On Socialfabric.com (an online forum for crafty types), this question was asked in the DIY Group:"Did you have to sand down the [kitchen] cupboards before painting them?"
Some people answered "NO" but I say "YES" and here's why:
Kitchen cupboards get a lot of wear, so if the paint is not well-adhered, it will and probably will start to chip or peel off, depending on what paint you used and what surface you painted over. I am assuming here that there is a normal amount of oil and grease particles floating around and building up on your kitchen cupboards, and you can't be expected to catch all of this when you clean. So, keep your non-stick surfaces to your skillets, not your cupboard doors, and prep them right before painting!
The following tips go for any surface or furniture you are about to paint:
