I used the original transformation (black) on a vanity and during the process was close to freaking out. That stuff just slid right off, so I just used a regular KILZ primer, paint, and poly. I would probably try a gel stain and use thin coatings. I know it's also paint like, but I found that it was way easier to achieve professionally looking results. Google General Finishes antique walnut or brown mahogany. Below: original, one coat, two coats, Brown Mahogany Third coat Not sure if you've seen this, but it's a great way of updating without painting Here is a link that might be useful: update golden oak

Nicely done! What an improvement.

Thanks so much for the commiseration salonva! I think what upsets me the most is the utter lack of any responsibility for what is happening. That and the fact that concerns can be worded very differently - had he led with something along the lines of “Gee it’s more dust than I expected - do you think we could borrow the painters’ vac to clean in here?” vs “I refuse to work in this mess and I demand that it be cleaned” none of this would be a problem right now. After sleeping on it I am going to speak with him in person. If the vacuuming issue is one we can not overcome, I’ll have him focus on the kitchen and return the doors to the bathroom vanities. If they have been sanded I’ll have my GC pick them up. These are IKEA vanities, and we’re hoping to remodel the bathrooms in a few years, so even if the GC’s spray job is half decent I’ll be able to live with it. If they are intact maybe I just leave everything as is. Definitely blaming myself for this poor choice, but we have really lucked out with all our other contractors to date, so I guess you can’t win 100% of the time!

Doing a kitchen remodel and going from dark colors to light. I need help with a cabinet refinishing paint color to go with my white quartz and rustic gold hardware I plan on using. Please help. I have sampled white dove, alabaster, snowbound and I can’t decide what will match the counters and floors. I want to add glaze to the cabinets as well. Any suggestions would be forever grateful