Education

Train With a Master

Hands-on instruction in the world's most demanding plaster traditions. Small cohorts. No shortcuts. Application required.

The Format

This Is Not a Workshop.

Our training is modeled on the European apprenticeship tradition — rigorous, hands-on, and deeply technical. Classes are limited to 8 students, held in-person, and structured around real-world application from day one. You leave with skills, not a certificate for a wall.

In-Person 3 Days ≤8 Students Beginner–Intermediate

Venetian Plaster Foundations

Master the fundamentals of authentic Venetian plaster — material science, substrate prep, application layers, burnishing, and finishing. European lime products and tools included.

Coming 2026 Southeast US

In-Person 4 Days ≤8 Students Intermediate–Advanced

Ornamental Restoration Workshop

Cornice profiling, medallion casting, run-in-place moldings, and period repair techniques. Learn to read historic plaster and restore it to original intent.

Coming 2026 Mid-Atlantic

In-Person 5 Days ≤6 Students Advanced

Advanced Lime Techniques

Deep immersion in historic lime plaster systems — hot lime, aged putty, three-coat applications, tadelakt, marmorino, and scagliola. For serious craftspeople only.

Coming 2026 Baltimore, MD

Stay Informed

Join the Interest List

Classes are announced to the interest list first. Leave your info and we'll notify you when new cohorts open.

Training Program

Venetian Plaster Foundations

3-Day intensive. Beginner to Intermediate. ≤8 students. In-person.

Overview

What You'll Learn

Material science: lime putty, marble dust, pigments, and European finishes
Substrate preparation and compatibility testing
First and second coat application — timing, thickness, and rhythm
Burnishing technique with steel trowel — building depth and luminosity
Wax finishing and protection
Color development and custom tinting
Troubleshooting common defects
Hands-on practice on full panels — start to finish

Who This Class Is For

Plasterers looking to add Venetian to their capabilities. Interior designers who want to specify with authority. Architects and restoration contractors who need to understand the material at depth.

What's Included

All materials provided

Trowels and tools

Lunch daily

Certificate of completion

Reference manual

30-day follow-up Q&A

Enrollment by Application

Tuition is shared upon review of your application. We accept applicants based on fit, not first-come-first-served. Not every applicant will be accepted.

Training Program

Ornamental Restoration Workshop

4-Day intensive. Intermediate to Advanced. ≤8 students. In-person.

Overview

What You'll Learn

Reading historic plaster — identifying period, composition, and intent
Run-in-place cornice and molding technique
Gauged plaster and lime putty formulations
Casting and recasting ornamental elements (medallions, corbels, rosettes)
Consolidation, keying, and patching historic substrates
Period-accurate repair and in-painting technique
Documentation and specification writing for preservation projects

Enrollment by Application

Prerequisites apply. Applicants should have basic plastering experience. Tuition shared upon acceptance.

Training Program

Advanced Lime Techniques

5-Day intensive. Advanced practitioners only. ≤6 students. Baltimore, MD.

Overview

What You'll Learn

Hot lime and aged putty production and use
Traditional three-coat scratch/brown/finish plaster systems
Tadelakt — Moroccan waterproof lime plaster technique
Marmorino — polished lime with marble aggregate
Scagliola — faux stone plaster, historic and contemporary applications
Fresco preparation and lime-compatible pigment systems
Material sourcing and quality assessment

Prerequisites: Demonstrated experience with lime-based materials. Portfolio review required with application.

Enrollment by Application — Advanced Track

This is the most selective class we offer. Fewer than 6 seats per cohort. Applicants will be reviewed on experience and portfolio.

Train With a Master

This Is Not a Workshop.

Venetian Plaster Foundations

Ornamental Restoration Workshop

Advanced Lime Techniques

Join the Interest List

Venetian Plaster Foundations

What You'll Learn

Who This Class Is For

What's Included

Enrollment by Application

Class Details

Ornamental Restoration Workshop

What You'll Learn

Enrollment by Application

Class Details

Advanced Lime Techniques

What You'll Learn

Enrollment by Application — Advanced Track

Class Details