You can also paint cabinets with latex paint.

My cabinets are oak too.But they have been more than 20 years. I chose latex paint over wood stain as I want to paint them antique white. Since latex paint is envirmental friendly and easy to handle, I chose it over oil paint. As for wood stain, you don't need to do the steps I just said. I am not into wood stain. But I do suggest to google internet to find the best way to stain old wood. And make sure that you cabinet door can be stained especially the center piece which doesn't look like oak wood.