The way you paint your kitchen cabinets depends on several factors such as material, condition and if they have been previously painted. Like most painting jobs, proper preparation of the surface is key to getting the most attractive and long-lasting results.

Preparation

Take a moment to examine the cabinets closely to see how they are constructed. If they are bare wood, clean the cabinets well to remove any extraneous material before painting. If they are constructed of a particle board or composite, you may find that the cabinets have a kind of enamel finish. In addition to cleaning, you will want to scuff up this surface pretty well to ensure good adhesion of the paint. Sand it with a 100-grit, coarse, sandpaper, then wipe it down well. If the cabinets have been previously painted, take off all loose, flaking or bubbling paint with a scraper, and sand down to an even finish with a finer 220-grit sandpaper. Tape off areas around the cabinets to protect walls and counters, and burnish the tape with a rag to ensure a good seal. Place drop cloths on floors and counters to protect them.

Painting

Paint cabinets, doors and similar fixtures with a brush; a 2-inch brush angled works well. If you want to use a roller on larger areas, go back over these areas with a brush, or do your final coat with a brush for a better finish (though it still won't look as good as working with just the brush). Use a primer for best adhesion, and sand between coats working up to a fine grit such as 220 or 280. Latex paint is easier to use and dries faster, but it's a little less durable. Oil takes longer to dry and requires more ventilation. If the cabinets were previously painted, use the same variety of paint for this job. Use a semi-gloss paint on kitchen cabinets, as semi-gloss is less porous, and therefore resists staining and is easier to clean. Paint at least two coats of the semi-gloss; you may need to do more as semi-gloss paint is not as opaque as flat paint.

Clean up

Wash brushes and clean tools immediately after use. Use soap and warm water to clean latex paint and mineral spirits followed by a soap and water rinse for oil. Pull up the tape and drop cloths when the final coat is dry.

Source:

ThisOldHouse.com: Painting your kitchen cabinets