Kathy Carroll’s 20th Anniversary Fine Finishes event at the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes was this year’s place to find and try the hottest and trendiest new products.  The event featured a large group of faux finishing experts and suppliers, including Crescent Bronze Powder Company, that gave attendees a hands-on opportunity to try new products and learn fresh faux finishing techniques.

The Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes is a decorative painting school located in Carol Stream, Ill. where students learn the important techniques and skills to become a successful faux finisher.  After being in the faux finishing field for 20 years, Kathy Carroll, owner of The Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes, opened her studio to hundreds of people to celebrate the school’s success.

“My friends and family have been so supportive of me over the years,” said Carroll.  “I really enjoy what I do because I am able to teach my students faux techniques and how to make a profitable living in faux finishing by correctly estimating and bidding on projects.”

Wall Toppers, Vella Products, Bella Cera Wax, and Crescent Bronze were some of the top vendors to attend and offer their knowledge, supplies and skills.  With its new colors of Chromatone premixed metallic paint, Crescent Bronze attracted a large number of people to experiment with its products.

“Crescent Bronze’s selection of colors was very appealing,” stated Sabra Crockett, faux finisher and event attendee.  “I was able to do some hands-on experimenting with some of their new products, and was once again impressed how easily the products covered the surface.”

“I’d seen Bella Cera Wax product in photos and had heard great things about it, but never saw it in action,” said Patty Henning, decorative artist and owner of Fabulous Finishes.  “They were helpful explaining the product, and I’ve actually communicated with them a number of times, so it was nice to finally meet a representative in person.”

Stephanie Gabel, owner of Roux Design, was another prominent event vendor.  With 19 years of experience, Gabel has been creating new faux finishing techniques and demonstrated several of her latest ideas.  The crowd favorite, Retro Metro, combined an old school look with a cityscape-like feel.

“It’s an easy technique that looks outstanding,” stated Gabel.  “I’m glad I was invited to this event because it gives me an opportunity to show people that faux finishing is not always difficult.  For a look like Retro Metro, all you need is two foam brushes, a few colors of Crescent Bronze paint, and a little time.”

The Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes has successfully trained hundreds of professional faux finishers. Its integrity and dedication to using only the “best of the best” has made it a leader in the industry. The Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes is also proud to be an online resource for all faux finishers and aspiring professionals.

Located in Oshkosh, Wis., Crescent Bronze is a national vendor that delivers perfection time after time with a flexible line of paints and a near limitless color palette. Known industry wide as The Metallic Products Specialist, Crescent Bronze offers single coat coverage and real metallic flakes, in addition to one of the industry’s widest ranges of contemporary colors with over 111 metallic powders, pigments and paints.

Tags: Crescent Bronze, Element Client News