It's only important if the finish used cures by heating it - then it's real important. If you use lacquer it's not important at all. Same with most conversion varnishes. Some finishes cure with UV light. Still other sure using moisture in the air. All have good points and drawbacks.

So.......................what you have read is marketing hype from someone that uses baked finishes. They can be good or bad depending on the quality of the raw material being sprayed and the spray line - same as any other TYPE of finish.

motodetroit...I assume you're in the Detroit area, just a question...who are you considering for cabinet making locally? I have a baked finish on mine.

Thanks for the info Antss.

Jgopp, I have interviewed a couple of builders recommended through my neighborhood and Branch Hill Joinery (Amish). Who did you use? Did you ever post pictures of your kitchen?

I have not posted full picture of it yet. I'm waiting to have a photographer come by and do it sometime in the spring when the sun is up! My cell phone pics just simply do not do justice. I went with a company called "Focal Pointe Design". They've done a few other things in this house and they are fantastic. I'm not sure what your budget is but be warned they are up there. I love the quality of the workers and craftsmanship, the guys have almost become family! You can check out his website, my kitchen isn't on there and some of the stuff he has done for a few clients is pretty out there (such as the illuminated Onyx backsplash in this one mega mansion, orange viking range and purple fridge I believe). Just goes to show money can't always buy taste. But they can make pretty much anything you want my kitchen is pretty traditional and the bathrooms they've done are contemporary/transitional. Plus if your home is older like mine, they specialize in structural reconstruction which is almost always needed. I can't give a more glowing review of them. Good luck with your decision!

Hi neighbor!
I have to recommend Albers Cabinets in Richmond, MI. Richmond is the last town in Macomb county when driving north on Gratiot. It is a family-owned business and they did a total custom job for my first kitchen re-do in 2003 for LESS than i could have gotten for comparable big box cabs or Merillat cabs. When I say totally custom, I mean it. They measured for each cab size and even made the whole set an inch taller for me at no extra cost. Plywood cases, wood doors, conversion varnish finish, deep drawers instead of the short drawer sides you get from the big box places. Dovetail drawer fronts. Please check them out.

Here is a link that might be useful: My 2003 kitchen

Thanks for the recs guys! JGopp, I think Racheal Ray would love that orange stove setup but I'm not sure too many others would :). From some of the teaser pics I've seen of your kitchen they have done excellent work. I'm one of those idiots who bought high and have lost half of the value of my home, so I'm not sure a Pointes group is good for me. I'll give them a shot though, you never know.

Nancy, I love your old backsplash and the cabinets look awesome. I'll give them a call too, thanks.