3-Day Italian Lime Plaster Course

Also known as Venetian Plaster Workshop
Instructor: Ronald Layman
Location: The Faux School – Frederick, Maryland
Duration: 3 Full Days | Investment: $1,100

COURSE OVERVIEW

This immersive, hands-on workshop is designed to introduce students to the full spectrum of authentic Italian lime plaster techniques using Italian-made materials. Each day builds upon the previous, offering deep technical knowledge and real-world application skills.

Students will leave with multiple completed sample boards, certification of completion, and the knowledge to begin offering these finishes professionally.

DAY 1: Foundations & Application Techniques

Morning Session: Surface Prep & Base Knowledge

– Introduction to Italian lime plaster history and materials
– Overview of Italian terminology: Grasello, Marmorino, Travertino, etc.
– Surface preparation methods for interior/exterior applications
– Base coat mixing and application techniques

Afternoon Session: Hands-on with Marmorino & Lime Paint
– Application of Marmorino Classic and Marmorino Venezia
– Layering and smoothing techniques
– Introduction to Sil Calche (lime paint): application and drying process
– Color mixing fundamentals

Hands-On Exercises:
– Students apply base coats and Marmorino to boards
– Lime paint wash techniques and tonal layering

DAY 2: Advanced Texture, Compression & Burnishing

Morning Session: Travertino & Texture Effects
– Mixing and applying Travertino for stone-like effects
– Creating depth, character, and texture with tools
– Layering techniques for aged/antiqued looks

Afternoon Session: Compression, Burnishing & Detail Work

Timing your compression: working with the “open time” of lime|
Polishing and burnishing techniques for sheen development
Creating subtle texture vs high-polish effects

Hands-On Exercises:
Students work on sample panels using Travertino
Apply compression and burnishing to previous Marmorino samples

DAY 3: Finishes, Waxes, Sealers & Floor Applications

Morning Session: Top Coats, Waxes & Sealers
Using Beeswax and Polishing Wax for sheen and durability
Top coat layering for protection and aesthetics
Application methods for walls, wet areas, and floors

Afternoon Session: Tool Use & Final Panels

Review of specialty trowels, spatulas, and brushes
Tool care and maintenance
Finalizing and labeling student boards
Q&A and certificate presentation

Hands-On Exercises:
Final sealing and waxing of sample panels
Optional floor sample or custom texture practice

Tools & Materials Provided

All tools and materials included. Authentic Bernini plasters:
Grasello
Marmorino (Classic & Venezia)
Travertino
Sil Calche (Lime Paint)
Savon Marseille, Beeswax, Polishing Wax
Use of all specialty trowels, spatulas, burnishers, and sponges

What You Take Home
10-12 completed sample boards
Full course manual with detailed notes and step by step photos
Certificate of completion
Confidence to apply lime plaster professionally
Exclusive access to product purchasing

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Decorative finishers
Plaster artisans
Painters seeking upskilling
Designers and architects
DIY enthusiasts with serious interest in old-world finishes

plaster burnishing techniques

3-Day Italian Lime Plaster Course