Upcycling furniture is more than a weekend task; it is a form of creative restoration. Whether you are reviving a forgotten chair or transforming a chest of drawers, painting furniture can bring new life to old pieces. With Guild Lane's Jubilee Collection, created in the UK, you can create richly characterful pieces that honour heritage while embracing modern craft.
This step-by-step guide offers everything you need to know, from preparation and paint choices to colour styling and durability, using our British-made Jubilee Fine Furniture Paint.
Why Paint Furniture? The Beauty of a Crafted Refresh
There is something quietly satisfying about preserving the structure of a piece while changing its surface story.
Painting furniture:
- Gives old or mismatched pieces a new visual identity
- Offers a sustainable alternative to buying new
- Adds texture, colour, and artistry to any space
With Jubilee's heritage-inspired palette and durable finish, even beginners can create furniture that endures, made not just to suit the space, but to elevate it. Older furniture is often made to last, but can feel outdated in modern homes. Painting gives these pieces years more life, preserving them rather than letting them be discarded.
Choosing the Right Paint for Furniture Projects
Guild Lane's Jubilee Collection is made for beginners, makers, creators, DIY enthusiasts, and interior stylists alike. On solid wood, MDF, metal, and masonry, Jubilee offers exceptional coverage and a refined, heritage-style finish.
Why Choose Jubilee for Furniture?
- Self-priming formula
- Soft sheen, heritage-inspired finish
- Suitable for wood, MDF, metal, ceramic, and many other surfaces
- Can be used outdoors without a separate topcoat
Jubilee Fine Furniture Paint is simple to apply and delivers a smooth, professional finish. Its water-based advanced CC22 resin system is low in VOCs, easy to clean up, and certified safe for use on children's toys.
For high-use furniture such as desks or kitchen cupboards, our clear water-based topcoat can be applied for added protection, although Jubilee performs beautifully on its own.
Supplies You Need to Paint Furniture With Jubilee
Before you begin, gather the right tools to ensure a smooth, professional finish.
You will need:
- Jubilee Fine Furniture Paint
- Quality synthetic paintbrush
- A high quality Top Coat
- Medium-sized, good-quality microfibre roller
- Sandpaper or sanding block (120 to 180 grit)
- Degreaser or sugar soap
- Clean cloths
- Stirring stick
- Drop sheet or protective covering
- Optional: wood filler, primer, clear topcoat
Using good quality tools makes a noticeable difference to the final result and helps Jubilee's self-levelling formula perform at its best.
Step by Step: How to Paint Furniture With Jubilee
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Surface
Remove dirt and grease using a suitable degreaser. Dry thoroughly. Waxed surfaces will need white spirits and steel wool to remove wax residue. Clean well after this step. Remove hardware, make any repairs needed and fix any damage. If wood filler has been used, sand smooth and wipe dust before painting.
Step 2: Sand Lightly if Needed
You aim to paint a clean, smooth, matt surface. Use 120 to 180 grit sandpaper after cleaning and allowing to dry, to dull any glossy surfaces. This improves adhesion, ensuring you get good, durable results.
Step 3: No Primer Needed in Most Cases
Jubilee is a self-priming 3-in-1 formula. On most surfaces, no separate primer is required. For difficult glossy materials like Melamine or Laminate, light sanding or adhesion priming may be needed. For resinous wood, apply a shellac-based stain-blocking primer.
Step 4: Apply Jubilee Paint
Stir thoroughly. Use a good quality synthetic brush for details and a roller for larger flat surfaces. Apply thin, even coats. Thicker coats of paint can cause unwanted brush marks. Do not overwork the paint, as this can also create unwanted texture. Apply with the grain in long, even brushstrokes. Allow 1 to 2 hours between coats.
Step 5: Apply the Second Coat
Apply a second coat for depth and durability. Paint with the grain for best results. Two thin coats are always better than one thick coat of paint.
Step 6: Optional Topcoat
A topcoat is not required on most projects. For high-use surfaces, such as table tops, kitchen cabinetry, a clear water-based topcoat can add extra protection.
Coverage Guide
How Much Paint Do I Need?
Jubilee Fine Furniture Paint offers excellent coverage. A little goes a long way, making it an economical choice for your DIY projects.
On average, one litre covers approximately 12 to 15 square metres per coat. Two coats are recommended.
Typical Coverage By Project Type
Small projects: 125 ml to 250 ml
Medium projects: 250 ml to 500 ml
Large projects: 500 ml to 1 litre
What Affects Coverage
Surface absorbency: If your surface is porous, it will absorb more on the first coat.
Colour changes: Going from a dark surface colour to a light paint colour may take more coats for full coverage.
Level of preparation: Good prep will ensure a smoother application.
Application method: Using a sprayer will use more paint than a roller or brush.
Number of coats: Two coats of Jubilee are all that is needed for full coverage.
Drying and Curing Time
Jubilee is touch-dry in around 30 minutes. Furniture can be gently used after 24 hours. Full cure takes approximately 21 days. Handle with care during the first few days as the finish continues to harden.
