We have white cabenets that have held up flawlessly for a year so far. Tomato sauce is probably the worst thing that has hit them. They were painted by the Amish cabinet makers at their factory. Not sure what paint they used, but it was oil based. Were yours painted in place?

They were painted in place, and the doors were taken back to the shop to be painted. I think it may be due to the type of paint that is permitted in California, but I am not sure...

We're in California and we painted our own cabinet doors with BM Advance. We haven't had any staining issues. We did have some nicks and scratches when we first put the doors in but that stopped after a few weeks.

My white shaker cabs are Kraftmaid factory finished dove white painted on maple wood. They have held up beautifully for 2.5 years so far and that is with three young kids and a dog. Every few weeks, I give the a wipe down with some dish soap and water and then wipe dry. I'm very careful not to use any harsh cleaners on them, I just try to address stains when I see them (mostly). They've been splashed with red wine, tomato sauce and I even had a leaky bottle of balsamic vinegar, that splashed on the cab door, but even that wiped clean without stain or residue. There's been just a slight amount of wear and tear at the edge of the trash drawer which take the most abuse of any cabinet in our house. If it were me and they were just installed and already stains are showing and not coming clean, I'd be concerned. I know nothing about paint finishes, but I would think a good finish should withstand contact with standing elements, as long as it's not left on the cabinets for days.

I'd ask the contractor exactly what brand paint was used, what type (oil based or latex?) and how many coats the cabinets received.

I would be very concerned there is something wrong with your finish. This is the reason I chose factory finish (KraftMaid) over custom, despite the lower price for custom. My friends with white custom cabs have paint stains and chips everywhere, but mine look brand new. I think you need to contact your cabinet maker.

Nobody's answered you yet, but I think you're right that the paints allowed in California are not as durable as the paints allowed elsewhere.

Actually, I think a lot of us have answered the OPs question: is this a common problem with white cabinets? The answer we are saying is: no.

I'm in California. In early 2012 my old boxes were painted in place and the new doors, end panels and drawer fronts were done in the painter's shop. I believe they used the conversion/lacquer stuff that you don't typically buy in your neighborhood paint store. My cabs are off white and there's no staining whatsoever, including drips of pasta sauce and coffee mostly. Some minute cat claw action on the top edges of the lower doors, but I have a trick cat who opens doors and that's my life. There are lots of us on GW with white kitchens and I haven't heard anyone complain of staining.

If the cabinets have been exposed while other crews finished up the project, someone might have touched them or splattered them with food, oil, grease or some other building product. Has the cabinet paint even had time to cure properly?

Thanks everyone, very helpful!!! Linelle, I think that conversion lacquer is what he used, so glad to hear that yours hasn't gotten stained. Johnsoro25, I am worried that I could end up in a similar situation. Chispa, they didn't bring the doors back into the house until they had considerable curing time, but unfortunately I believe I can see one stain on the box (which were painted in place) and one on a drawer, which was taken back to the shop. I am very worried, but I will have to chat with the painter and get his take on things. I will keep you all posted, thanks again for your support!!!

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2431618/conversion-varnish-and-catalyzed-lacquer-cabinet-finishes

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2693744/factory-baked-on-finish

http://www.gardenweb.com/gardenweb/query/baked_on-catalyzed-conversion-varnish

Oh no, things are not looking good for me then :( Crap!