

Continuing Professional Development Heritage Courses &
Contemporary Multi-Skills Paint Techniques Workshops
CPD Accredited, Private & Corporate Small Group & One-to-One Studio Courses & Multi-Skills Workshops
We Currently Offer
One-day or multi-day Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses in our most popular traditional paint effect techniques; Traditional Heritage Faux Marbling, Faux Stone and Wood Graining and & multi-skills workshops in antiquing, aging, distressing and colour washing. In addition to learning these traditional techniques, we also offer an in-depth, Introductory Foundation and Fundamentals Course, the complete back-to-basics guide to the fundamentals of surface preparation, understanding & mixing glazes & developing multiple decorative painting techniques.
With these carefully and professionally constructed courses and multi-skills workshops, our tutor will take the talent that you already have to a whole new level.​ We cover everything you need to know to create these ancient and contemporary paint techniques in a creative, safe and relaxing environment.
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​CPD courses can be taken as either one-to-one or as corporate & private small group bookings
​Corporate or private small group bookings are set at a minimum of 2 & a maximum of 5 participants.
We Welcome Students of All Abilities
These courses are perfect for home owners and DIYers, professional painters and decorators, conservators and restorers, scenic artists and set designers, building custodians and specifiers, painting and decorating tutors and craftspeople.
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Upon completion you will receive either; an accredited CPD certificate and the opportunity to gain valuable CPD credit points to add to your current qualifications and portfolio profile, or, a craft skills certificate of achievement.


One-To-One Bespoke, In-Person CPD Accredited Courses
These fully customisable courses will be tailored to your own specific requirements and are designed for students who would prefer to study in a more focused, one-to-one environment. You will be studying with an experienced, professional paint effects artist and interior designer, to gain a more in-depth understanding of the ancient art and craft of traditional and contemporary broken colour paint effect techniques.
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We welcome students of all abilities. On the day you will be able to continuously tailor your learning experience, focusing on what interests you most. You will be provided with several practice and demonstration boards which you will be able to keep for your portfolio or for future reference.
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The one-to-one in-person CPD accredited courses are perfect for home owners, professional painters and decorators, conservators and restorers, scenic artists and set designers, building custodians and specifiers, painting and decorating tutors and craftspeople.
Upon completion you will receive a signed CPD accredited skills certificate.
OUR FOUNDATION COURSE AND COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SURFACE PREPARATION, UNDERSTANDING & MIXING GLAZES & DEVELOPING MULTIPLE DECORATIVE PAINTING TECHNIQUES
If you are new to the world of traditional faux marbling and wood graining and you require or would like a recognised, accredited, skills certificate in these ancient craft techniques, then our one-to-one CPD courses are a great way to begin your craft skills learning path.
We would recommend starting with the one-to-one CPD foundation course, our complete guide to the fundamentals of surface preparation, understanding and mixing glazes and developing multiple decorative painting techniques in the crafts of traditional faux marbling, wood graining and broken colour work. This will give you an excellent grounding and the practical skills and knowledge needed to create beautiful, professional looking faux finishes. All of our CPD courses have been carefully scrutinised by an independent accreditation body to ensure that they meet the strict standards required.
You then have the option to move on to the one or two-day, intermediate CPD courses. These are designed for those who have already attended the one-day CPD fundamentals course or have had some previous experience in the industry creating these finishes. This will allow you to hone your skills, allowing you to build and advance to the next level.
It is most common for students to take these options together as a combined, three-day course, you then have the option to take our advanced skills courses, should you need to, for example, if you were wanting to move into the heritage restoration and conservation sectors.
Please note that CPD Courses can currently only be taken in our Foundation Course & in the crafts of Traditional Faux Marbling & Wood Graining broken colour-work techniques.
New CPD Accredited courses in Traditional Faux Stone and The Art of Conservation Painting will follow in the new year.



Below is an example guide for a typical CPD one-to-one, in-person course day breakdown
Morning (starts at 10am)
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A short overview of the history and current use of either faux marbling, wood graining or broken colour effects in the workplace
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Demonstration of either faux marbling, wood graining or broken colour effects, depending which course you have chosen, by the course tutor
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A short recap of the correct methods of surface preparation, including primers and basecoats
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Preparing and priming surfaces
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A short recap and explanation on the correct mixing and use of glazes by course tutor
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Preparing and mixing glazes
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Introduction of tools and equipment used to create either faux marbling, wood graining or broken colour effects
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Practice creating your chosen technique; faux marbling, wood graining or broken colour techniques, including background effects and either veining/graining techniques
Afternoon (ends at 4.30pm)
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Prepare and basecoat final assessment board provided
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Using previously mixed glazes participants will create their chosen technique; faux marbling, wood graining or broken colour effects, to produce a competent and realistic sample piece for assessment by the course tutor
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Assessment will include the level of knowledge of the types of techniques to be reproduced, the skills involved in preparation and mixing of glazes and the use and knowledge of tools and equipment used
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Participants will be given the opportunity to ask the course tutor any questions pertaining to the course/workshop
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Participants will have the opportunity to keep their practice and final assessment board to take away with them to keep and use for their own portfolio
Corporate & Private, Small-Group In-Person CPD Accredited Courses

