I've had great success with an inexpensive product called liquid sandpaper. This is applied to the furniture right before you paint your first coat. It leaves the surface dull and tacky and helps the paint adhere. We salvaged an old, unattractive bedroom suite this way. It was blonde wood, very 60s, very dated. The right paint color made it look fantastic and contemporary. I also pray painted the metal handles and saved a lot of money. We purchased it from a private party for $85 for the whole set. It also came with an almost new (guest room use) box spring and mattress. It has served us well for years. Good luck! ... View related article.
