So you've spotted a tired old coffee table at a garage sale, or maybe there's a wooden chest of drawers in the spare room that's been driving you mad for years. You know it has potential. You've probably seen those gorgeous makeovers on Pinterest and thought, "I could do that." Well, here's the thing: you absolutely can. And chalk paint makes it a whole lot easier than you'd expect.
If you've never used chalk paint before, this guide is for you. We're going to walk you through everything from why chalk paint works so well on wood, to how to apply it, and how to finish it so it lasts.
What Is Chalk Paint?
Chalk paint is a water-based decorative paint that dries to a beautiful, flat, matte finish. It has a thick, velvety consistency that gives painted furniture that lovely vintage, lived-in look. Unlike regular paints, it's specially formulated to grip onto surfaces without a lot of prep work, which is one of the main reasons DIY lovers have fallen head over heels for it.
Granny B's Old Fashioned Paint is South Africa's own chalk paint, with over 65 vintage-inspired colours to choose from. It's low in VOCs, completely lead-free, and safe to use around kids and pets. Whether you're transforming a wooden bedside table or giving a thrift store find a second life, it's a brilliant place to start.
Why Chalk Paint Works So Well on Wood
Wood is one of the best surfaces you can use chalk paint on, and here's why.
Chalk paint adheres beautifully to wood without needing a primer or special bonding agent. Its thick formula soaks into the grain rather than sitting on top of it, which means less peeling and chipping down the line. You also get that gorgeous, slightly textured finish that makes furniture look like it has history.
It's also wonderfully forgiving. If you make a mistake, you can wipe it off while it's still wet or sand it back once it's dry. For beginners, that peace of mind is priceless.
Do You Need to Sand or Prep the Wood First?
This is the question everyone asks, and the honest answer is: usually not much. One of the things that makes Granny B's Old Fashioned Paint so popular is that it requires little to no sanding before you start. In most cases, a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust and grease is all you need.
That said, there are a few situations where a light sand is worth the effort:
- Very glossy or lacquered finishes may benefit from a light scuff with fine-grit sandpaper to help the paint grip.
- Pieces with peeling or flaking old paint should be sanded back to a smooth surface first.
- Raw, unfinished wood can sometimes be a bit thirsty and may absorb your first coat heavily. Just sand lightly between coats if needed.
When in doubt, check out Granny B's free surface prep guide at grannyb.co.za/pages/tutorials for surface-specific advice.
What You'll Need to Get Started
You don't need a lot to get going. Here's a basic starter list:
- Granny B's Old Fashioned Paint in your chosen colour
- A good quality brush (a silicone bristle brush works well as it doesn't shed fibres)
- A small painting tray or container to decant your paint
- Lint-free cloths for wiping down your piece before you start
- Sandpaper (220 grit is fine for light sanding between coats)
- Granny B's wax or water-based sealer to finish and protect your piece
How to Apply Chalk Paint on Wood: Step by Step
Step 1: Clean Your Surface
Give your wooden piece a good wipe down. Remove any dust, grease, or grime. If there are any loose bits of old paint, now is the time to address those. Let the surface dry completely before you start painting.
Step 2: Stir Your Paint Well
Chalk paint can settle in the tin, so give it a thorough stir before you start. Decant only the amount you need into a separate tray or container. This keeps your main tin clean and prevents the paint from drying out.
Step 3: Apply Your First Coat
Load your brush and start painting in the direction of the wood grain. Don't worry about getting it perfect on the first coat. Chalk paint often looks a bit patchy and uneven at this stage, and that's completely normal. The beauty builds with layers.
Allow your first coat to dry for around 30 minutes before applying a second coat. Lighter colours may need three coats to reach full opacity, while darker shades often cover well in two.
Step 4: Sand Lightly Between Coats (Optional)
Once your first coat is fully dry, you can run a piece of fine sandpaper lightly over the surface. This smooths out any brushstrokes or raised grain and gives your next coat something nice to hold onto. Wipe away the dust with a dry cloth before applying the next coat.
Step 5: Apply Your Second (and Third) Coat
Build up your coats until you're happy with the coverage. Let each coat dry fully before adding the next. By the final coat, you should have a beautiful, even, matte finish.
Step 6: Seal and Protect Your Work
This step is essential, especially on wood surfaces that get daily use. Once your paint is fully dry, apply a finishing product to protect it.
Granny B's has two main options:
Wax: Granny B's finishing wax gives a soft, low-sheen finish that enhances the depth of the colour. It's applied with a lint-free cloth or wax brush, buffed in circular motions, and then buffed off to a gentle shine. Wax is perfect for decorative pieces, bedroom furniture, and anything that doesn't get a lot of moisture exposure.
Water-based sealer: For surfaces like kitchen tables, chairs, or anything that sees a lot of daily wear and tear, a water-based sealer offers a more durable, water-resistant finish. It dries clear and doesn't change the look of your chalk paint finish.
Tips for Getting a Great Finish on Wood
A few things that make a real difference, especially when you're just starting out:
Don't overload your brush. A brush that's too heavy with paint leads to drips and uneven coverage. Use less paint than you think you need and build up gradually.
Work in thin coats. Thin, even coats dry faster and give a smoother result than one thick coat. Patience really pays off here.
Embrace the imperfections. One of the great joys of chalk paint is that a bit of brushstroke texture and variation is part of the charm. Don't stress about making it look like a spray-painted factory finish.
Distress for character. Once your final coat is dry, you can use fine sandpaper to gently rub back edges and corners to reveal the wood or undercoat beneath. This adds a gorgeous, naturally worn look that suits chalk paint beautifully.
Keep your tin sealed. Air dries chalk paint out quickly, so always make sure the lid is firmly closed when you're not using it.
Choosing the Right Colour
This is the fun part. Granny B's Old Fashioned Paint comes in over 65 colours, from soft whites and warm creams to deep navies, earthy greens, and rich terracottas. There are also beautiful metallic options if you want to add a bit of glamour to a piece.
A few tips for choosing:
- Light colours like whites, creams, and pale greys are classic choices for wooden furniture and suit almost any room. Keep in mind that lighter shades may need an extra coat.
- Darker colours like charcoal, deep green, or navy make a bold statement and tend to cover in fewer coats.
- Mix your own shades by combining two colours from the range once you're feeling more confident. This is where it gets really creative.
Not sure where to start? Neutral shades like Granny B's warm whites or soft grey tones are great for first-timers because they're versatile and work in almost any space.
How Long Does Chalk Paint Last on Wood?
With the right prep and a good sealer or wax finish, chalk paint on wood is surprisingly durable. Sealed pieces can last for years with normal care. The key is that finishing step: unsealed chalk paint is porous and will mark and stain easily, especially on high-use surfaces.
To care for chalk-painted wood, simply wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as these can strip the wax or sealer over time.
Ready to Give It a Go?
The beauty of chalk painting is that there's no perfect way to do it. Each piece comes out slightly different, and that's exactly what makes it special. Whether you're tackling a small wooden tray as a first project or going all in on a full dining table makeover, Granny B's Old Fashioned Paint is made to make the process feel achievable and fun.
Browse the full range of Granny B's chalk paints, waxes, and sealers at grannyb.co.za and find everything you need to get started. You might just surprise yourself with what you can create.
Have you painted a piece of furniture with Granny B's? We'd love to see it! Share your project on Facebook and join the community of painting enthusiasts who are chalk-ing their world one piece at a time.