Bella Product Line Expands

The Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes is expanding its successful Bella product line, which currently includes:

Bella Fresco™ -- A beautiful and durable translucent wall glaze.

Bella Gesso – Unique effects for wood and furniture.

Added to the line are:

Bella Sabbia -- A sandstone effect which can be tinted with universal tints

Bella Cera – Available in both a Satin and a Flat, this clear acrylic wax is durable and easy to work

Bella Crackle – A new Crackle medium which is ideal for the popular Pompeii Crackle finish.

All of these products are being added to the Faux by Kathy store.  For more information in the meantime, please call 800-797-4305.

Custom Plaster Tinting

“It’s a great process, and we expect our clients’ to get much more business with our new ability to match color,” Kathy Carroll says.   “The tinting system is so accurate that we can dispense the universal tints down to one drop.”

Even if the finisher is using a Benjamin Moore paint color, an Oikos product can be tinited to match with this system.  One of the most important notes about the system is that the mixer is gyroscopic.  “Because the mixer is gyroscopic, it doesn’t heat up the plaster, and there is no consistency change – which is very important when dealing with plaster, “ Kathy notes. 

Another great thing about the new system is the ability to save the exact color formula, and the computer adjusts the amount of universal tints – allowing the finisher to get the same color match at 2 kg or .5 kg.  “Because there are no VOC’s in the Oikos products, the system must be purged each time its used, and the nozzles must be cleaned regularly,” according to Kathy.

Studio Improvements Continue

The Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes is continuing its expansion.  We are thrilled to announce our two new studio assistants:  Jenna DeFalco and Lori Tselikis.  Both are accomplished artisans, and each will be teaching a class at the Institute in the fall.

Some of the physical changes to the studio include:

• A thick carpeted area in front of all easels for the student’s overall comfort
• Expanded warehouse facilities
• A private area for our clients to bring their customers/interior designers
• Private office space for Kathy Carroll