Welcome to The Decora Company’s Creative Masterclass—an immersive workshop where texture meets technique and modern design begins with your hands. Today, we’ll explore how to use San Marco’s Concrete Art and micro-cement systems to create advanced, expressive, and professional-grade finishes across modern interiors.

Before we begin our hands-on exploration, let’s step into a real design challenge to frame the experience.

Interior designer Lena Morales was hired to reimagine a California hillside home for clients seeking a minimalist yet character-rich environment. The couple dreamed of the soft industrial look—modern, sculptural, and architectural, but without the harshness of cold concrete or the heavy construction typically required.

After testing multiple materials, Lena discovered Concrete Art by San Marco, a faux concrete plaster that could deliver the exact mood they wanted: calm, warm, modern, and textured without overwhelming the space. The transformation that followed became a perfect example of what this masterclass aims to teach—how to control texture, layer depth, and create surfaces that feel artisanal, intentional, and alive.

Today, we’ll walk through that same creative journey together.

Understanding the Materials: Your Creative Foundation

To unleash your creativity with decorative plasters, you need to understand what makes these materials distinctly powerful. Concrete Art and Micro-cement are not paints. They are artistic mediums—tools that express depth, movement, texture, and emotion.

Let’s break down each one.

1. Concrete Art — The Modern Faux Concrete Finish Loved Worldwide

Concrete Art is a specialized acrylic siloxane plaster engineered to deliver the authentic look of structural concrete—without the weight, cracking risk, or installation headaches of real cement.

Key Characteristics of Concrete Art

• Lightweight and flexible
  

• Suitable for interior and exterior walls
  

• Breathable siloxane technology
  

• Available in custom colors
  

• Delivers smooth, rough, brushed, or formwork-style looks
  

• Works on drywall, plasterboard, MDF, cement board, and more
  
  

Experts at The Decora Company explain:
Concrete Art is versatile enough to create minimalistic smooth surfaces or deeply textured industrial effects. Its strength is in how you manipulate it.

This makes Concrete Art ideal for both designers and DIY enthusiasts seeking expressive concrete aesthetics.

 

2. CONTINUO Micro-cement — Seamless, Waterproof, Ultra-modern

Where Concrete Art delivers expressive texture, micro-cement delivers seamless continuity.

CONTINUO Micro-cement is a multi-layer system offering:

• Ultra-thin 2–3 mm application
  

• Waterproof protection when sealed
  

• Seamless walls, floors, vanities, and countertops
  

• High abrasion resistance
  

• Organic modern and Japandi appeal
  

• Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and open-concept spaces
  

Micro-cement is the go-to finish for luxury minimalist interiors that prefer smooth continuity instead of strong texture.

Top Applications for Micro-cement

• Bathroom walls and showers
  

• Kitchen countertops
  

• Built-in seating
  

• Fireplace surrounds
  

• Commercial interiors
  

• Seamless floors
  

• Outdoor protected spaces
  
  

Concrete Art + Microcement = A designer’s dream combination.

About the Class

This class is designed for those with some skill level in the field. You'll be guided by Ande Crenshaw, a 22-year veteran in the Decorative Arts, who has a wealth of experience running successful faux finish and product companies, as well as a teaching studio. Ande's work spans from Los Angeles to Nashville, and she has a deep understanding of various product lines and how they sell and install in different markets and environments.

 

Masterclass Techniques: Learning the Craft

Now that we understand the materials, let’s get hands-on. In this masterclass, we’ll explore the most in-demand techniques used by designers and trained applicators across the U.S., especially those taught by Decora expert instructors.

Technique 1: Smooth Concrete (Minimalist Modern)

This is one of the most popular finishes for high-end residential interiors.

How to Achieve It

• Use a flexible stainless-steel trowel
  

• Apply Concrete Art in thin layers
  

• Use long sweeping strokes
  

• Keep pressure consistent
  

• Burnish lightly when semi-dry
  

• Avoid overworking wet edges
  
  

This creates a soft, matte finish perfect for LA modern homes or Miami beachfront condos.

Technique 2: Rough / Industrial Concrete

For those who want a raw, architectural mood.

How to Achieve It

• Use a stiffer trowel or rounded spatula
  

• Apply with irregular strokes
  

• Allow natural ridges and peaks
  

• Use controlled distressing
  

• Maintain movement consistency
  

This suits NYC lofts, Texas open-concept houses, and Seattle industrial-modern interiors.

Technique 3: Formwork Lines (Board-Formed Concrete)

A major trend inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian architecture.

How to Achieve It

• Map horizontal or vertical lines
  

• Apply masking tape as guides
  

• Trowel plaster while following line direction
  

• Remove tape at semi-dry stage
  

• Lightly distress edges for realism
  

This adds depth, shadow, and architectural rhythm to walls.

Technique 4: Clouded Cement Look

A soft tonal variation that feels artisanal and sophisticated.

How to Achieve It

• Apply Concrete Art with crisscross strokes
  

• Allow subtle overlaps
  

• Use wet-on-dry layering for depth
  

• Avoid sharp trowel marks
  

• Burnish gently
  
  

This technique is ideal for organic modern and Japandi interiors.

Technique 5: Brushed Vertical Concrete

Inspired by brutalist architecture, this is ideal for tall entryways or feature walls.

