Furniture and Furnishings - Painting over stained furniture - Help

I have a couple pieces of furniture that have a shiny, stained finish. I would like to paint them black and need to know exactly how to go about it. I think I am supposed to: 1. Clean the wood 2. Sand it down 3. Apply primer and 4. Paint. Is this correct? And if so, what products are recommended as far as name brand primer and paints? What paint sheen should be used? Also, what is proper wait time between each step?

Thanks

1. Clean the wood 2. Sand it down 3. Apply primer and 4. Paint.

I think you got it
I'd use an oil based primer if possible
Personally I'd use an oil based paint too, but I understand most people don't like working with it, so latex will be fine

The best thing to do is go to the local paint shop and tell them what you are doing and ask them what specific products they recommend
They may also be able to tint your primer grey, which will help

I'd probably end up with a Zinnser primer and I like Ben Moore paints
The sheen is up to you
I think I'd go with a satin-type
Cleaning, sanding, priming, can be in one session
The drying time will be on the cans
It wouldn't hurt to let each coat sit overnight though
If it's a fast drying primer and you do it in the AM, you could do a coat in the PM

Thanks for the info!