What does a two-tone cabinet paint job cost in New Brunswick, where upper cabinets are one colour and lower cabinets are a different colour?

A two-tone cabinet paint job in New Brunswick typically costs $3,500-$6,500 for an average kitchen, which is about 20-30% more than a single-color paint job due to the extra masking, prep work, and paint required.

The cost breakdown depends on whether you're painting existing cabinets or having new ones painted. For existing cabinet painting, expect to pay $4-$8 per square foot of cabinet surface, with two-tone jobs adding $1-$2 per square foot for the additional prep and masking work. A typical NB kitchen with 20-25 cabinet doors and drawer fronts runs $3,500-$5,500 for professional two-tone painting.

New cabinet painting (done in the shop before installation) costs less per square foot but you're paying for the entire cabinet package. Most cabinet manufacturers charge $800-$1,500 extra for two-tone finishes compared to single-color painted cabinets.

The most popular two-tone combinations in New Brunswick kitchens are white or light gray upper cabinets with navy blue, charcoal, or sage green lower cabinets. This creates visual weight at the bottom while keeping the space feeling open. Some homeowners choose natural wood-stained uppers with painted lowers, though this requires different application techniques and costs slightly more.

Professional painting is strongly recommended for two-tone jobs because achieving clean, straight lines between colors requires proper masking techniques and spray equipment. The process involves removing all doors and drawers, thorough cleaning and degreasing, sanding, priming, and applying multiple coats with proper curing time between each. In New Brunswick's humid summers, proper drying time between coats is critical to prevent paint adhesion problems.

Timing considerations matter in NB's climate. Professional cabinet painters often work in climate-controlled shops year-round, but if painting on-site, spring and fall offer the best conditions. Summer humidity can extend drying times, while winter heating creates very dry air that can cause paint to cure too quickly and crack.

The investment makes sense for cabinets in good structural condition but outdated finishes. Two-tone painting can completely transform a kitchen for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets, and the finish should last 8-12 years with proper care. Just ensure your painter uses high-quality cabinet paint designed for durability and easy cleaning.

Need help finding a kitchen renovator experienced with cabinet painting? New Brunswick Kitchens can match you with local professionals who specialize in cabinet refinishing and two-tone finishes.