How about removing any glue residue once the artwork is stripped? Sand it off, or use an adhesive stripper?
Before you start, it all depends on how badly beaten up the cabinet is to start with. If its water damaged or completely trashed, its worth thinking about full replacement now we have WPC / WPC95 cabinets available locally.
Otherwise, you primarily paint it to get a smooth even surface and to ensure that the wood colour is not visible where the decals join on the edges etc.
You will find once the glue is removed and if you apply decals straight over the top, you will see a wood grain type finish through the decal.
Modern decals are much thinner and not the same as originals. As its thinner, almost a sticker type finish any bump, scratch, divot will stand out (esp on black decals).
As suggested I use automotive filler for big dents / scratches and a fine filler, prior to high fill primer then paint, then clear. (High end restoration work).
