Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Any wood finishers out there that could offer me some insight?

I was wondering if anyone could offer me some help. I worked for a cabinet finisher . I actually ran his finishing department so I have some background in wood, stains sealers and varnishes. Just thought I would throw that out there. I am blind though to what I am about to ask.

I have a friend who was left a really nice "teak/natural" oak bedroom set. Its really great wood and very well constructed. Here is the issue. He has other furniture that is from Ikea and is almost what appears to be painted black, but has a finish on it. IT actually looks distresed, the IKEA furniture. He wants me to strip the oak furniture and either stain it black and put a coat of finish on it, or paint it black?

I face two issues with this. One, its hard to find black stain! The second is this, how can I paint the wood after I strip it get it preped for the next step. Can you varnish or seal over paint? IF so what type of paint does anyone recomend and what type of finish can I put over the paint? He wants this done in say a matter of two weeks and I can't find black stain. I am nerveous about painting it because I am afraid a sealer or finish will react with the paint and blister or peal....

Can anyone offer me some help or insight?
Thanks for your time and replies!

Spankey!

You should be able to thin down flat black paint and use it for a stain. Poly/varnish can be applied over paint.

Great thank you. I spoke to him and he really wants to paint the furniture. However, do you suggest a good primer, paint and poly/varnish? Also can this be bought at Lowes?

Thanks
Spankey!

I hate to see nice wood painted but.........

After sanding the wood use a solvent based primer to seal the wood. You might get it tinted gray to help the black cover. Big box stores aren't the best places to buy quality paint. I would suggest going to SWP, B Moore or another paint store. Quality oil base enamel shouldn't need to be coated with varnish/poly but can be.

OK thanks. Sherwin Williams is where I will go and ask for a good oil based paint.

Thanks
Spankey!!!!!