The big thing I'd be concerned about is what happens when the baby chews the paint off of this crib. I would expect that something without a factory finish would chip even MORE easily. That said, I think it would be fine if you used teething guards.

Congrats BTW :)

Here is a link that might be useful: teething guard

Congrats!! I refinished a crib ummm, almost 33 years ago. Probably used lead paint! It lasted through 3 boys. Yes, I would agree about the chewing. I just looked at dear GD's crib we have for when she comes to visit. There is a teething guard on it.
I have refinished a lot of furntiture. Personally, I would be inclined to strip it bare before refinishing. I would think the less "coats" of stuff on there, the more chip resistant it would be.

Thank you very much for the link to the teething guards! I will pitch the idea to DH when he gets home.

I too refinished a crib(porta crib) 33 years ago. Don't remember what I did specifically. Probably painted right over the finish. Never had a problem with it. It went through my 3 kids and my sister's 3 kids. She then passed it on to someone else.

The problem with the Jenny Lind style is the spindels. Might be hard sanding those. Good luck. I think black would be beautiful. Love that inspiration room. You've given me an idea,

Congrats from here too.

Since your DH is a professional furniture finisher, I assume he would know the proper methods and have the right equipment to refinish the crib so that the new finish is significantly more durable than the typical person at home with a package of sandpaper and a paintbrush can do. There are nontoxic/less-toxic furniture strippers out now, along with nontoxic paints and sealants that are safe for baby furniture and toys.

The other option is putting the word out via, perhaps, CL or the bulletin board at work/school/church/whatever that you're looking for a black crib and then donating the white one to a women's shelter, church nursery, etc.

(Oh, and since you asked, it's "gnaw". ;-))