Can you paint laminate cabinets?

I think if you use a primer such as Kilz it would work. It's possible you may need to sand first.

There are primers made that are made that will greatly aid you in the paint adhearing. Ask at your local paint or hard wear store for a recommendation on brands.

Yes, chalk paint works great. Do your homework for using the paint. You will want to use a polycrylic ,(water based polyurethane) as a final coat. It will stand up to hard use and it will not yellow

Wash with a deglosser/ degreaser first removing any grease and dirt from surface. A light sanding to roughen the surface of the laminate might be needed to help the paint to stick. A good quality primer and then paint with a good quality paint... you might need more than one coat for good coverage but if you use a good thick paint one coat should do. A semi gloss or high gloss paint will be easier to clean and more resistant to wear and tare.

I wouldn't use a milk paint. It is too flat. That is why polyurethane has been suggested for the final coat. Use anything you would use on wood trim.

always had a passion for refinishing furniture and have purchased some cheap items to practice. Now that I have done that, I froze. Should I sand first or strip?