If it is chipping easy, it will peel eventually. The paint needs removed(sand or strip, your choice). Sand the finish and prime then paint for best results. In my book, painting over oak is criminal. If you want it lighter, sand the stain and re-stain a lighter shade.

Thanks, I agree, would rather they left them dark and let me decide, but it is what it is and we have no experience with liquid sandpabper and the neighbor said that would work...but wanted more input. ....thanks.

strip sand repaint.

So the paint chips extremely easy. It hasn't started peeling but I think it might. I am wondering if I did the liquid sandpaper and then repainted if that would solve the issue or do I have to strip, sand and repaint?