Check out our new Seattle Architectural Finishing Studio and Venetian Plastering blog:

http://www.seattleafs.com/blog/

We've already posted a lot of great project photos of interior and exterior Stucco Italiano projects from some of our best applicators, and more techniques, tips, stories, videos, and photos are on the way.  Check it out and leave us a comment to let us know what you think!

Dates for the trip are now October 26th through November 4th.  You'll want to arrive in Venice no later than October 25th, and leave no earlier than November 1st.  There will be an optional 3-day excursion to Venice for those who can stay through until November 4th.

Giovanni Polistena, owner of Stucco Italiano, will be teaching the class.  He is an amazing finisher with over 30 years of experience.  As well as manufacturing the Stucco Italiano line, he also runs projects throughout the world in some of the most exclusive homes and businesses. 

We'll also have the opportunity to tour the Veneto region, and in particular visit some of the historical villas of Andrea Palladio.  He was specifying polished Marmorino finishes 500 years ago, so we'll get to see how well these lime plaster finishes stand the test of time.

Vicenza's a wonderful city.  I've stayed there twice in the past two years.  It has some of Palladio's greatest work in the town center, and is a great jumping off point to explore the Veneto region.  It's not as touristed as some of the surrounding towns like Verona, so you can really relax and enjoy life like an Italian when you stay there, at least that's how I felt. 

The exchange rate's kind of rough, no doubt.  That's one of the reasons we changed the dates this year from late June to the fall.  Better air fares and better room rates.  Plus at least half a dozen people said they definitely wanted to go but just couldn't deal with being gone for 10-14 days during their busiest time of the year.  So start saving now because I promise, it will be worth it -  this will be a great trip!

Here's a link to a two page PDF with more details:  "http://www.seattleafs.com/pdf/italy_info.pdf 

If you're interested give us a call at the Studio, 206 838 5888, for more info. 

Here's some photos from last October's class with Giovanni:

Working on large surfaces in class will really help you get a feel for applying the material properly.

This is a really helpful little trick for calming down your Venetian Plaster finishes, especially the more saturated colors.  Pay careful attention, though, about not overtinting your wax, be conservative and always test a small area first to be sure.  You have to wait until it dries back to really know what you're going to get.

We'll post more short subject tips in the future so stay tuned.

All kinds of stainless steel Italian Plaster tools at reasonable prices available on our Stucco Italiano website here.

Always been a big fan of brown myself, check it out:

http://decor8.blogspot.com/2008/01/unsinkable-color-brown.html

http://www.fauxforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2273&highlight=

Link: Ask Kevin: Lime plaster shower | Building Green TV.

Here is some advice on how to easily apply Stucco Italiano's Tadelakt. We have included some notes to compare this modern application method with the antique or traditional Moroccan method. It should be noted, however, that more and more in Morocco, installers are using more modern application methods to give a more refined effect compared to those obtained with the rougher, more rustic methods which use less sophisticated tools and less refined products.

Tadelakt - How to apply

The preparation of the substrate is similar to that used with Stucco Italiano Marmorino Carrara. The ideal substrate is new plaster composed of lime, a little cement and sand. It can also be applied over old substrates as long as there is no crumbling and it has been treated with a primer.

Mix a 20 kg. container material with about 6.5 – 7 kg of water. Once the material is well-mixed, it can be colored and then left to rest for about a half an hour. It can then be applied, either that day or the next. (The material will still be good for several days if it is kept in a sealed container away from heat. However, it’s best to apply it within 2 or 3 days.)

After the substrate has been prepared, the first coat, tinted or not (white), is applied with a metal trowel. (With the traditional Moroccan method, it is applied with a tool similar to a Swiss trowel which leaves a slightly wavy surface.) Let the first coat dry completely (overnight). Remember that part of the pattern that is left in the first coat will be visible in the finished work.

Before beginning the second coat, we advise, as we do in the instructions for Marmorino Carrara, to replace all the protective tape. For the second coat, apply the material with the color of your preference with a large, metal trowel. As with Marmorino Carrara, it should be applied over the entire surface smoothing out any marks left by the trowel, keeping in mind that any marks left at this stage with remain visible in the final surface. (For those wishing for a completely smooth surface, pass over the entire surface with a with a sponge float.) Let it dry a little until it loses its shine, which is due to an excess of water. In some places you will see a slight lightening of the color. At this point you can apply the third coat using the same material and the same big trowel, or a smaller one if you chose.

The important thing is to use a trowel with sharp edges. Apply a thin layer, pressing (unifying) the second and the third coat into one thickness. You will have to pass over the surface numerous times, always moving the trowel in different directions until you achieved the desired finish. If you see bubbles appear during this stage, you’ll need to wait a little more before the final burnishing stage.

It may be advantageous at the final stage of polishing to use a plastic trowel, especially with lighter colors, to avoid burning the surface. At this point in traditional Moroccan applications, the burnishing is done with a polished stone that, given its round shape, allows the artisan to follow the wavy surface which has been created in the preceding coats with the Swiss-type trowel.

When the Tadelakt is completely dry, usually after one or more days, it can be protected with a special Moroccan soap (the same one which is still used in the public, Moroccan baths) which is made from olive oil. The soap is spread as is, or diluted up to 100%, with as much water as desired. Since this soap is very dark, we advise that it be well-diluted when applied on light colors in order to avoid unwanted discolorations. Normally it should be applied with a metal trowel, rubbing it on the surface until it is completely absorbed. Any excess soap can be removed using a cloth after about 10 minutes.

Best way we've done and seen done is to put material on your finger - latex glove or finger condom nice to have here - and run it into your corner just like caulk. Easy. Then clean up the wall face you are not working on before proceeding to finish the wall face you are working on. Make sense? I'll do a short video on that soon.

"Of particular value were his excellent insights into the business of decorative painting. I am convinced that his instruction saved me years of hard knock lessons. His knowledge and experience of materials and procedures is invaluable. I have always felt I could give a call when I needed technical support. Years later, I still, on occasion give a call for help."

More on Henshaw Murals on the Featured Student area of our SAFS website. You can also see more at Henshaw Murals.
Thanks for the photos and letter Henshaws! It's always good to hear from successful graduates.

Our Stucco Italiano line consists of non-toxic, natural lime plasters. If you work with our materials you can be confident you are offering your customers a natural alternative to acrylic and cement based materials, both of which do not offer the same naturally green characteristics. Pointing these features out is a good place to start a conversation about what kind of wall finishing materials your customer wants in their home.

Link: Ad agency JWT says blue will be the new green - Green Daily.

Link: materialicious.

materialicious™ is a weblog featuring residential architecture, design, craftsmanship, materials and products. It is edited by Justin Anthony, a New Yorker who is currently residing in Phoenix, AZ., and was a residential restoration specialist for 25 years. He lives The Slow Life.

I love this site - check it out.

Link: Tilano Fresco - Do something great with your photos - DaVinci Tile Kit, Fresco Tile Kit, Marble Coaster Kit, Glass Tile Kit, Ornamento Kit.

Link: Drywall Finish Specifications.