Ok I have done tons of painting in my day, furniture included. However I have a project I want too do. I have an 8 foot tall China Cabinet, 8 Foot tall Curio Cabinet and 8 foot table, and a antique wash stand. All of these were handed down from my parents. The China Cabinet, 8 foot table and Curio were bought in Germany, the wash stand is from my grandmothers child hood.

Anyway, they are stained a cherry color and it I have wanted to paint them white forever, my parents and my ex were both military so they have been moved well over 20 times ending up with various scratches or chips.  I really want them to have a worn look, like a chocolate brown undercoat with white on top, sanded to look shabby chic.

This is also important furniture and I tried to ask the guy at home depot the best way to do it and he gave me a run around crappy answer and actually provided me with nada.

All the pieces have a clear coat and then stain. How do I remove all the clear coat poly? Can someone tell me the best way to do the shabby look?

I had planned on using the primer/paint combo since I used it on my walls and loved it. Then sanding/rouging up the top white coat? Is this correct? Then..how many coats of poly need to go on? Thanks much all!

I included some photos if it helps? The table is not shown but is the same wood finish as the curio and china cabinet.