How can I paint a dresser without stripping the stain?

chalk paint

I agree with Janet, Chalk paint!!!

I agree! No prep needed. Regular paint you would need to sand to remove any gloss, prime with a stain blocking primer, paint your color, and seal with polyurethane.

Make sure to clean it good. With something like simple green. A couple coats of Chalk paint . At this point you can distress with a fine grit sand paper or even water and a rough wash cloth. Then wipe down any dust and seal with a water based polyurethane or and furniture wax. Easy Peasy.

If you don't want to use chalk paint you can prime with Zinsser Bullseye 123... it sticks to everything and gives a great surface to repainted.

Thanks

wash with TSP, prime with an adhesion primer (like styx ), use what ever paint you like.