I want to chalk paint my kitchen cabinets. They are cherry.

What finish is on your cabinets right now? That would need to get sanded down a bit for the newer paint to stick. You'll need a primer suited for chalk paint as well.I better give you a friendly warning- you're probably going to get a LOT of people saying 'You're crazy to want to paint solid cherry cabinets"!! :-) haha... Would you consider re-staining them rather than paint?

https://www.thinkingcloset.com/2014/09/22/the-beginners-guide-to-annie-sloan-chalk-paint/

Youre crazy! Okay, it’s been said. Now, clean your cabinets of grease and grime. Rough up the surface a little with sandpaper. Prime the cabinets if you are going for a much lighter color. Then paint with one or two coats of chalk paint, after taping off the hardware. Seal if you want to, but the surface is supposed to be a little grainy. Take photos and show the details when you Post this for Hometalk. Best wishes ☺️

any time you apply new coats of paint (chalk paint) as well should sand with 220 sand paper and than primer And sand again before painting will last longer

AAAHHHH! You're going to paint cherry cabinets? No, please say it ain't so! That is grounds for involuntary commitment! I have painted plywood cabinets and would give anything (well, maybe not anything but I do have a surplus of cats!) to have cherry cabinets!

My understanding after reading about different DIYers' experiences using chalk paint on kitchen cabinets is that you don't need to sand, but you do need to thoroughly DEGREASE. If you haven't used chalk paint before, though, on other surfaces, you may not get the kind of finish you may be envisioning. If you have used chalk paint on other surfaces and like the look, then go for it. Be sure to do a thorough application of wax to protect the finish. I've seen many antiqued look cabinets and they turned out cool. Check around online for inspiration and instructions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heuLVgx_jUc