Prep for cabinets. Clean them, well. (Important). Sand them well, wipe them down good. Prime with either a sealing bonding primer (Shellac based is the best). Use high quality paint brushes. Light sand the primer. Paint the cabinets with paint that is meant for cabinets, and read the directions of the drying time, etc, on the can, before putting on second, or third coats. Its not a quick job. It can take a very long time, to paint cabinets, and get them done right.

Best primer depends on the material underneath, and the top coat chosen. You are choosing consumer level products rather than professional level cabinet finishing products, so a consumer level product like BIN shellac would be appropriate. NOT 123, or anything water based.