An Honest Look at Annie Sloan, Tjhoko, and Granny B’s Light Greys & Blacks
By Reza Singh - Publisher & Creative Professional - Entrepo
A Brief Brushstroke of History
Chalk paint — not to be confused with chalkboard paint — was popularised by British artist and paint expert Annie Sloan in 1990. She created it to offer decorators a versatile, no-fuss paint that adhered to virtually any surface without the need for priming or sanding. Its matte finish, rich pigmentation, and vintage appeal soon sparked a global trend in upcycling and furniture transformation.
Since then, chalk paint has become a staple in homes and studios around the world. South Africa has proudly entered the market with its own leading brands such as Tjhoko Paint and Granny B’s, which now compete head-to-head with international labels.
What We’re Reviewing Today
Today, we’re reviewing three highly regarded brands and their most versatile neutrals — blacks and very light greys — ideal for modern interiors, feature furniture, and timeless refurbishments:
• Annie Sloan – Athenian Black & Old White
• Tjhoko Paint – Matt Black & Don Wash
• Granny B’s – Black Betty & Mushroom
Each colour was tested on old pine wooden furniture, both raw and lightly primed, to assess ease of application, coverage, finish quality, and overall durability on aged surfaces.
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1. Annie Sloan – Athenian Black & Old White
The International Pioneer
Annie Sloan is arguably the originator of chalk paint as we know it. Known for elegant, high-end finishes and a strong artistic legacy, the brand continues to lead in the decorative painting market.
• Athenian Black: A deep, classic black inspired by Greek design — sophisticated and rich.
• Old White: A soft, warm white with historical charm.
Application & Performance
On old pine, Athenian Black delivered strong pigmentation and smooth coverage — often sufficient in a single coat. Old White, on the other hand, struggled over more textured or dark areas of the wood and typically required two to three coats for uniformity.
Finish
Dries to a refined, ultra-matte finish — exactly what purists expect from a traditional chalk paint. However, a wax or lacquer topcoat is required, adding time and cost to the process.
Coverage
Approximately 13m² per litre, although this can decrease with porous, aged surfaces or lighter colours like Old White.
Pros:
• Premium, smooth consistency
• Athenian Black has excellent pigmentation
• Authentic matte finish
Cons:
• Higher price point
• Requires sealing
• Old White is not as pigmented as competitors
2. Tjhoko Paint – Matt Black & Don Wash
A Proudly South African Lifestyle Brand
Tjhoko Paint is widely used by crafters and decorators for its user-friendly formulation and built-in sealant, making it an attractive option for everyday DIY projects.
• Matt Black: A dark charcoal-like black with soft undertones.
• Don Wash: A warm-toned, very light grey with subtle vintage appeal.
Application & Performance
On aged pine furniture, the paint applied relatively easily, though it’s slightly thinner than Annie Sloan or Granny B’s. Matt Black covered well in two coats. Don Wash required additional layering, especially on darker or knottier sections of the pine, where its lighter pigmentation showed some streaking.
Finish
The final result leans more toward satin-matte, due to the integrated sealant. While durable, it lacks the distinctive powdery texture typical of true chalk paint.
Coverage
Approximately 12m² per litre, though lighter colours like Don Wash may require more paint for even coverage.
Pros:
• Built-in sealant
• Easy to use
• Readily available locally
Cons:
• Slight sheen may not appeal to chalk paint purists
• Don Wash requires more coats
• Slightly less pigmented than competitors
3. Granny B’s – Black Betty & Mushroom
A South African Brand That Exceeds Expectations
Granny B’s chalk paint may not have the international recognition of Annie Sloan, but what it lacks in global exposure, it makes up for in local quality. Affordable,
accessible, and richly pigmented, it’s become a top choice for serious upcyclers and decorators in South Africa.
• Black Betty: A deep, true black with no undertones — bold and consistent.
• Mushroom: A neutral, very light grey with exceptional balance and soft warmth.
Application & Performance
Granny B’s stood out in this test. On old pine, both colours applied smoothly and with excellent opacity, even over uneven textures and aged grains. Mushroom, in particular, covered beautifully in just one coat, something neither Don Wash nor Old White managed to do. Black Betty offered a bold, uniform coat with no dragging or streaking.
Finish
Delivers an authentic, ultra-matte chalky finish that doesn’t require additional sealing. The result is soft to the touch, yet surprisingly durable for indoor furniture applications.
Coverage
Outstanding — averaging 14–15m² per litre depending on the surface. High pigment load means fewer coats are needed.
Pros:
• Excellent pigmentation and coverage
• True matte chalk finish
• Self-sealing but still authentic in texture
• Affordable and locally made
• Performs exceptionally well on aged, textured wood
• Eco-friendly and safe for kids
Cons:
• Thicker consistency may need light thinning for fine detailing
• Not yet widely available in all retailers
Final Verdict: The Best in Class
Each brand reviewed here has merit, depending on the project and budget:
• Annie Sloan is ideal for premium projects where refinement and tradition matter.
• Tjhoko Paint offers a simplified, beginner-friendly system for decorative projects and lifestyle interiors. But when it comes to overall performance, coverage, finish, and value — Granny B’s is the standout. Tested on real, aged pine furniture, it delivered superior results with fewer coats, true matte texture, and rich pigmentation, all without needing a topcoat. Its practicality and quality make it our top recommendation for South Africans looking to transform furniture with confidence and creativity.