When one mistake is made, it’s best to not compound it by continuing to make more mistakes. In this case, unfortunately, you did the “cheap” option- DIY painting, without doing adequate prep since you skipped the deglossing/sanding and priming (cabinets need deglossed, sanded, and a high bonding primer applied 72 hours before painting. Then you need to be gentle with cabinets for a month while they fully cure). Painting over paint that is already peeling from the surface, is not an option- that will only create more weight on already non-bonded paint and cause it to peel even faster. You need to hire a professional, IMO, you are spending valuable money on materials, and also your time time (and time is money) only to do the job wrong. Even if you knew what to do, you wouldn’t have the physical practice to do it professionally. However if that isn’t an option, then if you’re going to DIY, at least use a chemical stripper to strip the cabinets down (wear hand and eye protection), then clean, let them dry, then sand cabinets, wipe off dust, apply a high bonding primer, wait 72 hours, then paint 2 full coats. Continuing to do the cheap route, will only continue to make your problem worse and cost you even more money later. It’s like saying “I didn’t replace a hose on my engine so now my car is shaking. But I don’t want to replace the hoses right. Can I just change my oil?” The answer, of course, is no, you need to do things the right way or it’ll cause more expensive problems later. I am big on investing myself, renting and flipping homes, etc, but taking shortcuts on prep is not a way to save money- it’s a way to quickly lose a lot more money. There’s no getting around doing them right. If cash isn’t available, perhaps find a contractor who can take payment after house is sold- or use credit card to hire contractor- etc.

My sister just did this by using a custom cabinet maker. He refaced all the lowers and turned some of the cabinets into drawers. Then he built new uppers. I think there was one upper, or maybe two that were in good shape, so they refaced those and added another cab on top. Since he made the doors, for the refacing and the new cabs, they all match. When she compared stock, semi-custom and custom, his bid actually came out the lowest. Not sure why that is. Maybe because to make things fit right, there was a lot of customization needed on site during installation by the stock and semi-custom people. Paint was sprayed on site. It turned out beautifully. No appliance changes, so it was a relatively easy process, except for the painting week.

you're doing a lot of changes comparatively speaking of course..you plan to change some cabinetry and work with new color..you plan to choose new countertop, new backsplash i don't know about costs but I feel starting new will be easier..refacing plus creating new pieces sounds expensive. Countertops, backsplash-all that is disruption and money. If you wanted just to paint would be different story. It can be done of course..purchasing new pieces and all..it just won't be less headache. Or so I think. Can you leave the island as is? The cabinet part? That'd save a lot. as for priorites-right question. say was it me-I wouldn't even touch the kitchen (but I'm obviously less of a cook than you..so that matters too). I'd style it pretty and paint walls a different color and go to Kauai..and buy there an art in Hanapepe..:) But I think it seriosly bugs you probably if you consulted three different pros so choose the option that will allow you for the least headache, with most satisfaction in the end. "Headache" can be money or time or ..you know yourself. Yes, kitchens are usually popular on Craigslist, so selling is definitely an option. BTW granite is too. People buy everything.

First think about your budget.How much do you want to spend?? Options: 1. Purchase new cabinetry pieces from Merrilat and then have everything painted. Our Answer = We choose this option 1st, due to the fact that the final product will be even in the end in terms of color. 2. Reface cabinetry and let them create the needed pieces. Anwer = Not an option for us. Refacing involves gluing strips of the desired finish on to the cabinet frames which over time we have found that eventually detach, and will have to be repaired or replaced. Because you have been with cabinets for a time...the finish you order from the vendor will not match to the existing 100%. Finishes change over time. 3. Purchase new cabinetry. Our Answer = Our Second option. It can be very costly to replace cabinetry all together. Depending on the material and brand. Changes to be made: 1. My microwave above my gas cooktop is not vented. I cook a lot and am tired of lingering smells. It recently died and the size is no longer made. Replace with a blower installed inside a cabinetry hood. Answer = If painting cabinetry you can purchase an unfinished hood and purchase a separate blower to work with your stove's BTUs. The door style does not necessarily have to match if you are not a stickler for matchy matchy.... You can even have the hood be a different material like metal etc. 2. Add glass doors to my Butler's pantry Answer = Easy fix...just take your doors to the local glass guy and they should be able to sell you the product and install. 3. Remove the desk area and replace to create a one level area of cabinetry. Answer = You can order this direct from Merilat. A standard height 34 1/5" tall cabinets for that space. 4. Add a cabinet piece by the desk to house a microwave drawer. Answer = We usually use 30" wide Microwave cabinets. 5. backsplash Answer = Once you have your finish for the kitchen and the counter, you can post options. 6. countertops Answer = Please post pictures of options.