LEARN WITH USVenetian plaster course

With Stucco Italiano you can learn how to apply Venetian Polished Plaster,
many other stuccos of the Italian tradition and contemporary decorative finishes

AUTHENTIC APPLICATION TECHNIQUES Stucco Italiano’s Decorative Plasters Academy

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.

VENETIAN PLASTER TRAINING COURSEVenetian Plaster Basic Course

▶︎ Marmorino & Tadelakt

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).

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  • INFORMATION
  • DATES
  • PRICE

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:

  • Teaching
  • Access to the necessary laboratory equipment
  • Daily lunch at nearby restaurants
  • Daily transport from the meeting points in Vicenza to our premises and back
  • A set of prime quality tools that you can take home with you upon completion
  • One group dinner

VENETIAN PLASTER TRAINING COURSEEco Terrazzo Course

▶︎ Basic Class

This 2-day course provides practical experience with Stucco Italiano’s unique seamless Terrazzo floor material: Eco Terrazzo. It is a thinner yet harder alternative to traditional cement-based terrazzo, which sets in just 24 hours without risks of cracks. It has a completely mineral and eco-friendly composition.

Practice is on large horizontal boards.

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  • INFORMATION
  • DATES
  • PRICE

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 Eco Terrazzo.

12-13 April 2024
Duration: 2 days

Total price (inclusive of deposit): € 350 + VAT 22%
Deposit: € 60 (€ 50 + VAT 22%)
Couples and groups will benefit from a € 50 discount per person.

The cost of this training includes:

  • Teaching
  • Access to the necessary laboratory equipment
  • Daily lunch at nearby restaurants
  • Daily transport from the meeting points in Vicenza to our premises and back

VENETIAN PLASTER TRAINING COURSETextured Decorative Course

▶︎ Various Mineral Finishes

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.

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  • INFORMATION
  • DATES
  • PRICE

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:

  • Teaching
  • Access to the necessary laboratory equipment
  • Daily lunch at nearby restaurants
  • Daily transport from the meeting points in Vicenza to our premises and back
  • A set of prime quality tools that you can take home with you upon completion
  • One group dinner

VENETIAN PLASTER TRAINING COURSEPlastering Furniture Course

▶︎ In Depth

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.

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  • INFORMATION
  • DATES
  • PRICE

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:

  • Teaching
  • Access to the necessary laboratory equipment
  • Daily lunch at nearby restaurants
  • Daily transport from the meeting points in Vicenza to our premises and back
  • A set of prime quality tools that you can take home with you upon completion
  • One group dinner

VENETIAN PLASTER TRAINING COURSEArt in Plaster Course

▶︎ Intro to multiple Decorative Techniques

This unique course introduces a range of artistic decorative techniques, both modern and timeless. Participants will explore:

  • The application of the original Moroccan Tadelakt on flat and curved surfaces, using traditional tools like the flat polishing stone. Teacher: Michael Sarian.
  • The time-honored art of Scagliola, with a modern twist using Scagliola Plus—a material that is thinner, quicker to apply, and harder than the traditional gypsum-based material. Taught by Željko Babić.
  • The creative combination of Stencils and Foil with decorative paints and plasters in mixed media decorative projects. Taught by Cait Whitson.
  • The art of Marbling, imitating real marble on Marmorino (Venetian Plaster) surfaces, through meticulous drawing of marble veins. Teachers: Cait Whitson and Željko Babić.

Practice is on vertical and horizontal boards.

  • INFORMATION
  • DATES
  • PRICE

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:

  • Teaching
  • Access to the necessary laboratory equipment
  • Daily lunch at nearby restaurants
  • Daily transport from the meeting points in Vicenza to our premises and back
  • A set of prime quality tools that you can take home with you upon completion
  • One group dinner

VENETIAN PLASTER TRAINING COURSEReinforcing Class

▶︎ on Venetian Plasters

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

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  • INFORMATION
  • DATES
  • PRICE

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:

  • Teaching
  • Access to the necessary laboratory equipment
  • Daily lunch at nearby restaurants
  • Daily transport from the meeting points in Vicenza to our premises and back
  • A set of prime quality tools that you can take home with you upon completion
  • One group dinner

VENETIAN PLASTER TRAINING COURSEScagliola Plus Course

▶︎ In Depth

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.

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  • INFORMATION
  • DATES
  • PRICE

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:

  • Teaching
  • Access to the necessary laboratory equipment
  • Daily lunch at nearby restaurants
  • Daily transport from the meeting points in Vicenza to our premises and back
  • One group dinner

VENETIAN PLASTER TRAINING COURSEFloor Coatings Course

▶︎ Basic Class

This 3-day course provides practical experience with Stucco Italiano’s exclusive seamless flooring products. Participants will apply two products:

  • Pastellone, with and without stone aggregates,
  • the innovative Eco Terrazzo—a thinner yet harder alternative to traditional cement-based terrazzo, which sets in just 24 hours without risks of cracks. It has a completely mineral and eco-friendly composition.

