Kickin' It Old School

There’s been a new wave of learning across the globe: internet teaching. Masterclasses are ruling the world. It’s amazing and convenient that people can learn at their own pace, in their own space. Even with the successes of these platforms, there are still individuals who desire in-person interactions. Fear not! The constant calls for hands-on instruction have been heard.

With the acquisition of our new warehouse and at the request of many students, New Age Artisans invited students to embark on a weekend of dialogue, troweling, and nitty-gritty plaster experience. While many students were local, a select few traveled from out of state to attend the workshop. Students brought varied experience levels, optimistic thoughts, and eager hands. Together, we created samples of high gloss, subtle movements, and organic textures.

Day one consisted of friendly introductions, the history of New Age Artisans, an overview of the creation of the PLASTER PORTAL, and lectures on the importance of prep work. We then segued into the necessity of flat base coats to achieve immaculate finish coats. Our dear friend and workshop attendee, Lydia Crowder (@Drywallshorty), brought her new Collomix Xo4R mixing drill for demonstration. After years of burning out several other brands’ drills, we now happily promote Collomix. (@collomix_official) Their high-quality, German-engineered technology supports high speeds and aggressive torque. Combined with their plaster-specific mixing paddle, the drill quickly and quietly whipped up our HERITAGE BLEND into a solution ideal for base coat applications. 

Pushing the envelope, several students left erratic lines in their base coats before enjoying an Athletic Brewing Co. (@athleticbrewing) beverage and retreating to RSVP Motel (@rsvpmotelbzn) for the evening.

With scones and muffins in hand, day two began with highly anticipated finish coats. Students studied their now dry base coats as we discussed the notion of telegraphing lines. This can happen in the REFINED BLEND, but in some cases, CLASSIC BLEND too. Many students chose our Signature Color Lake Reflections integrated into REFINED BLEND. With cautious and excited hands, they troweled finish coats onto their sample boards and artistic walls in a “double-back” fashion. They experimented with Italian CO.ME trowels from Cadoro Plasters and Japanese trowels from Hida Tool. We reiterated the importance of quality tools, clean work surfaces, and accurate trowel strokes.

An accelerated drying period, made possible by utilizing fans, allowed us to embark on sealers and waxes. The class sat in amazement as they learned about the chemical reaction between free lime at the plasters’ surface and the olive oil soap. We supplemented the lesson with our detailed video on the Plaster Portal which guides members through the steps of making their own natural sealer solution at home. This can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in future installations. Once the soap was applied and dry, most students coated their sealed creations with New Age Artisans Punic Wax. Borne of beeswax and carnauba wax, the protective layer can be applied with a trowel or rag for a matte finish. Buffing after the wax dries, creates high gloss perfection.

Having just wet their palettes, the workshop attendees said their goodbyes and boarded planes and vehicles to head home-thirsty for more. In the few short weeks since the class, we have received many images of our plaster BLENDS being successfully installed across the country. While our online class has proven to be successful, we can’t help but recognize and appreciate the value of our one-on-one instruction at the warehouse. We are already looking forward to more classes in the very near future. Keep your eyes peeled for ART REVIVAL and our TADELAKT class this fall. Cheers!