I'm currently painting our maple cabinets. I followed funcolors tutorial, I think.... Washed with both tsp substitute. Sanded where pulls/knobs were. Filled in with wood putty and where the cracks are in the raised door insides I caulked with painters (ie latex, not silicone- paint won't stick) caulk. I used a small screwdriver to get out any overage from the caulk and make sure the line was nice. Resanded everything with 120 grit. Primered one side, waited five hours (sanded again with 220), primered other side overnight (sanded with 220). The primer I have is FPE, which is really thick. It looked like a finished product already. Resanded and re puttied in areas (waiting five hours). Sprayed one side with paint. Waiting SIXTEEN hours to dry one side. After I do the other side, I'll repeat. Pretty much waiting a day in between coats. Then at least two to three days (they say it's supposed to be at least a week to two weeks) to cure. We have toddlers so I'm already fighting with them about it. This is a really huge PITA! But, already, they look beautiful. If you have a grain coming through, you should look into FPE brushing putty. It will take another step, but it would at least be smooth. I used all Fine paints on our cabs and they look as good as a professional did in my opinion. I also purchased a sprayer hlv something sprayer. That helped out a lot! Average kitchen like mine, I think its like 14x14 was about 3-4k for repaint. Who knows if they would take the time that I have. I've already got a good week into this project and don't expect to be done until next week! Real painters deserve some kudos for this messy work! He is being lazy and doesn't want to do it the right way. I'd definitely look into actual painters and ask their process, before I'd ever consider thermofoil. It works for some people, but I've read how it peels and discolors a lot on this forum. And even so, look at barker or sherr's doors! They are great and sherrs will paint for you. The barker doors are well made and dirt cheap. I needed a replacement and they look great! As good painted as my expensive maple doors. CEFreeman recommended them one day and I followed her link. She is a genius for saving money! You'll only have to do the stiles and the other areas then. I will assume that he is smart enough to figure that out. Also, if you paint, spring for the good stuff. I painted my cabinets in my old house with BM oil paint, I think that this FPE paint is gorgeous and is worth the upcharge for eco! Good luck! And, stand your ground or get someone else. A real painter or a sucker like me who is cheap. :) Kim

That's a lot of work. Sand, prime, sand, prime, lightly sand, paint, lightly sand, paint, meybe do it again. Then do the frames of the boxes. Plus you are gonna get brush strokes so decide if you like that look. Use a good quality brush for the paint, you can roll the primer. Get your paint and primer from an actual paint store and dont buy the cheapest of either- ask the techs opinion. It is a lot of work, but I think it would be cheaper than new doors if you DIYed it.

Your kitchen is very nice. I wouldn't change a thing, but if you don't care for the current color cabinets, then have them painted or darkened if you prefer; the espresso color you have on your entertainment center is a nice color, not too dark. Find some pics of kitchens you love and see what color the cabinets are - then find a similar color that goes with your countertops and backsplash.

thanks dan and kate, i actually just found these wooden handles on etsy and will probably go with them, i love the simplicity:https://www.etsy.com/listing/558516974/oak-wood-drawer-pulls-set-of-2-wooden?ref=shop_review