paint for kitchen cupboard sides and doors - does it really work?

[squashyhat]

Not sure whether this should be here or in DIY. Our kitchen badly needs decorating but we don't have the money for new units, and can't just replace the doors as some of the cupboard sides can be seen. Has anyone painted their units and does it stay on properly? The units are an off-white with a sort of chiselled design - not shiny. I can't help but think the paint will scratch off very easily.

You need to prime them first with a melamine or difficult surface primer. I've used an oil based paint in the past for maximum durability but they are not easy to get hold of now

We moved into a house three years ago with every intention of getting a new kitchen, but painted the cupboards to get us through until that happened.
Three years on...
No new kitchen but the painted doors and drawers look good. It looks so much better than it did! Pine and brown walls weren't a good mix!
However, good prep is key. Primer is a must.

I used Ronseal kitchen cupboard paint. No primer needed. 3 years on and it's perfect.

Sand all over, then user Zinsser 123 primer, then paint with an oil based Eggshell (I used Little Greene). You should end up with wipe clean lovely looking painted cabinets like me!

Yy a good primer, I use Mylands satin eggshell which gives a great finish & goes on really easily, mine have been done at least three years & look as good as new.
Mylands also do an oil based paint as well I think.

We used Dulux super grip primer then Johnstones satin finish paint and it's held up quite well. A few chips over several years but we are not at all careful with it.