Daft question about surface of kitchen cabinets - wood veneer or laminate?

[RedForShort]

Didn’t put it in myself, but it’s very much the bog standard B&Q and Homebase type of kitchen. It’s getting worn out and there’s a bit of damage that need filling. I’d like to paint the surface of the cabinets to freshen it all up, but feel slightly confused as to what’s covering the mdf.

I think it’s veneer, but how do I know the difference between wood veneer and laminate? In the sense that what primer/undercoat to use.

Couldn't tell you without a pic but one thing I've found to be amazing is Zinsser Bulls Eye primer - you can pretty much prime any surface with it, then just cover with a suitable kitchen paint.

are the doors flat, or do they have a moulded surface?

You might be surprised at how cheap a set of new, replacement doors can be. There are hundreds on vendors on ebay selling both new, and discontinued designs and colours. Measure the spacing of your hinge holes (from centre of hole to top and bottom) as there are a few standard spacings. Most of the ones you see are vinyl wrap which is not very hard-wearing and tends to peel if it is near a kettle, toaster or dishwasher.

Actual laminate (the same material as is used on worktops) is supremely durable, but the doors are flat-faced. You can order them in non-standard sizes because the factory cuts them from large sheets of board, drills the hinge holes, and laminates the cut edges, on automated machines. It would sometimes cost more than repainting, but will be quicker and more durable.

I'd guess veneer then.

They are shaker style. Definitely mdf (one has a whole so I can see it).

I doubt I'll get any on eBay - not in UK so any delivery takes away the reason for ebaying. Also I'm not mad on the colour so I'd like to change that and changing the door colour would make the plinth etc the wrong colour anyway.

Need to fill the hole first 🙄