Stucco Italiano’s school of Italian plasters was founded in the late 90s by Maestro Giovanni Polistena, with the mission of disseminating the authentic Italian plasters application techniques. Our teachers are master craftsmen with long experience both in applying and training artisans in the art of Venetian plaster and other Italian stuccos. Outside our school of Italian plasters, Stucco Italiano’s master craftsmen have taught at the Scuola di Restauro of Vicenza and had a ten-year contract with the Hamlet School of Hillerød in Denmark. Furthermore, they have given plastering courses in other schools in Denmark (Rann) and in Great Britain.
The class focuses on understating and practicing the application cycle of Tadelakt, Grassello of 3 different types of Marmorino (Venetian plaster). Participants will practice all aspects of the process: from analysing the substrate to selecting the primer, to acquiring trowel application, and finally, to choosing the most effective protective treatment for each type of project. Practice will be on vertical boards and small wall areas.
Techniques: Marmorino Fine, Medium, Coarse; Grassello, Tadelakt (Standard application).
Instructor: Master craftsman Željko Babić (Instagram page)
Participants: max 15, min 8
Requirements: Open to everyone
2-5 April 2024
Duration: 4 days
Total price (inclusive of deposit): € 850 + VAT 22%
Deposit: € 244 (€ 200 + VAT 22%)
Couples and groups will benefit from a € 50 discount per person.
The cost of this training includes:
The class focuses on lime-based and cement-based textured finishes. Students will learn to create decorative effects ranging from concrete to Intonachino, from the classic Travertino to the versatile Lava Plaster with its distinctive reliefs and special finishes – and many more. The class covers each phase of the application process, from substrate analysis and primer selection to trowel application techniques and protective treatment choices, including metallic and pearlescent waxes. Practice is conducted on vertical boards and small wall sections.
Techniques: Beton Stucco, Lava Plaster, Dolomia, Travertino, Intonachino, Marmorino Velvet. Various application methods.
Instructor: Master craftsman Željko Babić (Instagram page)
Participants: max 15, min 8
Requirements: Open to everyone
Date to be scheduled
Duration: 4 days
Total price (inclusive of deposit): € 900 + VAT 22%
Deposit: € 244 (€ 200 + VAT 22%)
Couples and groups will benefit from a € 50 discount per person.
The cost of this training includes:
This exclusive workshop offers comprehensive training in applying lime and cement-based decorative plasters to furniture. Emphasis is on coating wooden pieces with standard or organic shapes, providing insights into working with various surfaces, shapes, and sizes. The course covers the entire application cycle: from substrate preparation to plaster application and final protective treatment. The furniture pieces completed during the course can be shipped to participants after the class ends.
Techniques: Petrae, Pastellone.
Instructor: Master craftsman Michael De Kimpe (Instagram page)
Participants: max 10, min 6
Requirements: Addressed to artisans with experience in the trowel application of wall or floor decorative plasters
To be scheduled. Please get in touch with us to enquire about the next dates
Total price (inclusive of deposit): € 1100 + VAT 22%
Deposit: € 305 (€ 250 + VAT 22%)
Couples and groups will benefit from a € 50 discount per person.
The cost of this training includes:
This unique course introduces a range of artistic decorative techniques, both modern and timeless. Participants will explore:
Practice is on vertical and horizontal boards.
Teachers: Željko Babić (Instagram page), Cait Whitson (Instagram page), Michael Sarian (Instagram page)
Participants: max 12, min 8
Requirements: Addressed to artisans with experience in the application of Venetian plasters (Marmorino).
To be scheduled. Please get in touch with us to enquire about the next dates
Total price (inclusive of deposit): € 1300 + VAT 22%
Deposit: € 366 (€ 300 + VAT 22%)
Couples and groups will benefit from a € 50 discount per person.
The cost of this training includes:
In this intermediate-level course, participants will refine their Venetian plaster application skills. The limited number of participants in the class allows for hands-on practice on real wall surfaces and columns, with close guidance by the teacher. Discussions will cover real work-site challenges and how to solve common mistakes. Training on vertical boards will focus on producing special effects with Marmorino by incorporating additives such as Salt&Pepper Sand, Mica, and Terracotta Powder and employing alternative application methods. Participants will also learn the technique of Marbling, or the art of drawing marble veins on the Marmorino finish.
Techniques: Marmorino Fine, Medium and Coarse; Tadelakt; Grassello
Instructor: Master craftsman Željko Babić (Instagram page)
Participants: max 8, min 5
Requirements: Addressed to artisans with a basic to intermediate working experience in Venetian plasters (Marmorino) who wish to reinforce their skills.
17-20 September 2024
Duration: 4 days
Total price (inclusive of deposit): € 1050 + VAT 22%
Deposit: € 305 (€ 250 + VAT 22%)
Couples and groups will benefit from a € 50 discount per person.
The cost of this training includes:
In this exclusive course, led by Maestro Željko Babić, participants will dive into the intricate art of Scagliola using the innovative Scagliola Plus material.
Each step is covered: from substrate preparation to material colouring, kneading, and the full application and polishing process on both flat and curved surfaces. Students will practice on small table tops and light columns that they can take home post-class. The course spans four days, with a recommendation to stay until the late morning of the fifth day for finishing touches.
Instructor: Master craftsman Željko Babić (Instagram page)
Participants: max 10, min 6
Requirements: Addressed to artisans with some working experience in any plaster decorative technique.
23-27 September 2024
Duration: 4+1 days
Total price (inclusive of deposit): € 1100 + VAT 22%
Deposit: € 305 (€ 250 + VAT 22%)
Couples and groups will benefit from a € 50 discount per person.
The cost of this training includes:
This 3-day course provides practical experience with Stucco Italiano’s exclusive seamless flooring products. Participants will apply two products:
Practice is on large horizontal boards.
Instructor: Master craftsman Gianni Polistena
Participants: max 10, min 6
Requirements: Addressed to artisans with experience in the application of wall or floor decorative plasters who wish to learn Pastellone and Eco Terrazzo.
22-25 October 2024
Duration: 3+1 days
Total price (inclusive of deposit): € 600 + VAT 22%
Deposit: € 183 (€ 150 + VAT 22%)
Couples and groups will benefit from a € 50 discount per person.
The cost of this training includes:
With this Venetian plaster online class you can discover the art of Marmorino from home. Once enrolled, you’ll receive a starter kit with all the necessary materials and tools, and access to the online video curriculum. This you follow at your leisure, viewing the videos whenever suits you best, whether at home or in your workspace. The program covers various types of Venetian polished plasters, such as Marmorino Medium, Marmorino Fine, and Grassello, and also teaches textured finishes like Travertino. You’ll go through the entire process of applying the decorative plaster, from substrate preparation to finish application and its protective treatments, learning both standard and advanced techniques. The course concludes with a section on starting a Venetian plaster business, including steps for creating a logo and website, and strategies for social media, client acquisition, and client engagement.
In addition to the video tutorials, the course offers several benefits: direct support from your instructor, Tom Power, ongoing full-time assistance, lifetime access to course materials, and access to a private members group.
Contact us to inquire about the next available courses
Complete this form to inquire about upcoming class availability and to secure your spot.
Group Discount: Each participant who is part of a group (2 or more persons) will receive a 50 euro discount.
Multiple Classes Discount: Participants attending more than one class in the same year will receive the following discounts:
Please note: The group discount and the multiple classes discount cannot be combined.
Just some working clothes or something you don’t mind staining.
9.00 AM – 5.00 PM daily.
We will either have lunch at a nearby restaurant or a simple catering at Stucco Italiano.