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Faux Q&A Pro Faux

Editors Note: ProFaux, located in Akron, Ohio, was the first school of its kind in the Midwest and remains the third oldest school of decorative painting and retailer of specialty finishing supplies in the nation. ProFaux founders John Catalanotto and Greg Frohnapfel have contracted, consulted and instructed widely. They recently have done work at the PDRA headquarters building in St. Louis, Mo. This Q&A covers the scope of what ProFaux is all about.

Q: What is the scope of Pro Faux's activities?

A: ProFaux's mission has always been to help raise the standard of specialist decoration in North America, whether it is in contracting, instruction or product development. ProFaux has developed several intensive one-day and two-day curriculums, sharing and showcasing today's hottest textural and metallic trends on an international level. As industry leaders, ProFaux has consulted with and contracted with numerous in-house programs as well as written faux-finishing brochures for several of the leading paint companies in the industry. ProFaux also has extensive contracting experience, designing and installing custom finishes to match various personalities. Using careful interviewing and observations skills they help bring their clients' vision to reality. Since 1989, ProFaux has taught intensive workshops and demonstrated faux techniques in most major markets in the United States and Canada. Career highlights include touring the Caribbean and Europe with enthusiastic artists from all parts of the world; international programs are designed to spark the imagination and open new doors of opportunity for all that participate.

Q: What kind of product focus does ProFaux have?

A: Current programs feature ProFaux's Products - a new acrylic texturing product line, which boasts some of the best resin systems and fastest layering techniques available today. This new ProFaux product line allows decorative painting contractors to offer their customers highly innovative finishes with superior flexibility, durability, no odor and easy-to-use water-based materials. Pro-Venetian Plasters, Acrylic Waxes, Sandstone textures, Removable Adobe, brush-n-roller friendly Metallic Paints and Stonewash Pigments are just a sampling of the new products to arm the decorative contractor with cutting edge methods and revolutionary materials, helping everyone to set higher standards in commercial, residential and furniture decoration.

Q: Who are the appropriate students for your classes?

A: From beginner to expert level of experience, individuals and company representatives attend ProFaux workshops. Small workshop classes and special hands-on field projects are offered throughout the country. Everyone participates in the field projects, ensuring that ProFaux students will be successful in today's competitive market. Workshop attendees start new careers, sharpen faux finishing skills and find personal satisfaction as they meet people with the same interests and goals. Students leave their hands-on-workshop with an average of four 14-by-20 inch portfolio-ready sample boards and $200 in various product vouchers for each day that they attend. Countless graduates have started their own successful faux-finish businesses, grown the family paint businesses, authored decorative paint books, and retailed ProFaux Products. Others choose to demonstrate faux techniques at paint centers and trade shows, and some even start their own schools of decorative painting.