How do I fix sticky, sweet smelling areas on a pine cabinet I am repainting?

The sticky areas you're encountering are most likely pine pitch, also known as sap. This substance has a distinctive sweet, pine-like odor that is easily recognizable. Unfortunately, there is no foolproof method to prevent the pitch from seeping through the paint over time.

Cleaning and Preparation

Before painting, it's crucial to clean the affected areas thoroughly. You have several options for this:

• Mineral spirits
• Turpentine
• Commercial pitch remover

These solvents will help remove the sticky residue and prepare the surface for painting

Minimizing Bleed-Through

While complete prevention is not possible, you can take steps to minimize the chances of pitch bleeding through your paint. 
General Finishes' Enduro Stain Blocker is recommended as the best option to reduce the likelihood of bleed-through. However, it's important to note that there are no guarantees, as each project has unique variables that can affect the outcome.

Alternatives:

Consider keeping the look of Pine. If you are determined to paint, the darker the color the better.