How do I prepare "wood cabinets" for painting?
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We painted our kitchen cabinets white but in time the paint is starting to actually peel off like fingernail polish. Before we painted we removed the cabinets and sanded them down but the paint still peels. It's almost as if the cabinets aren't real wood or treated with something that prevents the paint from adhering to them.
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A good primer is a must!
You can use an oil based primer with latex paint. as Rachael said a good primer is a must.
Paint need something to adhere to.
Try vinegar and water. It will get the soil and any dirt I usually do this twice. the paint will go on smooth and last forever.
You might have what they call Thermofoil cabinets, which have been made for decades. It is a thin plastic sheet which has been applied over mdf (particle board) and is mostly done on the door fronts and drawer fronts, and the cabinet body is wood. If you google "Thermofoil cabinets" you can find the process as well as many ways to prepare and paint.
One more thing I forgot to add. If they are thermofoil you can remove it using a heat gun to loosen the glue and then sand and prime and paint the mdf to achieve a great finish.