Thank you ProSource. I thought I read that lacquer can be very shiny and easily scratched - is that the case? Or is that more of an "older" style? or am I mixing it up with something else - I've read so much conflicting information, my head is spinning. I need easily cleanable and as kid/dog proof as possible.

What about conversion varnish? How do the two compare?

First of all, no finish is bullet-proof. For tough environments I always recommend conversion varnish. It was specifically developed for kitchens and baths. It is strong, and very water resistant. Its major drawback is that it is difficult to repair on site if damaged. Do not let anyone talk you into applying the finish on-site. It must be done in a controlled environment.

Al Fortunato - what about the cabinet frames? From what I've seen and heard, most companies take the doors/drawer fronts off-site but do the frames in place.

So far, I've had one guy out and am waiting for his quote (I found him on Houzz and I like him a lot), I have another coming tomorrow afternoon; another that I'm trying to coordinate times with and yet another (the second of two I found on Houzz) that replied initially and I haven't heard back from. I'm asking around for referrals too but haven't had much luck.

Does anyone have insight as to roughly how much roughly repainting should cost???

I'm not sure what is common in your area. Here, most finishers do all the cabinets in their shop and then they are installed. Spraying lacquers or conversion varnishes is smelly to say the least and a safety issue. You may end up with dust and dirt in the finish since it isn't in a controlled environment. Even in the shop things happen, had a fly land in my just finished job last summer. I think he was drunk from the smell. Ask your potential finishers and see what they say.

Site constructing or finishing is for wannabe ''custom'' cabinet makers. They aren't actual custom guys. Constructing and finishing cabinets in an evironment designed to do that is the minimum acceptable level for a ''custom'' cabinet person. That term is so bastardized by hacks that the true craftsmen who do custom cabinets don't receive the accolades for the quality work that they do. Builders love cheap hacks is the only reason that that process still exists. Cheap custom products do NOT exist. It's an oxymoron.

All we do is hand finished on site custom finishes. Our finishes are original to every project and are easier to maintain and repair than the sprayed finishes. As far as durability we have an excellent track record and reputation. I actually find the shop done finishes rather boring with little originality

More questions: What are the most common lacquer paints used by contractors? What brand is considered better/best? Are there lacquer paints that are only available to professionals?

There are many lacquer finishes available to professionals. In my area Mohawk and ML Campbell are used mostly, I'm sure in other parts of the country, others are liked better. I use ML Campbell products. It's not only the product that's important, but the finisher's knowledge, abilities, and processes.

Thanks Al I really appreciate you sticking with me! I recognize that knowledge and experience are key and am definitely asking for referrals (for both recent and past jobs). In general it seems that some brands/products are just far less desirable than others. Given I know nothing about lacquer - I am looking for some guidance/opinions.

Do you have opinions or experience with the "General Finishes" brand of lacquer?

I am familiar with the name but have never used it and don't know anything about it.

I've always used Fine Paints of Europe. It has a beautiful finish and holds up very well over time. Caution: whichever paint you use, it's critical that your painter is skilled!

We hand finish all our projects

Fine paints of Europe