Increase your business with natural stone finishes

New home contractors and remodelers continue to see a strong trend toward stone finishes, including marble, brick, travertine and fieldstone. Stone fabricators and architectural products manufacturers continue to introduce new faux-stone products to their product lines.

To meet this client demand, each faux finish artisan should have a number of stone samples to show off in their portfolio. However, producing good quality stone finishes can be frustrating without proper instruction. California color consultant Mari Tate says "We're seeing an increase in clients who are exploring combinations of color an texture...creating a personal statement."

Faux finishers are also brought in to projects where cultured stone is too expensive or the desired color is not available. Some of the most popular color combinations reported by contractors throughout the United States include:

• Maroon-tinged terra cottas with plum and chocolate accents
• Greys, golds and tans with some metallic effects
• Charcoal, brown, deep greens and plum shading
• Russet, gray and tan with plum elements

Interior designers use stone to add dimension, formality or an old-world finish to exterior or interior walls, baths, family rooms or foyers.

At the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes, one of our most popular classes is Columns and Beyond, a two-day course designed to give students the ability to create beautiful, natural stone finishes on columns with lime-based stuccos.

Contact us at 1-800-797-4305 to find out more about how we can help you increase the stone finishes in your portfolio.