You can simply paint over it ... To prep the upholstery, she sprayed down the chair with a mixture made from half water and half fabric softener. Then she was able to start applying her paint!
Yes, you can paint RTA furniture from IKEA or any other store. Of course, this rule doesn't apply to every piece of IKEA furniture. We wouldn't recommend painting anything covered in fabric.
A "shabby chic" finish that requires almost no paint prep? It's no wonder chalk paint is the veneer of choice for upcycled ...