The Principles of Faux, the most comprehensive faux finishing class available.

The Principles of Faux is our core class. In this class, you will learn about all decorative painting techniques.Our goal for this class is to prepare you for the professional world of Decorative Painting. The instructor for this class is Andre` Martinez, a nationally recognized craftsman who divides his time between teaching and working in the field. We hope to see you in class soon!

The Principles of Faux is our core class. In this class, you will learn about all decorative painting techniques. The structure of the curriculum was formatted with these particular goals in mind:

    1. To provide a base understanding of project preparation and tool usage, ensuring a smooth launch and completion of any project.

    2. To establish a fundamental understanding of the working properties of all decorative painting and plastering mediums, and to create a core understanding of the chemical properties of current market products and their particular application ( i.e. what paints/plasters are suited for interior vs. exterior applications, etc...).Product names and labels can be confusing in todays world. With this in mind, we have created a language that helps you distinguish particular categories of products and their relationship to your project.

    3. To create a learning tree that relates particular application methods to physical characteristics of each medium. For example, how does a light body plaster react to brushing as an application vs. troweling, and how this technique is applicable when you are trying to accomplish a particular look.

    4. To make the student aware of the semantics used to describe color characteristics so that he/she can better communicate this with the client or product manufacturer.

    5. To show the history of color craft and how students can refine their own craft through the use of colorant systems in the current marketplace. Help create a system for matching and mixing color. Introduce creative ways to keep color records and sample libraries for clients.

    6. To develop a foundation in understanding color harmony, and to provide a structure for future learning in this life long study.

    7. Techniques to be learned:

Wall glazing            

Watermarking                

Color washing

Sky muraling            

Faux patina                 

Distressing

Dry brushing and antiquing    

Wood graining             

Marbling

Imbedding            

Decoupage                

Acrylic Plastering

Flooring        

Embossing/Onlays            

Debossing

Faux stone            

Toning                

Wall upholstery

Extruding            

Stenciling                

Gilding

Crackling            

Lime paint                 

Venetian plaster

Marmorino            

Travertino

    8. To enhance good business practices and establish a fundamental knowledge in:

Estimating        

Portfolio development            

Presentations        

Marketing            

Following trends             

Creating referrals

Product experimentation dos and donts                

Sales

Business structure (planning for the future)

Working with third party clients (i.e. designers, architects, building contractors...)

This class runs Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm (approx. 45 hrs). Continental breakfast and lunches are provided. Additionally, students receive a complimentary brush, and a portfolio with which to carry their samples. This class is hands-on; you will produce approx 20, 2x2 sample boards which you take home at the end of the week. On these boards, there will be 2-5 techniques studied. Any one of these techniques can provide a basis for an entire career. This is the best decorative painting class in the world.

Our goal for this class is to prepare you for the professional world of Decorative Painting. The instructor for this class is Andre` Martinez, a nationally recognized craftsman who divides his time between teaching and working in the field. We hope to see you in class soon!