The Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes, Faux Finishing & Decorative Arts School was established in 1998, and we have successfully trained hundreds of professional faux finishers. Many well known instructors have been trained by Kathy Carroll. Our integrity and dedication to using only the “best of the best” has made us a leader in the industry. We are proud to be an online resource for all faux finishers and aspiring professionals. We will be your one-stop shop for all things faux.
We are excited that you have decided to learn, or improve your skills in, the faux finishing process. We understand that choosing the right faux finishing school is important. You have probably spent hours or even days researching faux finishing schools, faux finish classes, studios and instructors. Faux finishing classes are proliferating throughout the country. As it gains in popularity, more faux finishing schools are launched every day. How do you, the prospective student, choose the right faux finishing classes for you? We give you all the information you need to make the right decision for you.
Additionally, we’ll help you select the best faux finishing tools and supplies through shopping at FauxbyKathy.
The best news of all? We are dedicated to helping you, the professional faux finisher, find the best products, services, classes and support. |
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Professional Decorative Painters Association;
History in the Making
 There has been a lot of talk about the Professional Decorative Painters Association lately, and with good reason! The 2nd Annual Education Summit is coming up and is guaranteed to transport you across time, through history and into the worlds that have known decorative painting.
Before we get into the exciting details, why was PDPA created? PDPA was created not only to carry on the tradition and history of decorative painting, but also to build a greater understanding of this career, as a greater aid for future learning. PDPA members band together through a shared craft while maintaining a strict code of ethics. Speaking with Andre Martinez, Board President and Education Chair, “PDPA was started in 2003 as a local organization in Colorado. It was in 2004 or 2005 that we decided to go international and took on a larger Board. We operated off of specific initiatives: Education, Ethics, Technology and Community. We produce work for the industry as well as provide benefits. We give to the industry; we are an inflow. There is a gap between the decorative world and architecture; we fill that gap worldwide. The PDPA offers many types of memberships,” Andre explains. “For all of our members, we market to the design industry as well as to the public. We have a lot of painters who have received work from that networking. We are promoting decorative painting to the world.” The Professional Decorative Painters Association is actively working to educate the general public about what decorative painting is and then provide access to the Professionals that can accomplish their projects.
 As the anticipation builds, Andre shares some of the exciting events that will unfold over the 3 day Education Summit. “Every year in Golden, Colorado it becomes all about education. This year it is September 8th, 9th and 10th. It is free to professional members and above. The event is open to the public, and architects and designers will be there too. It’s a huge public event; like a fair built around decorative painting. The theme this year is the history of decorative painting. We will have Impulse Theater, a local improv group; bringing to life 12 characters from Nero to Louis Comfort Tiffany. Each skit is designed to educate people on key points in history that had an impact on Decorative Painting. We will also have live music that will begin with Ancient classical style and continue through the ages to modern music.”
As a member of the steering committee, Kathy Carroll will be heading to Colorado to share in the festivities for the 2011 Education Summit in Golden, Colorado this September. It promises to be an amazing time of days of old artfully blended in a symphony of song, color and design leading into the future. As Kathy is always staying on top of the latest trends, the most exciting and cutting edge designs, she is sure to be involved with the PDPA. As a strong instructor and incredibly knowledgeable leader herself she will be a valuable asset. Kathy is looking forward to the upcoming Summit and hopes to see you there! |
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 Meoded Decorative Paint and Plaster
From the timeless beauty of a Marmorino finish to the playful array of glittery, shimmery or soft decorative paints, Meoded Decorative Paint and Plaster will meet your every need. First impressions as well as long lasting ones are important in any industry, especially the decorative painting industry. Meoded Paint and Plaster ensures that with their high quality products and low VOC components their products will deliver the results that will exceed your clients expectations!
They are a company dedicated to keeping their manufacturing in the United States. Highly concerned about the world we live in; their products are all environmentally friendly. They care about the high quality of their product as well as the people who are working with them. Dan Watson, Marketing Manager, says, “We are committed to maintaining environmentally friendly products and to thinking of future products. There will be new products out next year!”
 Speaking with Dan, he informs us of two very unique and playful decorative paints that Meoded manufactures. “The Sapphire Metallic paint is the only low VOC metallic line out on the market. It also has superior washability. Most metallic paints do not accept colorants; however, this product will allow you to mix universal colorants in. Just play with it and have fun!” Crystal Brush is a phenomenal product to give a glistening beauty to a room, a perfect sparkle to fairies wings or a startling shimmer to a ceiling. Dan describes how simple this product is to use. “Crystal Brush is easy to apply; we recommend applying two coats with a brush. It’s a great product for stenciling as well as art work. This product is exceptional for ceilings, commercial spaces, really anything. It’s fun and unique. It is available in six colors: White Pearl, Gold, Silver, Copper, Brown and Red. From there it can be custom tinted and glitter can be added for custom effects. As with all our products, this one is low VOC.”
