Kitchen Respray Quotes: How to Spot One That Will Fail
If you’re comparing kitchen respray quotes, the number matters less than what’s actually included in it. Two quotes can both say “£2,800” and mean completely different jobs — one with a proper primer and two cured, fully-dried topcoats, the other with a wipe-down and a single coat that’s chipping within the year.
Typical UK respray costs run £2,500–£4,000 depending on kitchen size — see our full price bands if you haven’t already. What this guide covers is different: how to tell, before you book anyone, whether a quote is actually going to last.
Why kitchen respray quotes vary so much
Price differences usually come down to two things: the size of the job, and how much of the proper process is actually included. The first is straightforward — more doors, more colours and more detail cost more, and it’s covered in full on our pricing page. The second is where it gets risky, because a stripped-back process can look identical to a proper one right up until the finish starts failing.
Why you can’t get an accurate price without a survey
Any company quoting you a fixed price over the phone, without seeing your kitchen, is either padding the number to cover themselves or planning to add extras once they arrive. A proper quote needs someone to actually look at your cabinets — check the substrate (MDF, veneer, real wood, laminate, vinyl-wrapped), count the doors and drawers, and check for damage that needs repairing before spraying.
That’s why we do a free, no-obligation survey and give you a fixed written quote afterwards. The price we quote is the price you pay — no surprises on the day.
Is a cheap kitchen respray quote worth it?
Usually not. Quotes significantly below the typical £2,500–£4,000 range often skip the cabinet-grade adhesion primer or proper degreasing step — the two things that actually stop a respray peeling or chipping within a year. Skip either one and the finish looks fine on day one, then starts failing 6–18 months later, once you’ve already paid for it. At that point you’re paying twice: once for the cheap job, once for the redo.
If you’re already dealing with a respray that’s chipping, here’s what usually causes it.
Eight things to ask before you book anyone
- Will you survey my kitchen in person before quoting? If not, treat any number they give you as a guess.
- Is the price fixed and in writing? A verbal estimate isn’t a quote — get it on paper before anyone touches your kitchen.
- Is a dedicated degreasing step included, or just a wipe-down? Grease and residue are the single biggest cause of paint failure on kitchen cabinets.
- Is a cabinet-grade adhesion primer included? Straight-to-topcoat jobs are almost always the ones that peel first.
- How many topcoats, and is there proper curing time between them? Rushed coats trap solvent underneath and never fully harden.
- Are doors removed and sprayed flat, or sprayed in place? In-place spraying is faster but rarely gives an even, factory-smooth finish across a vertical door.
- What guarantee is included, and is it in writing? Every Cole’s Decor job comes with a written 2-year guarantee — ask what the alternative actually covers, if anything.
- Are they insured, and can they show you previous work? A legitimate tradesperson won’t hesitate on either question.
Red flags worth walking away from
- A fixed price given without anyone seeing your kitchen
- No clear answer on primer, degreasing or topcoat count when asked directly
- Nothing offered in writing — not the quote, not a guarantee
- A price dramatically lower than every other quote you’ve had, with no explanation why
Is respraying still cheaper than a new kitchen, even done properly?
Yes. Even at the top of the price range, a professional respray at £3,500–£4,000 is still roughly 60–70% cheaper than the £10,000+ average cost of a full kitchen replacement, and takes 1–2 weeks rather than 4–8. See the full respray vs replacement comparison for how it stacks up against wrapping and hand-painting too.
How our quotes measure up
Every quote from Cole’s Decor is confirmed in writing after a free survey, and includes full degreasing, filling and sanding, a cabinet-grade adhesion primer, and two or more fully cured topcoats — backed by a written 2-year guarantee against peeling, fading, cracking and discolouration. See what’s included at every price band, or get your exact number.