I would like to do my diningroom chairs over in a light finish. The chairs are walnut in color and I really don't want to use a paint because the wood grain would disappear. I like the shabby chic look I don't know if that's possible with a stain. If I have to use paint then I will but I would like to go over them either with a white stain, maybe rub it on or prime with stain and paint over it with a light beige stain. However, I want to get away with sanding. Has anyone ever tried this? If so, would you be able to tell me how it came out and what type of paint or stain to buy?

All depends on what kind of wood the chairs are made of as to what to use and how it will turn out.

Do you know what kind of wood ?