Traditional Decorative Paint Techniques: Fundamentals, Preparation and Application
CPD Accredited
One-Day In-Person Corporate or Private, Small Group Introductory Foundation Course In Decorative Paint Techniques
The Studio, 123 Seabrook Road, Hythe, Kent
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Minimum 2 - Maximum 5 Students
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£275

The Art of Traditional Faux Marbling
CPD Accredited
One-Day In-Person Corporate or Private, Small Group Intermediate Course
The Studio, 123 Seabrook Road, Hythe, Kent
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Minimum 2 - Maximum 5 Students
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£275

CPD Accredited
Two-Day In-Person Corporate or Private, Small Group Course
The Studio, 123 Seabrook Road, Hythe, Kent
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Minimum 2 - Maximum 5 Students
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​​​​£525
The Art of Traditional Faux Marbling
The Techniques

The Art & Craft of Faux Marbling
Faux marbling is an artistic technique that replicates the elegant look of natural marble without the need for costly materials. This versatile method allows artists and decorators to create stunning surfaces that mimic the intricate veining and colour variations found in real marble. Whether applied to furniture, walls, or decorative objects, faux marbling adds a touch of sophistication and luxury to any project. With a bit practice and the right tools, anyone can master this captivating art form and transform ordinary items into extraordinary pieces.
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The Art & Craft of Faux Stone
Faux stone painting is an ancient technique that allows you to transform ordinary surfaces into stunning, stone-like finishes. This versatile method can be applied to various materials, including walls, furniture, and decorative accents, providing an elegant and rustic appeal without the weight and cost of real stone. With a wide range of colours and textures available, faux stone painting offers endless possibilities for customization, making it a popular choice for both professional artists and decorators. Embrace your creativity and elevate your space with the timeless beauty of faux stone!

Colour Washing & Wall Painting
Colour wash and creative wall painting techniques can transform any space into a work of art. Techniques such as sponging, rag rolling, stippling and stencilling can add texture and dimension, while colour washing creates a soft, layered look and helps to enhance textures and add a vintage feel to surfaces. For those seeking a more modern touch, geometric patterns or ombre effects can make a bold statement Experimenting with these methods not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also allows for personal expression in your work.

The Art & Craft of Wood Graining
Faux wood graining techniques offer a creative way to achieve the timeless beauty of wood. This artistic method allows you to mimic the intricate patterns and textures found in natural wood, making it a popular choice for scenic artists and professional decorators. Whether you're looking to enhance furniture, walls, or other surfaces, faux wood graining can transform ordinary materials into stunning focal points that capture the warmth and charm of wood. Explore the various techniques and tools available to bring your vision to life!
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Broken Colour Paint Effects
Traditional and contemporary broken colour paint effects have been used extensively in interior design and decoration, around the world for thousands of years. The techniques used cover a wide range of skills, including colour washing, aging, distressing, ragging and dragging and are often utilised in the creation of faux marbling, faux stone and wood graining. You will also see examples of broken colour painting in many works of art and in the backgrounds of Trompe L'oeil techniques. The skills involved are not difficult and can be learned quickly, but can take years to master.

Ageing, Distressing & Antiquing Effects
Aging, distressing and antiquing techniques are popular methods used to give new furniture or walls a vintage or weathered look. Aging can give the illusion of natural wear and tear that occurs over time, giving objects a rustic and timeless appearance. While distressing involves creating intentional imperfections, such as scuffs, damp, mould, rust or scratches, to mimic the appearance of age. Antiquing, on the other hand, uses stains or glazes to enhance the details of the piece, highlighting its texture and depth.

Overview
We run our One-to-One and Corporate or Private Small Group, CPD Courses & Workshops throughout the year, and at a variety of locations across the UK.
Most recently we have run the courses at our Kent studio and at The Heritage & Rural Skills Centre, NT, Swindon. However, if you would like to know when we are next running courses near you get in touch via email: simon@southcoaststudio.co.uk.
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​​All tools, equipment, paints and materials are provided and courses are either one-day (6-7 hours) or two-day (12 hours). For the one-day intermediate course we recommend you have some prior experience with the techniques as we will move quickly and assume a basic understanding.
We run our corporate & private small group CPD courses & workshops with small class numbers to ensure you have plenty of attention from our experienced course tutor and paint effects artist.




