My cabinets were also covered with a polyurethane. A light sanding is all that was needed, if you sand too much you’ll remove the veneer. Just sand enough to reduce the deep wood grain, but you don’t want a totally smooth finish. While you can glaze over this, it isn’t a chalky finish. It has more of a satin finish and by glazing you’ll add several more layers and steps if you choose to add a top coat over the glaze. I personally only wanted a one step finish which is why I opted for the paint that I chose. I hope this helps!

Hi Judy, my advice also would be to work in sections. That way you have a completed portion of the kitchen (even if it’s not finished fully) and you’ll feel more accomplished. :)