Transforming outdoor furniture doesn't need to be complicated. Last spring, we gave a pair of classic wooden Adirondack chairs a refined refresh using our Jubilee Old English White, with no sanding, no fuss, and no compromise on beauty or durability.
This post marks the first in our Spring Painting Series, where we show how Jubilee paints bring artistry, resilience and quiet elegance to garden transformations, from heirloom benches to vintage bikes and garden urns. We begin with our poolside Adirondack chairs, proudly staged at a Lynsted Park stately home.
Why Outdoor Wooden Furniture Needs the Right Paint
British weather is charmingly unpredictable and hard on wood. Garden furniture endures rain, sun, frost and more. Without proper protection, wood fades, dries out and can warp. That's why a UV-stable, high-pigment paint like Jubilee is essential. Designed for both beauty and endurance, Jubilee Furniture Paint offers exceptional outdoor performance with minimal effort. It forms a protective barrier that resists peeling, fading and moisture, even in unpredictable British weather.
Unlike oils or stains, Jubilee requires no added topcoat; it cures to a durable finish and maintains its elegance over time, making it the ideal choice for wooden furniture that lives outdoors. And because the Jubilee palette is drawn from classic British heritage tones, it brings a quiet elegance that feels perfectly at home in any English garden.
How to Paint Wooden Adirondack Chairs for a Durable, Outdoor Finish
Our chairs were new, unfinished and full of
potential, perfect for this early spring garden project.
There was no need for extensive prep, no sanding, filling, or stripping. We simply wiped away dust, then assembled them for precision painting. The base and arms were treated to two smooth coats of Old English White from the Jubilee Collection, a timeless creamy white with subtle tan undertones, inspired by the golden age of British motoring.
We used a high-quality brush, applied outdoors in mild spring weather, and allowed an hour of drying between coats.
Watch the videos to learn more about the painting process from Founder Jeni.
Shop The Palette
Step-by-Step: Painting Outdoor Wooden Furniture With Minimal Prep
If your garden furniture is new or well-preserved, you can often skip heavy prep. Here's how we approached it:
1. Dust and Clean
Use a lint-free cloth or soft brush to remove dust. If your furniture is old, previously painted or has dried-out wood, lightly sand to remove flaking areas to ensure adhesion. The aim is to paint a clean matt surface.
2. Disassemble If Needed
We took our chairs apart to ensure clean lines and thorough coverage. This is not required. Make sure any repairs are completed before painting.
3. Apply the First Coat
Use a fine synthetic brush to paint on a thin, even coat of paint. Always paint with the grain for best results.
4. Dry Time and Recoat
Wait at least one hour before applying the second coat. Thin layers dry faster and look better than one heavy coat of paint.
5. Let It Cure
The paint is touch-dry in 30 minutes and cured within 21 days. While the paint takes 21 days to fully cure, the furniture can be gently used after just one day. Simply handle with care during the first few days as the finish continues to harden.
Why We Chose Jubilee Old English White
Old English White is a soft, creamy white that sits between ivory and tan, with just enough warmth to complement natural wood tones and poolside stone. The kind of warm, natural palette that works effortlessly in any style of garden, formal or relaxed.
Part of the Jubilee Collection, it's a British-made, low-VOC water-based furniture paint, formulated using advanced acrylic resin technology for both interior and exterior surfaces. Designed to honour traditional heritage colour stories with modern durability, Jubilee paints are fully weather-resistant and scratch-tough, ideal for long days in the sun (or the rain).
Outdoor Durability Of Jubilee Furniture Paint
It's been an entire year since painting, and the chairs have remained outdoors through sunshine, showers, and the occasional garden party. The finish has held beautifully, no chipping, no flaking, and no fading.
For longevity, we wipe them down with warm, soapy water every so often to keep them clean. No special treatment needed for ongoing maintenance when using Jubilee.
Easy to Apply - With Beautiful Results
As with all Guild Lane paints, application was a pleasure. The formula glides on, levels beautifully, and dries quickly, making it perfect for weekend garden projects.
"Two coats, one hour apart, that's all it took. It's been outside ever since. Beautiful, durable results couldn't be simpler."
Jenifer Dapper - Guild Lane Founder
What You Need To Know About Painting Outside Furniture
You don't always need heavy prep. You do need a great quality paint.
Jubilee is UV-stable, weather-resistant, doesn't need a topcoat, and it paints like a dream. The best paint for reviving a new bench or restoring a family heirloom, Jubilee makes light work of it, with a durable finish that lasts.
