paint!

[movesoslow.livejournal.com]

tonight i attempted to paint a desk my cousin gave me. i was told that she painted it herself before giving it to me, and i'm guessing they used a clear gloss finish. when i went to stencil the desk, the paint wouldn't take at all. it was all smudgy and easily wiped off. i used acrilyc paint. my questions are a) should i use a different type of paint other than acrylic? or b) should i paint the entire desk first before i try and use the acrylic?

i know absolutely nothing about paint so i could be way off on this. if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. thanks a lot!!