We are about to begin a kitchen renovation and are hiring a local cabinet maker. I wanted the cabinets painted a cream color but he wants to stain them. Since the cabinets won't be factory stained my fear is they will not have that smooth appearance. I have seen many websites with stained maple cabinets and they often appear splotchy - my worst nightmare.

My question is, is anyone familiar with painting maple and does it take the paint well? He said he uses a local painter if that's the way I want to go, but I could tell he wasn't wild about the idea of covering up the wood with paint. I understand the love of wood in its natural state but I am hoping anyone who has painted maple would respond. Thanks.