If you are trying to figure out what your interior or kitchen cabinet painting project should cost, it can feel confusing fast. Online prices are all over the place. One painter says a few thousand, another says five figures, and neither explains why. Homeowners around Omaha often worry about overpaying or cutting corners without realizing it.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we have been working in homes across Omaha since 1996. Over the years, we have seen how prep work, paint choices, drywall repairs, and cabinet finishes affect both price and long term results. We know we are not the cheapest or the quickest fix you can find, but we know we can provide durable results if that’s what you are looking for.
This article is written from real job data from an interior and kitchen cabinet painting project that we completed, not guesses or averages pulled from the internet.
By the end of this article, you will understand how interior painting and kitchen cabinet painting costs are built. You will see real labor hours, real materials, and real decisions from an Omaha home. You will be able to compare this project to your own and ask smarter questions when hiring a painter.
$14k Interior & Cabinet Painting Project in Omaha, NE
This project included interior wall and mantle painting, drywall framing and finishing above a fireplace, plus a full kitchen cabinet repaint using two colors and a professional finish.
This was not a small touch up job, but it was also not a full whole house repaint. It represents a common Omaha project where homeowners want to update their main living space and kitchen at the same time.
The project was split into two main parts.
- Interior wall painting and drywall framing work above the mantle in the living room
- Kitchen cabinet painting with perimeter cabinets, island, and buffet cabinet
What paint products are used for interior painting?
The paint product used was Benjamin Moore Regal Select. The painters did 2 coats on the walls. The walls were painted in an eggshell finish in SW 7626 Zurich White.
These products were selected for washability, coverage, and long-term performance in a lived-in Omaha home.
How much labor and materials are required for interior painting?
Interior painting and drywall work were estimated at 48 total labor hours, with 30 hours for painting and 18 hours for drywall work.
Breaking hours down helps homeowners understand where costs come from.
Labor breakdown
- Painting labor: 30 hours
• Drywall framing and finishing: 18 hours
• Total labor time: 48 hours
Interior painting cost
- Interior painting and prep: $2,875.46
• Drywall framing and finishing above mantle: $1,450.00
These prices include labor, materials, prep, priming, painting, and cleanup.
Before Filling Empty Space Above Fireplace Mantel
After Filling Empty Space Above Fireplace Mantel
What does drywall work include?
The area above the mantle in this home was framed and finished with drywall to create a clean, finished surface before painting.
This is a common request in Omaha homes, especially when updating a fireplace wall or removing outdated features.
Drywall process explained
- Framing installed above the mantle
• Drywall hung and secured
• Joints taped and finished
• Surface sanded smooth
• Painted to match the surrounding walls
Drywall work adds labor time but gives a more polished and updated look that paint alone cannot fix.
What did the kitchen cabinet painting project include?
All perimeter cabinets, island cabinets, buffet cabinet, and fireplace mantle were professionally painted using two colors and a durable cabinet finish.
This was a full cabinet repaint, not a quick brush job. The cabinets were treated as furniture, not walls.
This project also included replacing an upper cabinet door near the microwave.
Cabinet areas painted
- Perimeter cabinets on the range and refrigerator walls
• Island cabinets
• Buffet cabinet
At Brush & Roll Painting, we don’t use your average cabinet paint from the hardware store. We use a durable 2k polyurethane, a product created for floors and cars. We use this because we know how much wear and tear a kitchen can go through, and your cabinets need something that can hold up.
What colors were used on the cabinets and walls?
A two tone cabinet color scheme was used, paired with a soft wall color to balance contrast and light.
Color schedule for interior and cabinet painting:
- Perimeter cabinets and kitchen pillars: Satin finish, SW 7006 Extra White
• Island cabinets, buffet cabinet, and fireplace mantle: Satin finish, SW 6994 Greenblack
• Walls: Eggshell finish, SW 7626 Zurich White
This type of layout is common in Omaha homes where homeowners want depth without making the space feel dark.
Why were two cabinet paint colors chosen?
Using two cabinet colors adds contrast and helps define zones without overwhelming the space.
Darker island cabinets ground the room. Lighter perimeter cabinets keep the kitchen feeling open. Matching the mantle color to the island helps the space flow naturally.
How many labor hours does cabinet painting require?
The cabinet project required 139 total labor hours from start to finish.
Cabinet painting takes significantly more time than wall painting due to prep, sanding, priming, coating, curing, and reassembly.
Cabinet labor breakdown
- Total cabinet labor hours: 139
• Labor cost: $7,640.29
• Materials cost: $2,482.14
Total cabinet project cost
- Cabinet painting total, $10,122.43
This includes labor, coatings, primers, protective materials, and shop or onsite workflow steps.
Before Painting Cabinets White
After Painting Cabinets White
Why does cabinet painting cost more than wall painting?
Cabinets require more prep, more coats, tighter quality control, and longer working time.
Walls can often be painted in a day or two. Cabinets involve multiple stages.
Cabinet painting steps
- Surface cleaning and degreasing
• Sanding for adhesion
• Priming for durability
• Multiple finish coats
• Dry time between coats
• Careful handling and reinstallation
Each step adds time, but skipping any of them often leads to chipping, peeling, or uneven finishes.
How can you compare this project to your own?
Look at square footage, number of cabinets, amount of woodwork, and drywall repairs when comparing costs.
If your project includes similar elements, this breakdown gives a realistic reference point.
Comparison tips
- More cabinets usually mean higher labor hours
• Dark cabinet colors often require extra coats
• Drywall repairs increase prep time
• Ceilings and trim add labor beyond wall painting
No two homes are identical, but understanding these factors helps set expectations.
Frequently asked questions about interior and cabinet painting costs in Omaha
How long did this project take from start to finish?
Most projects like this take 2-3 weeks due to prep work, coating all the surfaces, including the front and back of the cabinet doors and drawers, clean up, and dry time.
Can I save money by using cheaper paint?
Lower cost products may reduce upfront price but often shorten lifespan, especially on cabinets and woodwork.
Is cabinet painting worth it compared to replacement?
Painting is often less expensive and less disruptive, while still delivering a major visual change.
Why does drywall work add so much to the price?
Drywall requires framing, finishing, sanding, and repainting, which adds skilled labor time.
Should walls and cabinets be done together?
Doing them together often improves consistency and saves coordination time compared to separate projects.
Interior and kitchen cabinet painting cost breakdown in Omaha
You started this article looking for clarity around interior and cabinet painting costs. We walked through a real Omaha project, showing exactly where labor hours, materials, and decisions affected the final price. With this information, you can compare your home honestly and ask better questions before hiring a painter.
At Brush and Roll Painting, we have served Omaha homeowners since 1996. Our goal is to help people understand what goes into quality painting work and why details matter.
If you are ready to move forward with your project and want to get the exact cost from Brush & Roll Painting, click the button below to get a quote.
If you are not ready yet, try a home painting pricing calculator to explore options and plan at your own pace.
