrow & Ball or Dulux Heritage.
Summer Is the Perfect Time to Transform Your Kitchen
Summer is the one time of year when routines loosen up. There’s a gap between the school run, the holidays, the guests, the garden parties, and for many homeowners, it’s the only window they’ve got to finally tackle that tired kitchen.
But here's the truth:
You don’t need to rip everything out.
You don’t need builders in your home for three weeks.
And you definitely don’t need to spend five figures just to fall back in love with your space.
With professional respraying, you get a flawless, high-end result without the mess, the stress, or the price tag.
And if you want it sorted before summer kicks into full swing? Now’s the time.
We Respray Kitchens Across the East Midlands
