Before painting kitchen cabinets, it's crucial to thoroughly prepare the surfaces to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. This involves cleaning the cabinets to remove grease and grime, sanding to roughen the surface for better paint adhesion, filling any holes or imperfections with wood filler, and priming to create a base for the paint to adhere to. Proper preparation is essential for achieving professional-looking results and maximizing the durability of the paint finish.