Recently, Meoded Decorative Paint and Plaster has partnered with Granicrete International. Dan gives some insightful information on this venture. “We have started working with Granicrete and our product is now available for order. They have incorporated some of our metallic paints with their Aurastone finishing system. They are a great partner and are enthusiastic as well as having the inroads with many professional people and quality products. We have shared new information and ideas with each other that has been mutually beneficial. It is an ideal partnership.”
Kathy Carroll has had many wonderful results with these products and as such is a proud distributor. In her classes she uses Meoded Plasters enhancing the beauty, depth and incredible texture to any design she wishes to create and instruct. Kathy has had tremendous success with these products and knows the ins and outs of them. As always, she graciously extends her expertise to her fellow artisans in her classes or when questions arise. Call today and place your order. Your clients will be astounded by the array of choices and quality that you are able to provide and deliver! |
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Come join Kathy Carroll and create 12 new exiting 19”X20” samples with inspirations that sizzle! Astound your clients with the beauty, sensuality and truly unique high quality samples to update your portfolio that will be created in this 2 day class held October 21st through October 22nd .
For those of you who were not able to attend Kathy’s sold out class at IDAL, here is your opportunity to have the same, if not even better experience, at Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes studio.
Trowel to your heart’s content with variations that render your clients and designers alike speechless with these new artistic designs. Delve into the vast array of bold patterns along with new colors that have been forecasted for 2012-2013 to whet your appetite and transcend your greatest expectations.
This class focuses on perfecting techniques to maximize your profit margins while padding your portfolio with these incredible in demand samples. Whether you have lots of old inventory, or you just want to update your portfolio, then this class is for you. Register for Inspiration with Sizzle today!
Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes "Inspirations that Sizzle" Class
October 21and 22, 2011
$595 per student
50% DEPOSIT required in advance to reserve space.
Balance due upon registration.
(Transportation and lodging not included;)
Call to register 800 797-4305
or
Register by Email |
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September's Sample Pack
Keep your portfolio up to date with high quality boards sent right to your door each month! Each Quick Inspirations sample pack includes a 9 x 10 sample with a recipe for the finish as well as three 3 x 3 color waves. What an amazing addition to your portfolio without the demands on your time!
Try our sample pack for only $27.50. For the most cost effective savings order a 12 month supply at only $260 and receive a new Quick Inspirations sample pack delivered to your door each month. Call now, we look forward to hearing from you!
Click Here to purchase Quick Inspirations sample pack >
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What Faux Finish Classes Do We Offer?
What classes are offered in 2008?
View 2008 Class Calendar
Accommodations & Attractions
When You Get Here..
Faux Finish Student Testimonials
Faux Finishing Lingo.. What's that?
How to Choose a Faux Finish School
20 Questions you MUST ask a Prospective Faux Finishing School |
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Want to hire a talented and qualified faux finish professional? Learn what you need to ask to make sure that your prospective Faux Finish Artisan is properly trained and will give you the best quality faux painting work.
More > |
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 What is certification in faux finishing? Every faux finishing school in the country will offer a Certificate upon completion of a professional faux finish class. A "certificate of completion", however, does not a Certified Faux Finisher make!
Certification or Mastery Programs in faux finishing, currently available in Europe only, take years of undying devotion. Unfortunately, “certification” in the United States, no matter how attractively packaged, is just a faux finish school certificate. It does not make one a “Certified Decorative Painter”.
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Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes
504 East St. Charles Rd,
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Toll Free: 800-797-4305
Phone: 630-653-2400
FAX: 630-653-4671
kcarroll@fauxbykathy.com |
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Below is a list of our faux painting
classes. Click on More Available Course for links to faux finishing course descriptions.
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Sign up now for our up-to-date, informative newsletter all about the business and products of Faux Finishing:
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What do you need to know or ask to ensure that you have chosen the best faux finishing instruction? Here is a list of issues you should consder:
#1- Amount and Quality of Support
#2 - Faux Finish Product Lines
#3 - "Sell-ability" of Finishes Taught
#4 -Complete Business Classes
#5 - Number of Students in Class
#6 - Professional Quality Tools
#7 - Number of Faux Finishing Samples
#8 - Sample Boards Quality & Size
#9 - Extra Perks and Discounts
#10 - Detailed Instruction Manual
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Faux Finishing Newsletter
Recipes for Faux Finish Success
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Student Testimonials |
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