How can I prepare cabinets for painting without sanding them?

Teresa....You can use chalk paint and my understanding is that it requires no sand. I would clean well first.

I know from sad experience that you can skip the sanding, etc., but your finish won't last. Better to do the prep.

Denaturized alcohol does the trick without having to sand them!

If you plan on using chalk paint on a furniture cabinet then the only thing you need to do is clean it well and let it dry before you apply the chalk paint. The only time I sand before using chalk paint is if there is a super glossy finish. If your finish is shiny and glossy I would sand very lightly with an extra fine sandpaper just enough to knock the shine off--NOT all the way through to the wood. Clean after you sand and you should be ready to paint. I find that I like to apply at least 2 coats of chalk paint and sometimes I need 3 coats. I sand lightly after my last coat, wipe off the dust and then apply a wax or a poly finish. Apply your chalk paint in light thin coats, not heavy coats. Let it dry well in between the coats.

Here's an article that might help - https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/kitchens/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets-without-sanding-or-priming-pictures

A liquid deglosser should work. Just to remove the shine and prepare for primer, paint and sealer.

Scuff with fine steel wool and clean with denatured alcohol or TSP.