The five-day course in decorative finishes and the aging and patination of paints is suitable for experienced students or for those who have already completed the five-day foundation course. This course teaches students how to observe, copy and apply on to painted surfaces the intricate beauty and detail of Carrara, Nuvolato and Sienna marbling.

Existing stone or marble surfaces often become worn or damaged with time. The five-day course in decorative finishes and the aging and patination of paint teaches students how to match existing stone or marble.

There is also a growing demand for the use of faux marble and stone in the interiors of houses. As trends have changed, original features such as fire surrounds have often been replaced with plainer painted or wooden surrounds. Rooms can regain something of their original character and style with a simple painted finish together with antiquing of an existing fire surround, dado rail, skirting, cornice or moulding.

Hallways, corridors and outdoor rooms often need soft, neutral finishes such as limestone to embellish them. Also skirting boards, banisters and bookcases frequently require refreshment with patinas using waxes and chalk-based paints.

The second part of the week is dedicated to the aging and patination of paint surfaces. Old pieces of furniture have often been unsatisfactorily painted over.

Equally, contemporary pieces bought from furniture shops can often benefit from a decorative treatment that creates a more original, interesting and personal effect. The course teaches students how to age and distress new wood using waxes, and varnishes, and also includes information on how to freshen or revive kitchen cupboards and surfaces such as medium-density fibre-board (MDF).