Everything You Need to Know
What Is Chalk Paint?
What is chalk paint and why is it different?
Chalk paint is a water-based, matte decorative paint designed to stick to almost any surface with little to no preparation. Unlike standard paint, chalk paint requires no sanding, no priming, and no separate topcoat either.
At Evernew Creative in Eumundi, we use Tjhoko chalk paint, an all-in-one formula with a built-in primer and sealer that takes chalk paint a step further than most brands on the market.
TJHOKO VS OTHER CHALK PAINTS
There are several chalk paint brands available in Australia, Here is everything you need to know when comparing them.
Feature
TJHOKO
MOST OTHER CHALK PAINTS
Built-in sealer/topcoat
Yes, sealer is in the formula
Usually requires separate wax or varnish
Built-in primer
Yes
Often requires primer on tricky surfaces
Prep required
Minimal, clean, dry, grease-free
Often requires sanding or deglosser
Food-safe /
non-toxic
Water-based, non-toxic
Varies by brand
Works on fabric
Yes, stays flexible when dry
Often cracks or goes stiff
Works on glass
Yes
Limited
Works on Metal
Yes
Often needs rust treatment first
Separate wax needed
No — already sealed
Usually yes
WHAT SURFACES CAN YOU PAINT WITH CHALK PAINT?
Chalk paint is one of the most versatile paints available. Tjhoko in particular sticks to a wide range of surfaces without needing separate primers or prep products. Here's a breakdown by surface type.
Furniture
Walls
Metal
Plastic
Glass/Ceramics
Fabric
Timber, MDF, melamine, chipboard, previously painted or varnished pieces — chalk paint adheres to all of it. It's the go-to paint for upcycling furniture, refreshing tired pieces, and transforming flat-pack basics into something with real character.
Chalk paint on furniture
Tjhoko chalk paint creates a beautiful matte, textured finish on interior walls — a popular choice for feature walls, creative spaces, and interiors where you want more depth than standard wall paint provides.
Chalk paint on walls
Old metal furniture, garden pieces, tin, enamel items, and vintage finds all respond well to chalk paint. Tjhoko's built-in sealer means the finish holds up without a separate topcoat, and aged or distressed effects look especially striking on metal surfaces.
Chalk paint on metal
Clean, dry plastic — chairs, plant pots, storage containers — takes chalk paint without primer. A light scuff with sandpaper improves adhesion even further.
Chalk paint on PLASTIC
Vases, glass jars, plant pots, tiles, and ceramic dishes can all be chalk painted without primer. The results are striking — especially when you combine opaque coverage with layered or translucent techniques.
Chalk paint on glass and ceramics
This is where Tjhoko genuinely stands out from most chalk paints. Cushion covers, upholstery, canvas bags, shoes, denim, linen, and drop sheets can all be painted with Tjhoko and remain flexible once dry — no cracking or stiffening.
Chalk paint on Fabric
Design Principles
Mike McKinley
I care deeply about details, material junctions, and flow — the things you feel even if you don’t see them.
I steer clear of designs that prioritize image over atmosphere — or noise over nuance. I avoid flashy trends and over-designed spaces that don’t last.
I focus on details, because details make the difference.
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How I can help
Floor plan layout
Styling (surfaces, sofas, beds, walls, etc.)
Colour schemes
Furniture & home decor selection and placement
Lighting solutions
Stores and brands to consider
Paint/wall treatments and drapery
Window treatments
Cabinetry and bespoke furniture
Career advice for aspiring designers
Frequently Asked Questions
Author support
Is there a difference between author support and technical supervision? What exactly do you do?
Author's support is the author's verification of the conformity of the project with what has been built.
There is also technical supervision, which is a check of the compliance of works (and materials) with building codes, quality standards, and technological work schedules.
Technical supervision of large construction projects is carried out by a specialist (or group of specialists) with construction education and experience; in low-rise construction, as a rule, the developer
YD interior studio itself performs only author's support.
Visualization / Implementation
Is there a difference between author support and technical supervision? What exactly do you do?
Author's support is the author's verification of the conformity of the project with what has been built.
There is also technical supervision, which is a check of the compliance of works (and materials) with building codes, quality standards, and technological work schedules.
Technical supervision of large construction projects is carried out by a specialist (or group of specialists) with construction education and experience; in low-rise construction, as a rule, the developer
YD interior studio itself performs only author's support.
Client communication
Is there a difference between author support and technical supervision? What exactly do you do?
Author's support is the author's verification of the conformity of the project with what has been built.
There is also technical supervision, which is a check of the compliance of works (and materials) with building codes, quality standards, and technological work schedules.
Technical supervision of large construction projects is carried out by a specialist (or group of specialists) with construction education and experience; in low-rise construction, as a rule, the developer
YD interior studio itself performs only author's support.
Pricing
Is there a difference between author support and technical supervision? What exactly do you do?
Author's support is the author's verification of the conformity of the project with what has been built.
There is also technical supervision, which is a check of the compliance of works (and materials) with building codes, quality standards, and technological work schedules.
Technical supervision of large construction projects is carried out by a specialist (or group of specialists) with construction education and experience; in low-rise construction, as a rule, the developer
YD interior studio itself performs only author's support.
Projects abroad
Is there a difference between author support and technical supervision? What exactly do you do?
Author's support is the author's verification of the conformity of the project with what has been built.
There is also technical supervision, which is a check of the compliance of works (and materials) with building codes, quality standards, and technological work schedules.
Technical supervision of large construction projects is carried out by a specialist (or group of specialists) with construction education and experience; in low-rise construction, as a rule, the developer
YD interior studio itself performs only author's support.
Project timeframe and ETAs
Is there a difference between author support and technical supervision? What exactly do you do?
Author's support is the author's verification of the conformity of the project with what has been built.
There is also technical supervision, which is a check of the compliance of works (and materials) with building codes, quality standards, and technological work schedules.
Technical supervision of large construction projects is carried out by a specialist (or group of specialists) with construction education and experience; in low-rise construction, as a rule, the developer
YD interior studio itself performs only author's support.
Let's create a space that tells your unique story. Book a consultation today and begin your design journey.