My in-laws have painted, lacquered cabinets---it is very nice (they just had them re-lacquered a year or so ago, ten years after putting them in). It makes the cabinets glossy, though---they have slab fronts that look very modern, so it works well for them. I don't know if I would choose it with cabinets that are intended to look more period, though. I also don't know if it makes the paint last longer or clean up more easily; I thought their cabinets looked beautiful before they did the "refresh," and they looked brand-new afterwards. They had it done professionally both times. Not sure how much that helps...

Both are right. The furniture guy is looking at them as furniture, painter guys, well paint.

Also, did he mean lacquer or some other protective finish? Will it yellow? And, would you be able to choose between matte and glossy?

And finally, maybe he can show you a sample of a painted and lacquered door.