93 Monocacy Blvd Suite A3 Frederick, MD 21701
(301)-668-5110
Opening : Mon-Fri 08:00 – 17:00

Begin or continue journey into the decorative arts today!

At The Faux School, we’re a haven for creativity and craftsmanship. Led by founder and core instructor Ronald Layman, whose skills have been passed down through four generations and refined by the world’s finest craftsmen, we’re proud to offer North America’s premier classes in Italian Venetian plaster, murals, wood graining, imitation marble, and more. Whether you’re an experienced artisan or an aspiring enthusiast, our classes are your gateway to a world where traditional techniques meet contemporary vision. Join us to discover the art of decorative design and embark on a journey where every day is an opportunity to create something truly extraordinary. Welcome to The Faux School!

Expert instruction

The Faux School’s instructors are experienced professionals with extensive knowledge of decorative painting techniques, including faux painting, murals, and Venetian plaster. Attending a class at The Faux School can provide an opportunity to learn from experts in the field and gain valuable skills and insights

Hands-on experience

The Faux School offers a range of classes and workshops that provide hands-on experience with different decorative painting techniques. This can be especially valuable for individuals who prefer to learn by doing, rather than just reading or watching tutorials online.

Personal enrichment

Even for individuals who are not pursuing a career in decorative painting, attending a class at The Faux School can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows them to explore their creativity and learn new skills. It can also provide an opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals and to take a break from the stresses of everyday life

1-Day Introductory Workshops

Venetian Plaster

This hands-on, one-day workshop focuses on the traditional techniques used by ancient craftsmen, as taught to Ronald, your instructor, in Venice by a former instructor of the now-closed Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia.

Frederick, MD
March 6, 2025

Las Vegas, NV
Feb 6, 2025
April 3, 2025

Marmorino

Our one-day intensive workshop on mastering Bernini Marmorino Italian Lime Plaster. Renowned for its elegance, durability, and versatility, this traditional marmorino offers a seamless blend of aesthetics and functionality.

Frederick, MD
March 7, 2025

Las Vegas, NV
Feb 7, 2025
April 4, 2025

Travertino

.Learn the history and craftsmanship behind this luxurious material, inspired by the timeless beauty of travertine stone from the Tivoli region of Italy


Frederick, MD
TBA


Italian Plasters & Mineral Coatings

Authentic Italian Lime Plaster & Paint

Thios 3-day hands on workshop covers tradtional and modern techniques using lime grasello, marmorino , travertino, Luminoso, lime paint and much more,

Frederick, MD
March 3-5, 2025

Miami, FL
January 21-23, 2025

Las Vegas, NV
February 18-20, 2025

Advanced Lime Plasters



This 3-day hands on program covers layering adnd blending of various lime plasters, stencils and layered stencils and much mre, we do not cover any basics in this workshop

Frederick, MD
March 6-8, 2025

Las Vegas, NV
TBA

Maromorino Advanced

This 5-day course will focus on the the traditional technique of applying marmorino, from learning how to properly rnder a wall through finishing soap.

Frederick, MD
TBA

Las Vegas, NV
TBA

Wood Graining Workshops

Woodgraining Level 1

Woodgraining Level 2

This one-week intensive course offers an in-depth exploration into the art and science of faux woodgraining, designed for both beginners and seasoned professionals. The course combines hands-on practice with theoretical knowledge, mirroring the rigor and depth of a university-level program. Through guided instruction and real-time application, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of woodgraining techniques, surface preparation, and the use of specialized materials. (read more)

Building upon the foundations established in Level 1, this advanced course delves into the intricate world of complex woodgrain patterns. Over one intensive week, students will deepen their expertise by learning how to replicate some of the most sophisticated and challenging wood species, enhancing their faux finishing portfolio with realistic textures and nuanced detailing. This course is tailored for those looking to elevate their skillset, with a focus on precision, artistry, and advanced techniques.

Frederick, MD
March 24-26, 2025

Las Vegas, NV
 April 7-9, 2025

Frederick, MD
TBA

Las Vegas, NV
TBA

Imitation Marble Workshops

This one-week introductory course is designed for those interested in the basics of faux woodgraining and marble techniques, with a special focus on drifted and veined marbles. Perfect for beginners, this immersive class offers a hands-on eThis advanced one-week course is designed for experienced faux finishers looking to elevate their marbleizing skills by mastering the intricate and highly detailed Breche styles. Breche marble, with its complex and fractured appearance, requires a high level of precision and artistry. Students will explore a variety of Breche marbles, learning advanced techniques to create realistic, high-end finishes that replicate the dramatic, broken veining patterns characteristic of this style. This course provides a deep dive into creating the look of fragmented stones with stunning accuracy.

This advanced one-week course is designed for experienced faux finishers looking to elevate their marbleizing skills by mastering the intricate and highly detailed Breche styles. Breche marble, with its complex and fractured appearance, requires a high level of precision and artistry. Students will explore a variety of Breche marbles, learning advanced techniques to create realistic, high-end finishes that replicate the dramatic, broken veining patterns characteristic of this style. This course provides a deep dive into creating the look of fragmented stones with stunning accuracy.

Frederick, MD
 March 27-31, 2025

Las Vegas, NV
 April 10-14, 2025

Frederick, MD

Scagliola

Discover the art of Scagliola, a timeless technique that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design in our exclusive beginner’s course. This three-day immersive experience will introduce you to the intricate world of Scagliola, as you learn the secrets of this ancient art form. From tables, columns and its many other uses

Frederick, MD
TBA

Las Vegas, NV

Sophisticated Walls 101

This 5-day workshop teaches 22 techniques to ive you a foundation in the craft. We cover glazes &and patinas, grasello, marmorino, travertino, mahogany, oak and carrea marble as well as cover information on setting up a portfolio, marketing and how to price projects.

Frederick, MD
 October 21-25 2024
March 10-14, 2025

Las Vegas, NV

Classes in Tuscany Italy 2025

5-day Lime plaster Master Clas

Details will be posted November 15, 2024 July 21-25, 2025

5-Day Fresco Master Class

Details pocting November 15, 2024

August 4-8, 2025

Founder, instructor

About Ronald layman

I have always been deeply passionate about the art of decorative painting. The intricate details, the careful craftsmanship, and the sheer beauty of the finished product have always captivated me. And yet, as I looked around at the world of decorative painting, I realized that something was missing.

There were plenty of people who were interested in learning this ancient craft, but few who truly understood the dedication, the precision, and the artistry required to create truly exceptional decorative painting. And so, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Read more

Our blog

Latest Blog & Articles

  • Helena Montana

    Imitation oak , wood graining project Restoring the Remington House: A Journey Through History in Helena, Montana In the spring of 2022, I had the privilege of restoring a piece of history in Helena, Montana. The project took me to the Remington House, a grand home on Helena’s Mansion Mile. Although the house isn’t widely…

    Read More

  • Bringing Marble to Life: The Story of Painting the Kennedy Center Doors

    The Dream That Waited Decades When the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., was built, its white Carrara marble façade, imported from Italy, was meant to symbolize elegance and timeless beauty. However, not everything matched the grandeur of the vision. The massive exterior doors, necessary for stage access and emergency exits, were…

    Read More

  • Middleburg, VA Faux Mahogany doors

    Transforming MDF Doors into Timeless Works of Art: A Middleburg Estate Project In the spring of 2023, I had the honor of being commissioned to paint large MDF (medium-density fiberboard) doors for an extraordinary project. The client made the journey all the way to my studio in Frederick to discuss the vision for his dream…

    Read More

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