I used Cabinet Coat. You can special order it from any Ace hardware store. I researched the web extensively and heard nothing but praises for this paint. I originally wanted to use oil paint for its durability, but wanted water-based for ease of application. I chose Cabinet Coat because it is supposed to give a very durable finish, but doesn't yellow as oil does. So far I am extremely pleased with its nice finish and durability and plan to use it not only for my cabinets, but for all the woodwork in my house as I go along.

I think you mean HVLP (High velocity low pressure). You really don't need to strip them if you are just painting over the existing paint. Liquid sandpaper is for lazy people who don't want to sand...it's like cheating and your results may not be as good unless you really sand. The idea is to dull the sheen some to promote adhesion of the new paint.

My ceilings are around 99" to 99 1/2 " tall. I used 45" high, all one piece upper wall cabinets....hung 53" from the finished floor. That is one inch lower than the 54" standard. I used a 3/4" ogee light rail. I like that it's a tad lower and I have no problems with my counter gadgets fitting. My quartz tops are 3cm which helps me gain about 3/8". Here's the math: 99.25" ceiling less 53" (where the bottom of the wall cabinet hangs" less 45" (height of wall cabinet) which left me a 1 1/4" gap at the top. I used a 1 7/8" high crown molding on my INSET cabinetry.....so the crown filled the gap and covered about a 1/2" of the top rail. Here's my kitchen photo, still unfinished. I'm waiting for my painter friend to slow down so he can paint my kitchen :-) I did the smaller uppers for a more vintage, old house look to match my 1930 Colonial. Kompy

yalemichmom, fortunately my contractor was very accommodating and did not resist when I said I wanted to hire my favorite painter for walls and trim. I selected and purchased the paint myself and the two professionals were able to schedule work around each other. I wonder if your contractor would consider this. As my architect said, "It's your house and you are writing the check." I think you will be fine with the factory-finished crown, as long as it is the same throughout the room. Kendrah, "too much of a hardened, baked on look that made it feel too sleek and modern for the space" is exactly how I feel about my cabinets. live_wire_oak, thank you for the detailed explanation of coatings. Love the car analogy! It isn't actually the sheen of CV that bothers me. I couldn't find the correct word to describe what I dislike. It's what Kendrah said. I elected to go with CV for durability and the expense of hand painting. In hindsight, I wish I had chosen unfinished cabinets painted on site (with Advance) by aforementioned favorite painter - even knowing it is more fragile and will require periodic repainting. The one thing I appreciate about CV is that inevitable drips of coffee do not stain the cabinet fronts. Mary Elizabeth, lighting does make a difference. The color bothers me less in dim early morning/late evening light. It's daytime, when the inalterable sunlight comes streaming in that I wish I'd chosen something with a little more chroma. All, thanks again for your thoughtful comments.