hi guys just a bit of advice please.

i am decorating my daughters bedroom and i want to paint her unit to match the bedroom. Its just a cheap chipwood desk, with a shiney coating. (not sure wot it is)

my first thought was to gloss it the colours i want, but i dont suppose that would stick to a glossy surface.
my second thought was to matt emulsion it but i presume that wouldnt stick to it either.
i see them do loads on the tele but how do i do it??
my dad said undercoat it first but i assume that wouldnt stick either. he also said if i emulsion it, it would need a clear varnish coating to seal it.

wot would be the best way for a long standing effect
i dont want to have to go through this again for another 5 years atleast lol

ty Goblin