I am just about to paint my cupboards. They are a medium oak colour and wood. The carcass is melamine. I will be using a clear primer on the melamine and will lighly sand the doors etc with wire wool. Then probably 3 coats of satin finish, either emulsion or B&Q colours everywhere. I will use a sponge roller so I don't get any brush strokes. Last coat will be a clear satin varnish so I can wipe them