To paint outdoor projects, you need:
- Water-based hardwearing formula
- Suitable for outdoors in all weather
- High pigment load for fade resistance
- Scratch-resistance after curing
- No topcoat needed (unless high-traffic)
Guild Lane's Jubilee Fine Furniture Paint line ticks every one of these boxes.
What's Next in Our Spring Painting Series
This was just the beginning. Over the next few weeks, we'll share more spring outdoor transformations, including:
- A vintage iron garden bench
- A pair of metal bistro chairs
- Vintage bicycle makeover
Each project will showcase a different surface, paint, and application technique, ideal for makers, gardeners, DIY'ers and outdoor stylists alike.
Painting Garden Furniture
Painting outdoor furniture should feel like a creative reward, not a laborious task. With minimal prep and the right paint, you can transform your garden spaces with confidence and care.
There isn't a better time to get your outdoor space ready for those slow mornings sitting on your newly painted chairs sipping a coffee...
Choose a shade you love. And let the spring sunshine inspire you.
Discover the full British Heritage Inspired Jubilee Collection
Frequently Asked Questions | Painting Outdoor Garden Furniture
What kind of paint is best for outdoor furniture?
You need a paint designed for exterior use, it needs to resist UV damage, moisture, and temperature changes. Our Jubilee Fine Furniture Paint Collection is made for real outdoor life: UV-stable, flake-resistant and weather-tough. It bonds beautifully to wood and metal without requiring a separate topcoat.
Can I paint garden furniture without sanding it first?
Yes, if the furniture is new, smooth, and free from flaking paint. For older or previously painted items, a light sanding will help the new paint adhere better. Focus on removing any loose or peeling layers rather than sanding back to bare wood.
How do I prep metal furniture for painting?
Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, and grease. Remove flaking paint or rust with a wire brush or abrasive pad. If rust is present, treat the area with a rust-inhibiting primer before applying paint. Our Jubilee formula grips beautifully to clean, sound metal.
Do I need to prime outdoor wood or metal before painting?
Not with Jubilee. It has excellent self-priming properties on most surfaces. However, rusted metal should always be primed with a rust inhibitor first to prevent future corrosion.
How many coats should I apply?
Two coats of Jubilee are typically enough for full, even coverage. Allow at least 1 hour of dry time between coats in mild weather.
Is Jubilee paint waterproof?
Once cured, yes, Jubilee is water-resistant and designed for the outdoors. It's formulated to stand up to British weather, from dew and drizzle to sunny spells.
Can I paint directly over rust?
It's not advised. Rust will eventually break through any paint unless treated. Always remove loose rust and apply a rust-inhibiting primer first to ensure the finish lasts.
How do I avoid brush strokes on garden furniture?
Use a high-quality brush (like our Flat or Mottler Guild Lane Brushes) and apply in long, even strokes. Don't overload the brush, and always follow the grain or shape of the piece. Jubilee's silky formula helps level as it dries.
Is spray painting easier?
Spray paint can be a quick alternative, and our paints can be used through a sprayer. Dilute no more than 10%. We recommend brushing Jubilee on detailed or heritage pieces.
How long does the paint last outdoors?
With proper prep, Jubilee delivers a long-lasting finish. It's tested in real gardens, exposed to sun, rain, frost and footfall, and remains colour-rich and flake-resistant for many years.
What's the drying and curing time?
Dry to the touch in 1 hour. Fully cured in 21 days. Avoid heavy use until cured. Mild spring conditions (10–20°C) are ideal for painting.
Can I use this on benches, tools, urns, or fences?
Yes. Jubilee fine furniture paint is incredibly versatile; it works on outdoor benches, dining sets, tool handles, urns, gates, and more. As long as the surface is clean, dry and matt, it will bond beautifully.
Is Jubilee Fine Furniture Paint eco-friendly?
Our Jubilee formula is water-based, low-VOC, and safe to use in your garden and your home. No harsh smells, no toxins, and nothing harmful to soil, pets, or pollinators. Jubilee is certified safe for children's toys.
Can I paint grey, weathered wood that's been outside for years?
You can, but it needs extra care. When wood turns grey outdoors, it's not just a colour change; the surface fibres have broken down from UV exposure, leaving the top layer soft and unstable. If you paint directly over it, the wood itself may flake off, taking the paint with it. That's often mistaken for paint failure, when it's actually the degraded wood peeling. To avoid this, sand back to sound, fresh wood before painting. It doesn't need to be pristine, just firm, clean and no longer flaky. Then apply two coats of Jubilee for a long-lasting, weather-resistant finish.
