What is the best way to paint an IKEA dresser?

Lightly sand,clean,prime with two coats of Zinser or Kilz allowing to dry between coats using a foam brush.Paint,allow to dry and seal with at least two cots of a non-yellowing polycrylic

I think you should use chalk paint. No prep needed.

I'm currently chalk painting an IKEA dresser now. I lightly sanded but you don't necessarily have too. I applied two coats of water based primer and used Annie Sloan chalk paint. This is my first coat of paint.

i have been liking to use spray paint. I rough up any shiny areas with a high grit sand paper. Wipe it down with mineral spirits to get off any build up. Then spray paint it until I have the coverage I'm looking for. Then I rough up corners or any areas I want to look worn. The seal it with a matte poly.