I don't recommend painting Thremafoil. You should just consider change out the doors and drawer fronts.
Complemenary paint with countertops scribed to the wall is a clean look. If you use eggeshell paint, it is durable too.
If the texture is a sparyed-on or roll-on application, there are strippers which will loosen and allow that to be scraped-off. If it is drywall mud, it's not coming off so easily and you will spend many hours and create a huge mess sanding that down with an orbital sander... then potentially have to re-skim to get the surface ready to accept a good tile job.
We do a lot of backsplashes in existing homes. When the substrate (the surface to which the tile is to be applied) is not satisfactorily flat and smooth, we find that the quickest, cleanest, simplest solution is to remove the drywall and replace with new, moisture-resistant drywall.
I wholeheartedly agree with Susan, wood behind a stove is a safety hazard.
Unfortunately, you really can't paint over Thermofoil. If you don't want to replace all of the cabinets, we usually suggest replacing just the doors and drawer fronts. Those are done in Thermofoil, but the cabinet boxes and faceframes are painted wood, which can be repainted. The new doors and drawer fronts could be painted any color you like, and the cabinet boxes can be done to match. This would give your kitchen a whole new look.
Painting over thermo foil will not be a long term solution. It is a smooth non-porus material. Your best bet is to replace the doors. There are lots of options today that weren't available a few years back. If you want to paint, you can order raw mdf doors and have them painted to match the cabinets.
When interviewing contractors, check online reviews and call references to make sure the company has a track record for being on budget. After vetting the contractor, with detailed plans and specifications you don't have to worry about change orders unless you make changes. I usually suggetst to homeowners to have a 5% - 10% contingencydepending on the size of the project, not for change orders, but for addtions or upgrades they may want.
Glen offered a very accurate and thorough answer to the question. The only thing I would add to it is the importance of receiving a detailed construction contract from your contractor. This should list (as Glen mentioned) model numbers, etc. What you should stay away from are "allowances". They are the number one driver for change orders. Allowances are often used in a contract when either the homeowner hasn't made a decision on a finish or fixture or the contractor is unsure how to bid a specific portion of the project. Inevitably there will be confusion as to what the allowance truly allowed for and what the final product/ decision did to the original price.
Best bet is to wait and start your project after you've made all the selections- and then figure that inspiration will strike you when you least expect it and you'll be adding that 10% at some point.
Have fun!
Are you planning a full remodel (in that case new cabinets will answer the problem) doing only a refresh (pull our shelves will dramatically increase storage)
Philip Anderson
HDR Remodeling
Berkeley Ca
If you have made the decision to hire a contractor to complete any home improvement project I would recommend they meet the following minimum qualification(s)
Please read this blog! It is very helpful when looking for the right contractor.
http://fineremodelutah.com/how-to-work-with-your-contractor/
Peeling thermofoil doors is a verry comon problem. Your shortest way to fix that problem contact a local cabinet maker or kitchen showroom. Select desireble and available new door style and finnish. (I would recomend Shaker style just because of Value of this door). Get estimate for refacing and choose contractor you vant a work with.
Da Vinci Cabinetry
Manny Stiega
We included a slide out cabinet for a waste basket. It is super convenient!
