How do you paint a dresser that is brown shiny varnish?
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You can either de-gloss or remove the finish with something like citistrip. Then smooth sand, clean, and prime & paint.
No need to remove the finish. Liquid deglossers have been known to react with some paints.
Scuff up the surface with 220 grit sandpaper or a green kitchen scrubby (what I use) to remove any gloss. Wipe off with a damp cloth. Prime with Kilz primer then paint you color. Seal with three coats of a water based polyurethane.
Paint it with chalk paint which requires no sanding or de-glossing, just make sure the piece is clean and lint-free.
I love chalk paint; just a quick swipe with a slightly dampish cloth and start painting.
You can use chalk/milk paint but you run the risk of the dark stain color "bleeding through" your paint. If you want a no fail (bleed through) paint job, you MUST sand the surface a little to rough up the shiny coat. Then apply a good primer (I use Kiltz). You can paint or spray the primer on. Then paint the item your choice of paint type and color. I would recommend you paint or spray at least the top of the dresser with polyacrylic in your choice of sheen