funcolors...The guy who started Mythic actually came out with a paint called American Pride first (also made by ACE). It was sold specifically as a zero-VOC, low cost paint. The product really didn't catch on and they never really took market share away from AFM or the big paint companies. So, he got millions of investment dollars, hired a really good marketing company and launched Mythic. In their own words, they have admitted that American Pride and Mythic are the exact same product. Funny thing is, Mythic is about $15 per gallon more. Also, its now being called "non-toxic". It wasn't "non-toxic" when it was $15 per gallon cheaper and a different name. Paintguy1... yes, great marketing. That's what a $20M investment will do. Regarding third-party testing...that's all good, but it really depends on what you are testing for. There is no testing protocol for non-regulated VOCs, SVOC's and other hazardous air pollutants that are also toxic to humans. Until this is available, I take advice from my most chemically sensitive customers. They tell me that AFM Safecoat is the only product they can use. I believe them. Here is a link that might be useful: Degree of Green product rating system

Ikea follows REACH guidelines which is the EU standard on the use of chemicals and I assume as they don't advertise it that their products don't qualify for LEEDS or GreenGuard Certification. Many composite board manufacturers follow ANSI standards which limit the amount of formaldehyde content (whether that is a higher or lower standard than the one achieved by Ikea I don't know) Ikea environmental statement: "Decreasing product emissions and formaldehyde use IKEA is concerned about product emissions and formaldehyde use. We have a long-term vision that emission levels in wood based products shall be at the same levels found in natural wood. For instance; we have investigated methods in order to replace formaldehyde in almost all glue applications. IKEA has decided on a new formaldehyde emission standard level, which will be implemented during 2008. The new emission standard means that we will decrease current limit levels by half in all wood based board. The new level will be comparable to half of E1 (the European Formaldehyde standard level, which is considered to not be hazardous to health)." Attached link indicates that paint finishes are much more effective at ceiling in emissions than other applied finishes but I don't know the science behind the statement. In part I think it is the complexity of the machining. I think even in wood to get square inside corners you need pass each routered edge separately (don't quote me). For those rounded edges the routered edge is probably done in one continuous pass (much quicker and cheaper). Here is a link that might be useful: info on sealing MDF

I had my kitchen sprayed professionally with oil based BM satin impervo. It turned out beautifully. I recently painted a vanity with the same paint in black. I just used a deglosser, primer and painted with a soft foam roller, two coats. The cabinet looks beautiful. I would test any product on a vanity or smaller cabinet. This product sounds like paint packaged in a fancy way. I would get a few bids on having your doors sprayed professionally and painting the frames yourself with a small foam roller. my kitchen was finished two years ago and still looks great. About twice I have touched up tiny nicks (I have three boys) with an artist's brush.

I had a horrible experience with a General Finish paint several years ago. Their customer service was rude, told me their product was wonderful, and it was my own fault. And then took the product off the market within a year. Stuff I've used of theirs that wasn't utter garbage wasn't fantastic. So, I'm skeptical when anyone raves about their gel stain. The Rustoleum includes all the products you need for every technique, even if you don't need them for the look you're going for. That makes them really expensive if you don't need all the products. I have used BM Advance paint on cabinets and furniture (and doors and trim) and been very happy at a fraction of what the Rustoleum stuff costs. The caveat though is that it takes a LONG time for the paint to cure fully. Like, several weeks. It'll be dry to the touch in a few hours, but it can scratch off if you bump it before it's fully cured.