We purchased unfinished cabinets and painted them to match the glu-lam beams. Chris has always preferred a brushed finish to something slick from the factory. Many, many hours later, he is pleased with the result, which seems softer and older and perhaps more like a painted Shaker cabinet. He special-ordered Benjamin Moore Advance paint in Cork. The product promises to deliver oil-like durability in a water based paint. Prime first with Fresh Start. Tips: Advance paint sets up so quickly that Chris thinned it and did multiple layers, sanding between layers when dry. By the way, you waive your warranty with Thomasville when you go for “unfinished” and when we met the rep in Home Depot one day he urged us to paint every surface very soon after installation to protect the wood. Then, at my request, he printed out the company’s statement about membership in the KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program.

The East side siding in progress. Above the siding is the rough-in for the HRV intake and exhaust vents.