To paint kitchen units or replace doors?

Hi all,

Ive decided a revamp is needed for my dark wood kitchen - i just wondered if anyone thinks paintng the doors a lighter colour has worked for them or whether i may as well replace the doors completely. The kitchen itself was initially well designed so it just seems a real shame to gut it and put a brand new kitchen in (and expensive).

If i was going to do the painting, id want to get in a recommended painter/decorator but have heard so many horror stories on here that im not sure now - im in London btw.

I used to have medium oak kitchen doors and decided a revamp was in order. I used Gardenia Satinwood, which is about the colour of the cream painted kitchens you see about. A light sanding with wet n dry and a degreas with sugar soap. I needed about 3 coats and the door edges and frames were a little awkward but it looked great. I changed the handles at the same time. I used oil based satinwood which is very durable.

Thanks for this - so it looks to be a professional finish and not worth replacing the doors? Given im not DIY friendly, is it something a decent painter could do? My builder isnt keen as he doesnt rate himself a painter but we are struggling a bit to find someone who could do a professional job and has recommendations/can view their work.

I have done several over the years and they all look great. Satinwood seems to be the best paint to use as it gives a nice finish and is just as durable.