I had a piece that sound just like yours. I used a stripper on it (citrus
based)a brass brush and putty knifes to remove the finish. then used the
neutralizer (wipe on and off) lightly sanded the entire piece. and just used
amber shellac as a finish(I purchased this at a yard sale for 2 bucks it was
painted with several colors). but if you want white paint use a good primer
and a quality oil based paint )with an paint additive to help smooth it out)
Enjoy it really is not hard at all

Leonard