I don't mind if the grain still shows, and the really dark espresso won't work in my kitchen. The cabinets are in excellent shape, and have simple raised panel doors.

Also, can someone familiar with General Finishes Gel Stain tell me if it works on the melamine fake woodgrain end panels?

Thanks.

I did not like the gel stain on the end panels. Looked very weird on mine. YMMV. I picked up some unfinished oak base end panels at Menards. Those are taking the stain so well I'm only doing one coat on them. Then the top coat.

When I get done with the bathroom cabinets, I'll post some pictures. I went for the Java stain. It's what my husband and I agreed on for the bath. In the kitchen we're doing the walnut stain. Maybe try the Brown Mahogany stain color. I find the General Finishes products easy to work with but have a long drying time. I did the backside of a drawer front to find a good color.

Have fun.