Venetian Plastering Training, Your Questions Answered

Venetian plastering training at the Zavoré Academy in Birmingham needs no experience, runs in small groups of up to six students and costs £750 or £1,200 or £1,500 per person depending on the course. Below are the questions people ask us most, answered in a few lines each, from experience and group size to dates, deposits and travel.

The three courses at a glance.

• Beginner Course, 3 days, no experience needed.
• Advanced Course, 4 days, for people who have done the first course or work on site.
• 1 to 1 Training, 3 days, any level and shaped around you.

Before you book

These are the first things most people want to know about who the courses are for and how they are run. Whether you are a homeowner, a decorator, a plasterer, a designer or someone changing career, the answers below apply to you.

Do I need any experience?

No, not for the Beginner Course. It is built for people who have never used Venetian plaster, and it starts with the theory. The Advanced Course is for beginners who have done the first course or people from site.

How many students are on a course?

There are up to six students on the Beginner and Advanced Courses, so the tutor has time for each person. The 1 to 1 is just you and your tutor.

Which course should I choose?

Start with the Beginner Course if you are new to Venetian plaster. Choose the Advanced Course if you have done it or work on site, and choose a 1 to 1 if you want to focus on specific finishes or techniques. Our guide to choosing a course helps you decide.

On the course

This is what happens in the room, and what is included in your place. The days run from 10am to 5pm, so you are working with the plaster for most of each day, with lunch and refreshments provided.

What will I learn on the Beginner Course?

You learn the theory of what Venetian plaster is and how the materials behave, surface preparation and base coats, a wide range of textures, the systems for coats and protection, and the finishes Marmorino, polished plaster and metallics. See Venetian plastering training for beginners for the steps in order.

What is included, and do I get food and a certificate?

Yes. Every seat includes expert tuition from working applicators, all materials and tools, lunch and refreshments, your finished panels to take home, and a Zavoré certificate. Materials include authentic Italian plasters, primers, waxes, trowels and panels.

If your question is not here, ask us. The team can talk you through which course fits where you are now, and what to expect on the day, before you commit to a place.

Dates and booking

You can book by phone, by email or online, and you can hold a bench with half the price.

When are the next course dates?

Course dates are shown on the training page. If dates are not yet set, you can register your interest there. We never guess at dates.

How do I book, and can I pay a deposit?

Call 07592 929191 or email sales@zavore.co.uk to hold a bench with half the price, which is £375 for the Beginner Course, £600 for the Advanced Course or £750 for the 1 to 1. The rest is paid on the day. You can also book online and pay in full. For prices in full, see what a Venetian plaster course costs.

Questions about Venetian plastering training, travel and support

How do I get to the Zavoré Academy?

The Academy is in Birmingham, which is central in England, and students travel by train or by car. Airport or station pickup can be arranged with your booking for a price that depends on where you arrive.

Where can I stay during the course?

Zavoré holds a partner rate at a hotel near the Academy, so quote Zavoré when booking. A 3 or 4 day course means planning where to stay, and students join from across the UK and abroad.

What help do I get after the course?

You join a private course group with a helpline for life. Advanced students also get help to find, price and win a first paid decorative job.

Do I get trade pricing on materials?

Yes. Every student gets trade pricing on Zavoré materials after the course, so you can keep practising and start working with the same products you learnt on.

Can the 1 to 1 be tailored to what I want to learn?

Yes. The 1 to 1 is 3 days shaped entirely around you, whether that is new designs, new techniques or a finish such as artificial rock or liquid metal. It suits any level, and our guide to group course or 1 to 1 explains who it suits.

Many of these answers depend on where you are starting from, so it is worth reading the guide that matches your situation. People who work with plaster already will find different parts useful from people who are new to the craft, and homeowners often care most about what they can take home and use straight away.

Still have a question? Read our complete guide to Venetian plastering training, or if you would rather have a wall done for you, see our installation service. To book, call 07592 929191 or email sales@zavore.co.uk, or choose your course on the training page.