Painting - repaint IKEA furniture?

Hi, I'm moving into a new apartment in Manhattan.... I haven't got alot of money to spend so I went on craigslist.com and found a IKEA Bed & Dresser that I love but, they aren't the nicest color (the website says Solid Pine, stain & clear lacquer), so I was hoping to figure out a way to repaint these items. (link: http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15597&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=20735&langId=-1&categoryId=16256&chosenPartNumber=50067168)

Does anyone have any experience/advice about how to go about repainting these pieces? I heard that I should use a high grade sanding box, then use a primer (Suggestions?) and paint it. Also, if anyone has any fun suggestions for what color I could paint these? I'm 23, and my bedroom will probably be a butter yellow color with the doorframes left white... I'd like something a little bit fun and edgy. Thanks!

THANKS!!

I don't know that I have ever painted over new laquer so I 'm not sure if there would be a reaction with the primer or not. Generally you would sand, dust and apply a shellac based primer. You would then be able to coat with latex, waterborne or oil base. I would suggest priming an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it is ok to proceed. Or you could strip the finish, clean and sand, and then prime and paint.

BTW I wouldn't attempt to suggest a color - your tastes may be way different than mine. Remember the colors only have to please you so it doesn't really matter what others think [unless you are trying to impress someone special] :D

Off-shore lacquers can vary in content and quality
But your best bet is to sand and use the shellac-based primer
The testing is a good idea