Can you paint rubberwood

I tried to repaint rubberwood table that was originally black paint and got scratched up within a week of purchasing it! Paint wouldn't adhere after trying & stripping and trying & stripping! Finally decided to stain - worked well - until .... I applied poly top coat. Anyway, table looks a mess! I found explanation of properties of rubberwood on eHow "How to Paint Rubberwood". Answered my questions - it is known for poor adhesion properties - check it out on ehow.