It hasn't been delivered yet, so it's just a fantasy at this point.... We just started to remodel and have hit a few snags. If all goes somewhat close to schedule, the appliances will be delivered at the beginning of March. I research and research (it drives my DH crazy) and over think each decision as well. I also bought the Kenmore Pro double oven, though I am having buyer's remorse since I don't see any reviews of it on this forum. I am also getting a range top and have decided (for now) to go with the 36" drop in gas Bertazoni and a 36" Zephyr Venezia hood. I will be very happy when these decisions are made and I can't change my mind!

I've done this on furniture--but that's an amazing transformation! You can use canned stain if the pens don't come in your color. A bit messier but same process. The stain does a little sealing by virtue of being oil-based, but you might want to experiment with sealers for areas likely to be hit with water. I wonder if a rubbed finish would blend okay.

I have had all stained, all painted and since remodel last year, stained base and painted wall cabinets. I am pleased with how nice my painted wall cabinets still look after a year, they clean up easily with a quick wipe and while I have noticed a few little dings, I am not the most careful person, none show a different color. I do have a quart of touch up paint and some sort of sealer in pen form, but have not had to use it yet. The stained base cabinets have held up equally as well, except for the toe kick in one spot that I regularly bang with the vacuum cleaner. I am still amazed at how much bigger my kitchen looks and feels with the light wall cabinets!

"As far as the paint flaking off from water damage on the beaded molding this is caused by water sittinting in the grove of the beaded molding and getting under the paint.. Because of the bead detail it has a place to sit and not run off to the floor. If it didn't happen anywhere else just ask them to give that area extra attention. it's hard to get paint down into that small grove. If they are aware they can make sure that area is sealed well." Your explanation is probably the best explanation for what happened. I'm not totally sure but yes, it only flaked in that one spot under the sink. We've since sold the house and I have a lot of BTDT experience to carry forward to this new house remodel. For one, beaded + white cabinets and children do not go with each other....lol. For the new kitchen, I plan to use a warm gray shaker style with a slight angle and a medium toned alder island. Because we now live on a fairly large cattle farm, I need things that can withstand a little wear, tear, muck and mire :) "To clarify the Post cat vs Pre cat mention above. They are both catalyzed conversion varnish POST is when the catalyst is added just before use and you have a limited window before the material in not longer usable. With the PRE" it comes with the catalyst added already from the factory which is easier to use but not as durable. Personally I dont use either but that's a different topic." I'm not sure what the guy I used the last time used and I wasn't very learned on the techniques at the time. I do know he called whatever finish he used something akin to "car paint" that is a harder finish than plain paint. However, whatever brand/product he used only came in certain colors (or he could only mix from certain colors). I know my formula was x cups of A color and y cups of B color and z cups of C color. Again, I have no idea what he used exactly or whether his methodology has changed since 6 years ago when I last used him.