Practice is on large horizontal boards.

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  • INFORMATION
  • DATES
  • PRICE

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:

  • Teaching
  • Access to the necessary laboratory equipment
  • Daily lunch at nearby restaurants
  • Daily transport from the meeting points in Vicenza to our premises and back
  • A set of prime quality tools that you can take home with you upon completion

TRAINING COURSEVenetian Plaster Online Course

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.

COURSES FEEDBACK

Testimonials
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Exceptional course
The course was exceptional, I left with much more that what I expected. I am looking into the next available dates for me to attend the masterclass. I think that I have met a new friend in Chiara too. She is responsible for making the whole experience that extra special.
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Everything great!
Great class and great people!
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Excellent teacher
Željko was an excellent teacher, you can tell he's extremely knowledgeable. He also has a great personality and comfortable style of teaching that is very helpful.
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Extremely friendly team
The course met all my expectations and beyond. The team is extremely friendly, open to all questions and help. The lunches were exceptionally delicious. Last and foremost a personal thank you to Chiara, Gianni, Željko and Clara.
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Above expectations
The training was above expectations, customer service, coffee machine, everything was amazing.
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Wonderful time!
Thanks for having me, I had an absolutely wonderful time!
We'd love to hear from you
Contact us

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions about our venetian plaster courses
Deposit Refund Policy
  • Full refund for cancellations due to force majeure.
  • Deposit held for a future class for other cancellations.
What's included in the price?
  • Teaching & access to the necessary laboratory equipment
  • Daily lunch at local restaurants / at premises
  • Daily transport from Vicenza’s & Thiene’s meeting points to our site and back
  • Stucco Italiano tool kit, yours to keep (excluding the ScagliolaPlus class)
  • One group dinner (excluding the Floor Coatings class)
Are there discounts?

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:

  • 10% off the second class
  • 15% off the third class
  • 20% off any subsequent classes

Please note: The group discount and the multiple classes discount cannot be combined.

Teaching language
  • English
What to bring?

Just some working clothes or something you don’t mind staining.

How can I pay?
To complete your sign-up, a deposit is required, which can be paid via bank transfer to our account.
The remaining course fee will be due on the first day of the course at Stucco Italiano’s premises. We offer the following payment options:
• Credit / Debit Card with POS
• Cash
Class daily schedule

9.00 AM – 5.00 PM daily.

How can i reach the location?
Our address is Via dei Pini 62, 36016 Thiene, Italy, 20 km from Vicenza city center.
The nearest International Airport is Venice Marco Polo.
  • From Venice airport, take a shuttle to Venezia Mestre Station (get your tickets at the airport) and then a train to Vicenza (train tickets: Trenitalia)
  • Alternatively, with our assistance, you can book a taxi from Venice airport to Vicenza
Accommodation & daily transport
We recommend booking your accommodation in the beautiful historical centre of Vicenza, 20 km away from our premises. Alternatively, to be closer to the course’s venue, you can stay in Thiene city centre.
In both cases, we provide daily transport from the meeting points specified below.
Accommodations:
Transport options
  • For extra freedom of movement, you can rent a car at the airport.
  • From Vicenza: provided daily bus transport from Piazzale del Mutilato (at 8.15 AM) to our site and back
  • From Thiene: provided daily transport from the city centre (at 8.30 AM) to our site and back
Meals

We will either have lunch at a nearby restaurant or a simple catering at Stucco Italiano.

Online resources

Receive a monthly newsletter with technical tips, curiosities, answers to frequently asked questions, as well as news on our latest products and on how to apply them.
Learn how to apply Marmorino with our Venetian plaster full course video. It covers all the application process, from the preparation of the working site to the final surface treatments.
We regularly publish didactic videos on the application techniques of our products. Discover all the finishes that can be achieved with our materials and learn to reproduce them.

© 2022 Stucco Italiano – All rights reserved. C.F e P.IVA/VAT IT 03744780242 – r.e.a. VI n. 350312 – Cap. Soc. 20.000,00 € int. vers | Privacy policy | Credits: Studio Nicolussi Anzolon design

© 2022 Stucco Italiano – All rights reserved. C.F e P.IVA/VAT IT 03744780242 – r.e.a. VI n. 350312 – Cap. Soc. 20.000,00 € int. vers | Privacy policy | Credits: Studio Nicolussi Anzolon design