Caring for Your Painted Furniture
Once fully cured, simple care will keep your furniture looking beautiful.
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild dish soap
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners
- Avoid abrasive cleaners
- Use coasters and mats on high-use surfaces
Proper care helps maintain Jubilee's durable finish for years.
Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Can You Paint Kitchen Cabinets With Jubilee Fine Furniture Paint?
Jubilee is ideal for kitchen cabinets thanks to its durable, hard-wearing finish. Once cured, it resists scuffs, knocks, and frequent cleaning.
Its heritage colour range allows you to create classic or contemporary kitchens with a timeless feel. The paint levels beautifully for a smooth, professional result.
Discover more painted kitchen inspiration on our Pinterest board, where colour is used with confidence across cabinets, islands and architectural detail.
How Much Paint Do You Need for Kitchen Cabinets?
One litre covers approximately 12 to 15 square metres per coat.
Most standard kitchens require 1 to 2 litres for two coats. Smaller kitchens may need only 1 litre.
Always measure surfaces and allow a little extra. As with all painted cabinetry, allowing the full 21-day curing period before heavy use ensures the hardest, most durable finish.
How to Prepare Kitchen Cabinets for Painting
Kitchens attract airborne grease, which can prevent paint adhesion. Thorough preparation is the difference between a finish that lasts and one that chips early.
- Use a quality degreaser and clean thoroughly, paying close attention to handles, edges, and areas near the hob
- Clean again until surfaces are residue-free (cloths should come away clean)
- Remove doors, drawers, hinges, and handles, and label each piece to make reassembly straightforward
On cabinets with heavy staining, old flaking paint, or particularly glossy factory finishes, a suitable primer may be required.
Proper preparation ensures a long-lasting, professional finish.
What Surfaces Can You Paint With Jubilee?
Suitable Surfaces
Solid or veneered wood
Previously painted furniture
MDF
Metal
Sealed stone or ceramic
Surfaces Requiring Extra Preparation
Resinous wood (use stain-blocking primer)
Oily or waxed surfaces (must be fully removed
using white spirits and wire wool)
Factory plastic-coated surfaces often have an
added resistant coating applied
IKEA style melamine and Laminate
Need Help Choosing the Right Colour?
Choosing the right colour sets the tone for your project. Whether painting a sideboard, dresser, or cabinets, thoughtful colour selection makes a difference. We have created two tools to help you with colour choice. These tools help you visualise your choices and paint with confidence.
Find Your Perfect Colour Match
Use the Colour Picker to discover considered pairings based on your chosen colour.
Explore Our Colour Wheel
The Colour Wheel reveals balanced pairings for contrast, harmony, and layered finishes.
Can Jubilee Paint Be Used Outside?
Jubilee is a great option for outdoor use. Our high pigment load ensures UV-stable colour in all weather conditions.
- Ensure surfaces are clean and sound
- Apply two coats
- Coat all sides of an outdoor project to ensure no water gets into the surface
- Allow full drying time
- No topcoat required
Ideal for garden furniture, porches, and outdoor décor. See our painting outdoor project guide.
Common Furniture Painting Mistakes to Avoid
It's always a thrill to start a new project, but avoiding these mistakes while painting furniture will ensure a better finish.
- Skipping proper cleaning -Remove all grease, dust and residue before painting. A clean surface is essential for strong adhesion and a smooth, lasting finish.
- Applying paint too thickly -Thick coats are the main cause of unwanted texture and visible brush marks. Apply thin, even layers for a refined, self-levelled result.
- Rushing drying times - Allow adequate drying time between coats. Patience ensures better adhesion, improved durability and a more even finish overall.
- Painting over wax residue - Paint will not adhere to waxed surfaces. Always remove wax thoroughly before applying paint to avoid peeling or failure.
- Using poor-quality tools - High quality brushes and tools make a visible difference. Investing in the right equipment ensures smoother application and a more professional finish.
Beautiful Examples of Jubilee
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Furniture
Do I need to prime?
Not always. Use stain-blocking primer on resinous wood. Or an adhesion primer on slick, high sheen surfaces.
Do I need a topcoat?
Jubilee has a built-in topcoat. Optional use for high-use surfaces.
Can I paint over old paint?
Jubilee can be used to paint over old painted surfaces if the surface is clean, matt, and sound.
How long until fully dry?
Touch dry in 30 minutes, recoat in 1 to 2 hours. Fully cured in 21 days. Gentle use within one day.
Can I spray Jubilee?
You can use Jubilee through a sprayer. Dilute by around 10 per cent for spray painting.
Restoration Through Colour, Sustainability Through Paint
To paint furniture is to preserve and renew. With Jubilee, every stroke is a gesture of care and craftsmanship.
By upcycling with durable, low-VOC paint, you reduce waste and extend the life of quality furniture. The upcycling community saves hundreds of tonnes of brown furniture from landfill each year.
Explore the full heritage-inspired colour range and create furniture designed to be lived with, loved, and kept.
Discover the Jubilee Collection and be sure to tag us on socials @guildlane with your latest painting project.
