Well i have got myself in a position to transform some furniture to a Shabby Chic look, unfortunately. I don't like it myself but will do since for a family member.
I have got a small table (bedside) and a hutch aprox. 1500mm long and 900mm high.

I have never done this before but i know that it is coating with a white paint, rubbing back the edges, then applying a clear coat to seal, Right??

Since i don't know what type of finish is currently on these items, i was going to give them a quick sand then use wax & oil cleaner on it. A mate who has done this used water based paint and a water based clear coat but i use air spray guns and water based paint does not atomize well and is generally more difficult to spray.

Should i be using an oil based or shellac based stain blocker before the paint?

Can i use an oil based paint? Is a general house paint ok?

Then an oil based clear finish i'm guessing?

Has anyone done this before or know more about the types of paint i should be using and/or avoiding??