Resolution.... (hopefully) I replied to his threat to "serve" us with a layout of the objectively wrong things that happened, along with our documentation to support it. I also said I can't believe a professional would be proud of this work, but if you are, then I am happy to help share that this is what your customers should expect. I also pointed out that he has yet to address, apologize for, or even acknowledge any of the things that are wrong even though he has ample opportunity. I said that I do not think the work they have done is worth the full asking price and if he thinks it is, then he should take the steps he thinks is necessary. He replied that court would not be a win for either of us and that I should reply with a price I think is fair. I replied with two different calculations bringing me to the conclusion to offer $1,600. He replied that he would not accept less than $2,000 and that he'd proceed with court if I don't agree, and then threw in a couple more ridiculous claims. I think it's more than he deserves but I have several other very stressful things happening in my life right now and we decided we are willing to pay $2,000 to get this out of our lives. I told him to send me a new invoice stating this is the final amount due and language saying it would be considered paid in full to him and his subs. THEN... he sent the new invoice that included the language I requested AND a statement that neither I nor my husband is allowed to post any negative online reviews and said he wanted this signed with the check. My blood pressure shot through the roof, and I immediately replied that I would not sign any such language and would take this to court with the full amount at risk if he would not remove it from the invoice. He eventually sent me a new invoice without the online review waiver and I intend to sign it, pay him, and get this shyster out of my life. I think I know now why there are no negative reviews of his business online. I think his whole business is probably a scam, and while I do intend to leave online reviews to protect others, I am frankly concerned about him being retaliatory. We are installing a security system at our house tonight. Lessons learned: research the crap out of any contractor you hire, if they are telling you they can do things that others can't, don't believe them, and document everything you possibly can during the process. It's a lesson that cost me $2,000, plus another $10,000 for the new cabinets I'll have to buy, plus some $$$ for the vacation I now need to take just to bring my stress levels back to a normal range. Thanks everyone for being my therapy and providing such good advice and insight. I hope I don't have to post on this anymore and this is d.o.n.e.

Now having done both and seeing the drastic difference in results, I would never pay a painter to paint cabinets with standard paint products. A lot of the cost is the prep work (labor is high these days). Standard paints can never produce a professional result and will not have the longevity of lacquer. I would go with a true pro and have them use lacquer paints. You will be much happier in the end.

Yes, just finished ours, Our Cabinet Refinisher did a super job. I researched this for months to educate myself on what products and techniques she should be using. If there is one valuable piece of information I can pass on to you it is this; DO NOT hire someone just because they are a painter. I was so close to making a huge mistake, but my gut told me think this through. I had this potential bidder/painter spray one door for me so I could check his quality, it was absolutely the worse paint job ever. He has been in business over 20 years. He also sprayed my neighbors and they look like crap. I was so close just to let him go at it and thank god I did not!!! You must get references and see samples of his/her work. If no other way, give him/her one door to work. My cabinet refinisher used Milesi 2K Poly. Known as HKR 114. I'm extremely fortunate to not made a huge costly mistake. The cabinets she refinished look 100 percent like a factor finish. Unbelievable work she has done. If you have any other questions to help you along let me know.

Thank you for asking. Unfortunately, we have put our kitchen reno on hold. We were advised to wait until the economy rebounds. But, my husband and I are closer in agreement. We have decided to go with a mix of white and light wood for the cabinets. I have found some great inspirational pictures. I still love the white oak but maybe with less wood cabinets maple will be ok. I checked Durasupreme and they have white oak but not in the shade we like. Also, Durasupreme got less than good reviews online. Plato has the white oak shade we like - nude cream - but the estimate came in really high. I still hope to get my dream kitchen.