I would probably opt for some sort of charcoal based odor absorber. It is most likely chemical off gassing from the manufacturing process. Good to see ken adrian on the kitchens forum, have not hung out in conifers for awhile1 I need a Mi suppliier of specialty conifers now tht we have moved.

Hardware is already installed, counters go in tomorrow (YEAH!!!!!). The floors will be messy, though; the wood needed to be patched where we bumped out the bay window and under some of the old cabinets we removed, so they need to sand and stain the entire kitchen. Do I just need to wait until that is done? Do I need to protect my glides somehow? I read that granite dust can ruin the Blum glides but what about the wood floor dust? Anita

yalemichmom, fortunately my contractor was very accommodating and did not resist when I said I wanted to hire my favorite painter for walls and trim. I selected and purchased the paint myself and the two professionals were able to schedule work around each other. I wonder if your contractor would consider this. As my architect said, "It's your house and you are writing the check." I think you will be fine with the factory-finished crown, as long as it is the same throughout the room. Kendrah, "too much of a hardened, baked on look that made it feel too sleek and modern for the space" is exactly how I feel about my cabinets. live_wire_oak, thank you for the detailed explanation of coatings. Love the car analogy! It isn't actually the sheen of CV that bothers me. I couldn't find the correct word to describe what I dislike. It's what Kendrah said. I elected to go with CV for durability and the expense of hand painting. In hindsight, I wish I had chosen unfinished cabinets painted on site (with Advance) by aforementioned favorite painter - even knowing it is more fragile and will require periodic repainting. The one thing I appreciate about CV is that inevitable drips of coffee do not stain the cabinet fronts. Mary Elizabeth, lighting does make a difference. The color bothers me less in dim early morning/late evening light. It's daytime, when the inalterable sunlight comes streaming in that I wish I'd chosen something with a little more chroma. All, thanks again for your thoughtful comments.

Beth H. : thank you. He made the countertop himself out of 2 3/4" plywood and we bought formica 180fx laminate for the counters (and done the ideal edge) and used the same 180fx for the backsplash. I know alot of ppl don't like laminate, but I actually do and I do alot of food preserving and canning and the backsplash washes off so easily. With hubby doing all the work and making everything himself the total price of our whole house remodel came to $20,000. And that included, 6 new windows, 2 full baths, a kitchen, and flooring.... (during covid with prices more than double on alot of things. So we saved quite a bit! Overall, I love the way it turned out! And I'm extremely proud of my hubby!