Does anybody know how to paint furniture?

[tomato]

I have this cheapo fake-wood (?) microwave cart type of thing. It's *very sturdy* I used it for my spare computer for a while, but I've decided I need to bring it in the living room now. Problem is that thing is a real eye sore, and I mean it is truly butt-ugly :thumbsdown:

I decided that maybe I should paint it a nice color that matches the rest of the room. Dark espresso, or a dark red that matches the rug? Something to make it look a little more contemporary and less utilitarian. Problem is I don't know what to use or how to get started.

Any pointers? (I'm afraid spray paint will just go all over the place, so regular paint?) Do I absolutely have to sand it down before I paint?

OK, thanks for any pointers.