How do you paint kitchen cupboards without sanding them first?

Some have used chalk paint. Claim is no prep at all. I have not used it. Some sanding is needed. Just lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper to remove any gloss. Prime with Kilz primer then paint. If you can remove the doors and hardware. Use a foam roller and foam brush for a smooth finish.

Julie, for good paint adhesion you will need to start with a smooth surface. I wash the cabinets with TSP or dawn and rinse then only sand small areas that are uneven. Make sure you prime. Don't be fooled by these paint+primer products. The cabinets need an actual, stand alone primer first. Then you can paint with a high gloss latex enamel. The gloss enamel holds up to the abuse of kitchen and bathrooms. I use either a very fine nap roller or hvlp sprayer for the best finishes.

Chalk paint, but being a kitchen you would need to clean the surface very well to remove the grease build up you get on kitchen cupboards.

Julie: No sanding necessary!

https://www.anniesloan.com/techniques/how-to-paint-your-kitchen-cabinets-with-chalk-paint

Hi ! I did a ton of research before I painted mine and came up with 2 ways .

My sister did the first way which was using chalk paint and then a sealing wax . They came out beautifully ! I chose the other way , using advance paint by Benjamin Moore . You don't need to sand or use a primer and don't have to seal them !!

the paint cost about $40 for the gallon , but it goes a long way !!!! The paint is a hybrid paint , your hands and brushes wash off with soap and water,but the paint dries hard like an enamel . It is also self leveling , meaning brush or roller marks will flatten out and dry with a smooth finish . I did my cabinets 3 years ago and they have held up great !!! I posted a step by step tutorial with tips , on this site called

new kitchen on a budget , check it out to see the whole process !

Here are some pictures of my cabinet painting project ! I also added some beadboard to cover a scalloped inset that I hated .

Prep is 90% of a good outcome. If your cupboards are very smooth, you could get away with Liquid Sandpaper.

Here is what I did - no sanding! https://happydealhappyday.com/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets-without-sanding/

I used General Finishes milk paint on mine. It requires very little sanding: https://momhomeguide.com/my-painted-kitchen-cabinets-a-year-later/

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/cabinets/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets-without-sanding-41977816

Using a quality primer and 2 coats of paint.

Hope this Helps! Jeremy - https://pahjodesigns.com

I used a kit by Rust-Oleum called Cabinet Transformations to paint my cabinets. You can see how I did it here: https://www.flippingtheflip.com/2015/09/kitchen-cabinets-black.html

This might help you https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-cabinets/how-to-paint-wood-cabinets-with-chalk-paint-44037715