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!