I'm sorry to say but this is going force you to make interesting decisions. Water based finishes are one of the few products that won't yellow/amber. Many professionals who are comfortable with the old solvent/oil/oil modified products have a VERY HARD TIME adjusting to the technique needed for the water based products. The techiques are very, very, very different. The results can be disasterous if oil based techniques are used with a water based product. Your cabinet maker may not be able to provide the finish you want because of his/her poor understanding of the water based techniques. Like everything, they have to be tought HOW to work with them. Then they need practice getting the technique "down". If they say they don't get very good results then it might be best to A) find another solution or B), find another person to finish the project because you run the risk of ruining the project.

Have you looked into a penetrating oil? They normally have a lower gloss level. Problem is: they need to have the oil reapplied EVERY YEAR. Ouch.

If your cabinet maker has a problem working with water based products, you may have to bite the bullet and work with a colour altering finish.

BTW: why is the wood buckling? What is happening that would cause this? Will it correct when finish is applied or will it continue to happen? These are very good questions to ask.

I just found your post and realize its from 6 years ago, but do you remember what you decided on and do you have pictures. I am currently in a dilemma with my white oak cabinets and the stain the cabinet maker has applied.

Hi Pamela Cook. Going trough this now and would like to know how things worked out for you??