Can you paint laminate kitchen cabinets to update them?

Yes. But you will need to prime them with a primer for made for laminate. Here is something to read; https://www.bobvila.com/articles/painting-laminate-cabinets/

You can:

Easy, I was amassed to find out I could paint my laminate bedroom units I did so for a few pounds with 'cupboard' paint from B&Q and they look fabulous, like brand new. This took some hard work giving the units a quick sanding down to ensure grip then applied 3 coats without undercoat but saved me around £5.000.00 maybe more. Everyone who has seen them thinks their new. Good luck

You might be able to paint them but, it would require more than just putting on a coat of paint. You would have to prepare the surface as just paint may not stick to the surface. There may be epoxy solutions that involve a bit of time but, DO NOT skimp on the preparation. As preparation is THE foundation for any type of job using the original surface as a base.

There are even more artistic solutions if you have that type interest. Look around and keep asking the internet these questions. Go to a site like Pinterest to see what others have come up with. Go to youtube and put in laminated cabinets as a search...someone has done this I am sure.

Not sure how long any of these suggestions would hold up to daily use so, be aware of longevity as you continue to research. Good Luck.

Yes but first use a deglosser (Home Depot) and then use a good quality primer, like Kilz (Home Depot). The deglosser gives the primer and paint a surface to stick to.

here's a video that might help...

Ronseal one coat