You were probably hearing about a catalyzed (2-part) paint finish. They can be very wear-resistant, at the cost of being brittle, having adhesion issues if not applied under perfect conditions, and when it comes to touch-ups later, you're on your own.
There have been great strides in paint over the past 10 years, we now have Cabinet Coat, BenMoore's Advance line, and maybe others, which are greatly enhanced beyond the old gold standard of site-applied finish, namely oil enamel. The newcomers are just as hard-wearing as oil, but have no odor and are not any more difficult to apply. Of course, touching up is carried out no differently than for trim paint, as these do not yellow.
Casey

I don't know much, but thermofoil cabinets are super easy to clean, very smooth surface, and thermofoil has come a long ways in quality. We just did a kitchen remodel with thermofoil cabinets and we are very happy with them.

what do you mean about them being brittle?

what is the gold standard then for painted cabinet finishes?

ty