How do I paint a varnished chest of drawers white?

Thanks everybody

Here is a good tutorial for that https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/dixie-belle-paint-dining-room-update-30091444

I always remove any slick and shiny finish before painting. Depending on the varnish, you can use citristrip or other solution or lightly sand. Once you have the finish removed, clean with denatured alcohol. Then you are ready to prime and paint. I'm not a big fan of chalk paint because my family deals out a lot of abuse and it got scratched so I got with more durable paints.

Elza: No special prep with this product:

https://www.anniesloan.com

A light spray of Shellac will prevent any of the color from the varnish from showing through the paint. And then any chalk based or mineral based paint should adhere well! :)

No stripping. Just lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper to remove the gloss. Prime with Kilz primer then paint.

You should not have to strip. Lightly sand and use a primer. Then paint!

If you opt for the chalk paint route instead of the lightly sand, prime and regular paint route Rustoleum makes a basic chalk paint that’s half of the prices of the brands listed above.

If you use Annie Sloan chalk paint, you likely can cover it without stripping it!

No, but you need to sand, prime and then put on your finish coats.