Upcoming Courses:

Time to sign-up for Cait Whitson’s Marbling and Graining class

Time is running out to sign up for Cait Whitson’s marbling and graining class.  We are very excited to have Cait Whitson, one of the foremost faux finishers in the UK, at The Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes to teach her marbling and graining techniques.  During the class you will receive hands-on instruction on brush technique and methods of building depth and realism.  At the end of the course you will have completed nine sample boards in the following finishes:  Oak, Mahogany, Satinwood, Walnut Burl, Carrara, Porto, Grey Breche, Sienna, and Verte Antique

The class runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 7-11.  Space is limited, so the class will fill up fast.  The course will be located at the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes and the all inclusive fee of $1,695.00 includes continental breakfast, lunch and all supplies.  Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to broaden your portfolio and learn from a world renowned artisan.  Reserve your spot today by calling (800) 797-4305 or sending an e-mail to kcarroll@fauxbykathy.com

Cait Whitson, the course instructor, has been involved in the decorative arts since 1985. She trained in London at Leonard Pardon’s School for Specialist Decoration and at the late Bill Holgate’s school. Established in 1996, Cait’s current business Carte Blanche attracts clients throughout the UK and Europe, including titled people, noted families and owners of historic houses. She teaches at her own studio, which is the only private School of Decorative Finishes in her native Scotland, and travels extensively to instruct at technical colleges worldwide.

Why attend the SALI Convention?

It’s that time of year again!  The SALI (Stencil Artisans League, Inc.) Convention is right around the corner and you may be asking yourself why you should attend. 

This year’s convention will be from July 21-26 in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina.    This location affords attendees many opportunities for touring local historical and scenic attractions making it not only a great place for the convention, but possibly a great way to extend your visit into a family vacation.  As always the SALI convention offers the perfect environment for social and networking opportunities.  Reconnect with old friends and make new ones at the conventions various events and classes.  There will also be an awards banquet on the last evening of the convention serving as a grand finale to the events. 

The SALI Convention provides an ideal learning environment.  With numerous classes and lectures to choose from for all levels of expertise from beginner to advanced there is something for everyone.  The classes and lectures are all taught by the best names in the industry.  You will also be able to view new product and technique demonstrations Thursday through Saturday.  What a perfect place to expand your knowledge and skills in all areas of your business. 

During the convention, SALI’s new name will be revealed.  They have been hard at work choosing a name to better encompass all members of the organization.  If that wasn’t enough to get you to attend, as a special treat, you will also have the opportunity to meet George Zaffle. Last, but certainly not least, there will be an opportunity to participate in a design contest and the creation of the resulting mural to be donated to The MUSC (The Medical University of South Carolina) Children’s Hospital. 

With so much to gain from attending the better question may be why wouldn’t you attend?

Faux By Kathy - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently I am asked for a wax made for lime that is impervious to water.  The wax we recommend is Cera Protettiva (protective wax) by Oikos.  We have used it successfully over the following lime products.  Provencial Lime Butter, Oikos Lime Paint, Oikos Traditional Plaster and Oikos Natural Marmorino. 

PROTECTIVE WAX by OIKOS is a special transparent protective wax for interiors and exteriors, formulated to be used in connection with the cycle NATURAL MARMORINO, SHINING MARMORINO FINISH, Traditional Plaster and Lime Butter by OIKOS.  The composition consists of waxes in dispersion and additives aimed to ease the application. 

PROTECTIVE WAX does not reduce the vapor permeability of the surface making it instead water repellent, non-yellowing, and resistant to cleaning and rubbing. 
The product is odorless, not toxic, not flammable, and harmless to the environment and human life.

Technical characteristics: the application
Dilution: Ready to use.
Yield: 15-20 sq. meters/liter according to surface absorbency.
Application tools Soft cloth.
Base coat PURE LIME FINISH by OIKOS.
Drying time: tack free 1 hour.
Drying time: fully cured 4 days.
Tools cleaning:  Water.
Warning: Protect the surface from the rain until the product is fully cured

Technical characteristics: the product
Composition Waxes in water dispersion, additives.
Keep from freezing.
Fire reaction: Negative when applied onto not flammable surfaces.  It is a water-based product with dry thickness less than 0.60 mm.
Available colors: Not colored.
Packaging: 1 and 4 liter.

Toxicological data
The product is free of any harmful substances, pigments or other components containing heavy metals such as lead or chrome.  Further to this, the product contains no toxic solvents, aromatics or chlorides.  There is no risk of any dangerous polymerization.  The
product is non-combustible and is held to be a non-toxic substance if used in the technically correct manner.  Normal cautionary measures for the handling of water-based paints are advised.  No special arrangements are required for the storage, movement and transportation of the product, any spillage should be cleaned up using absorbent inert material such as sand, soil etc. and then disposed of as any normal waste product according to national and regional current regulations.  

Surface preparation
Wait 7 days after the application of the cycle NATURAL MARMORINO – PURE LIME FINISH by OIKOS.

Application method
The product is ready to use.  Apply two coats of PROTECTIVE WAX by OIKOS uniformly, by circular movements, using a soft cloth dip into the product.  Wait 1 hour between coats.  Protect the surface from the rain until the product is fully cured.