Pine Armoire

I wish them to be as black, dark espresso, which is popular at the moment, as this coffee table:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012JZE0E?smid ...

Would you say that I paint or stain?

Anyway, it seems that there is a touch of wax or putty or something on the pine. Do I sand off? Or should I use paint stripper and strip?

My goal is to make them look like the dark espresso color and have a subtle glow.

Thank you

Here are photos of the cabinet and end table:

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt147 ...

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt147 ...


http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt147 ...

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt147 ...

If you want a dark spot, you have to strip the old finish first. all the old finish left on the piece does not stain penetrate the wood and in this region will remain light.
why you see so many light-colored pine furniture is that it does not stain very well in the best conditions. trying to redo a song the problem is compounded.
your closet seems so southern yellow pine. If you look in the upper left corner of the raised panel door on the left you will see a dark spot. I'm sure you'll see more of these as you look over the room. darker stain will amplify this feature. conditioner before staining can help, but I've never had much luck with this wood. the table may look like fir or white pine. you'll have more luck with this piece.
paint and / or a faux finish is probably your best choice

Paint would be better, because it concerns the nodes in the pines. Stain will not soak into the wood that has been prefinished or enter nodes.
Your wardrobe may be a varnish. I am not familiar with a wax finish which would be used. A light sanding, then wipe with a soft cheese must prepare the surface for painting.

Why you want to hide such a wonderful color ... Well. So, first you must remove any type of glossy, with details of these parts, it will be very difficult to do. Now, the color that you've seen it looks like some kind of lacquer for me, not a wood colour.Simple solution I am afraid of is to sand lightly, it is the rough surface. Then buy a satin varnish with the pigment color you want in it. WARNING! dark yet there is no back.Jeff.