Any way to avoid sanding down kitchen cabinets before repainting them?

If it were me, I would sand even slightly if it meant my hard work in painting would be more successful. In any case, you want to make sure the surfaces are as clean as possible to give the paint a good chance of adhering.

http://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/kitchens/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets-without-sanding-or-priming-pictures

Not if you want the paint job to last any length of time!

HI BigBird695,

Many people use chalk paint because it requires no sanding. However, it must have a finish coat so that it doesn't rub off. Click below to read an article about the method. I also understand that in addition to soft wax, you can use a polycrylic for sealing so I'd suggest more research before making this choice. If you use wax, you will need to renew it occasionally. Wishing you the best.

http://providenthomedesign.com/2015/08/06/painting-cabinets-with-chalk-paint/

Behr paint sells a paint with the primer right in it.....works wonderful !

Pinterest

You have to thoroughly clean them to get the grease and oil off so you could try a very fine steel wool dipped in something like paint cleaner or deglosser. Wipe down again to remove all debris and then prime with a good primer, maybe tinted to your the same colour as your finish paint and then put the final coat or coats on.

Sanding is usually part of the prep and good prep generally equals a good finished product.