Faux Painting School Decorative Painting Classes

WelcomeFaux Finishing Decorative Artist Instructor

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.

Complete Kitchen

Come spend time with other artisans getting and sharing great ideas, new colors, advanced techniques, and learning to make your work both easier and more fulfilling. Excite your clients with a great new array of sample boards which will increase your bottom-line.

In this class we will focus just on the kitchen and all its components, excluding counter tops. You will learn how to change the kitchen cabinetry to a “factory look-a-like” finish. You will also have several wall finishes to choose from, including lime plaster.

You will leave the class with the ability to complete finishes for the following surfaces:

  • Ceiling
  • Crown Molding
  • Walls
  • Over hang exhaust fans
  • Back splash
  • Cabinetry using a HVLP sprayer
  • Baseboard
  • Flooring
Just a few samples being demostrated:

At our studio, you will be able to "try before you buy,” and gain experience using multiple products from a variety of different manufacturers. This will allow you to learn how materials interact with each other, and help you to develop your own unique style and look. Sample the best from DuRock, Bella Products, Oikos, Perfetto, Blue Pearl, Golden Proceed, and so many others. Why limit yourself to one product or one product line? Compare quality and combine the products to achieve the best results!

Finishing Touch

West Dundee artist puts paintbrush to work with mural art, interior painting business
November 22, 2009 By MIKE DANAHEY

Artist David Cook, who specializes in several painting techniques, including elaborate murals, poses with one of his works in Elgin, on Oct. 30. 
(Andrew A. Nelles /For TheSun-Times Media)

While suburban subdivisions tend to blend together with their bland shades of vinyl siding, David Cook of West Dundee gives the interiors of area homes a fresh coat of individuality with his business.

Cook operates D'Franco Decorative Finishes (www.dfrancofinishes.com), which provides clients with faux finishing and custom murals as well as traditional interior painting. This is his seventh year in business.

Cook recently answered five questions for us about his company. Here is what he had to say.

1. Where did you learn to draw and paint, and what are the challenges of doing what you do?

I always played around with a pencil and paint brush, but I would say it was my 10th-grade art teacher who pushed me to be better and would not accept anything mediocre that got me to where I am at today.
I think the biggest challenge of a wall mural is scale. For example, our last full room mural was a safari scene. The client wanted more animals and scenery than there was wall space, so to accommodate the mural, we painted over all of the doors in the room, treated everything in the room as part of our canvas.

2. What are some of the most interesting murals you have created?

The most elaborate mural was a scene of the Eiffel Tower. The mural is about 15 feet wide and about 21 feet tall, and what made the hardest mural is that is was painted in a foyer staircase, so we had little room for ladders.

The most unusual or comical was a game room we painted to go along with a "Peanuts" theme. We had everything from Lucy pulling the football from Charlie Brown to Snoopy as the Red Baron flying overhead.

3. How many people help you with your work?

I do not have any other full-time employees, but have numerous people and companies that I will work with when extra manpower is needed.

4. With the economy the way it is, why do you think you have been able to keep busy?

As soon as painting became full-time, I started working with Realtors, decorators, stagers and networking groups. By offering so many styles of "painting," we can fill any order when the call comes in. We have just started venturing into the automotive side of murals (motorcycle tanks, helmets, car hoods, et al), so we are now adding a whole new market to our business.

5. Who are your favorite painters?

For faux finishing, the person who has helped me the most is Kathy Carroll from the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes (online at www.gofaux.com). For murals, my favorite artist is Cory Saint Clair (a California-based artist who specializes in air-brushed work, which can be seen online at www.myspace.com/artbycorysaintclair1.)

 

For new classes, see our workshop schedule. Check out Learn Faux Now, the Web’s first faux finishing technique training classes where you can work in your home at your own pace with products and boards included.

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

Hiring a Professional Faux Finishing

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 >

Faux Finishing Certification:

The Real Story!

Faux Finishing Certification Decorative Arts CertificationWhat 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”.

Get the Whole Story

Contact Faux Finishing School

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

Faux Finishing Courses

Below is a list of our faux painting classes. Click on More Available Course for links to faux finishing course descriptions.

1/15/09-
1/16/09
Professional Update
2/5/09-
2/6/09
Professional Update
2/10/09-
2/12/09
Great Beginnings
2/15/09-
2/16/09
Meoded Plasters
2/19/09-
2/20/09
Tattoo Wall
3/8/09-
3/10/09
Professional Update
3/15/09-
3/17/09
Complete Kitchen
More Available Courses >

Newsletter
Sign up now for our up-to-date, informative newsletter all about the business and products of Faux Finishing:

Faux Finishing Decorative Arts Newsletter

Faux Finishing Classes Registration

2008 Faux Finishing Classes Registration

Choosing a Faux Finishing School & Decorative Arts School

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

Get the detailed information!

Faux Finishing & Decorative Arts Community

Faux Finishing Newsletter
Recipes for Faux Finish Success
Helpful Links for Faux Finishing
Networking
Student Testimonials

Faux Finish Decorative arts products online orders for the faux industry

Faux Finishing Decorative Arts Decorative Artist elearning and faux finishing computer training decorative artist faux finishers muralist

 

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