How to Achieve It

• Use firm vertical strokes
  

• Maintain pressure consistency
  

• Feather edges to avoid streak breaks
  

• Avoid back-and-forth corrections
  

This gives the surface dynamic movement and height.

Technique 6: Seamless Micro-cement (Walls, Floors & Countertops)

Micro-cement excels when smooth continuity is the goal.

Core Principles

• Use 2–3 layers
  

• Keep pressure light
  

• Avoid stopping mid-wall
  

• Use wider trowels for large surfaces
  

• Seal thoroughly
  
  

This is essential for showers, kitchens, and minimalist spaces.

Technique 7: Custom Mixed Textures

The most advanced—and creative—of all techniques.

How to Achieve It

• Combine smooth + rough
  

• Use clouded layers under formwork
  

• Mix concrete tones for depth
  

• Introduce metallic accents (Marcopolo Luxury)
  

• Blend micro-cement transitions
  

This is where professional craftsmanship becomes true artistry.

What You'll Need

To make the most of this class, you'll need to bring a professional finisher's trowel and wiping cloths. You're also welcome to bring a wood graining tool or any other concrete effect tool you're familiar with and would like to try on your sample boards.

Why You Should Join

This class is more than just a learning experience; it's an opportunity to broaden your outlook on the business and all it has to offer. You'll leave with not only samples but also a deeper understanding of these products and how they can enhance your offerings as a finisher.

Don't miss this chance to learn from a seasoned professional and add a new dimension to your craft. Join us and discover the limitless possibilities of concrete art and micro-cement products.

To secure your spot, contact us today. We look forward to helping you take your skills to the next level.  For more information and to register please go to the ArtFusion site here:  https://www.artfusionevent.com/classes/concrete-art

 

Advanced Tips Only Professionals Know

Here are expert insights straight from Decora’s training instructors:

1. “Closing the Grain” Technique

Soft pressure passes eliminate micro-scratches and refine texture.

2. Pressure Control Secrets

Light pressure = soft texture
Heavy pressure = flat, burnished texture

3. Wet-on-Dry vs Wet-on-Wet

• Wet-on-dry = layered, clouded movement
  

• Wet-on-wet = blended, soft transitions
  
  

4. Trowel Burnishing

Burnish when 75% dry to avoid black marks.

5. Waterproofing Micro-cement

Seal in multiple coats to avoid shower stains.

6. Correcting Texture Mistakes

Light sanding + reapplication saves most DIY errors.

7. Avoiding Roller Marks

Always use San Marco primers—not generic wall paint primers.

Common Problems & How to Fix Them

These are the issues clients experience most often, especially DIY beginners:

• Patchy color
  

• Cracks
  

• Uneven texture
  

• Roller marks from wrong primer
  

• Too thin or too thick application
  

• Expecting “perfect concrete”
  

• Visible trowel lines
  

• Moisture problems
  

• Ignoring expansion joints
  

• Burnishing damage
  
  

In this masterclass, we'll break down why they happen and how to avoid them.

Case Study: California Homeowner’s DIY Attempt

Our chosen scenario:
Homeowner attempts DIY → expert finishes the project beautifully

The Situation

A homeowner in San Diego tried applying Concrete Art to a living room wall.

The Problems

• Patchy color
  

• Harsh trowel lines
  

• Uneven thickness
  

• Moisture issues from poor primer choice
  

• Clouded effect looked unintentional
  
  

The Decora Solution

A trained applicator:

• Removed defective layers
  

• Repaired substrate issues
  

• Applied proper primer
  

• Used controlled strokes
  

• Added soft cloud variation
  

• Sealed the final finish
  
  

Result

A stunning, smooth warm-grey concrete wall with sculptural depth and a premium matte finish.

The homeowner said:

I didn’t realize the difference technique makes until I saw the professional version. It transformed the room.

2026 Trends Driving Demand

Concrete Art & Microcement dominate upcoming design movements:

1. Warm Greys + Beige Cement

Soft industrialism replaces cold brutalism.

2. Japandi Minimalism

Concrete Art + pale woods = harmony.

3. Organic Modern

Clouded textures create visual softness.

4. Sculptural Wall Panels

3D concrete surfaces become architectural art.

5. Brutalist Revival

Deep charcoals & vertical brush techniques.

6. Seamless Micro-cement Bathrooms

Showers coated from floor-to-ceiling.

7. Counter-Wall Continuity

Micro-cement countertops flowing into backsplashes.

8. Mixed Materials

Concrete Art + Limewash + wood = trend perfection.

Material Comparisons (Clear & Educational)

Concrete Art vs Real Concrete

• Real concrete = heavy, structural, costly
  

• Concrete Art = lightweight, safe, expressive
  
  

Concrete Art vs Micro-cement

• Concrete Art = textured & artistic
  

• Micro-cement = seamless & minimalistic
  

Micro-cement vs Tiles

• Tiles = grout lines
  

• Micro-cement = continuous surfaces
  

Concrete Art vs Venetian Plaster

• Venetian = glossy marble
  

• Concrete Art = matte industrial elegance
  

Creative Exercises for Mastery

Exercise 1: Build a Concrete Mood Board

Include:

• Wood samples
  

• Fabrics
  

• Grey-toned plasters
  

• Metal accents
  

• Stone samples
  
  

Exercise 2: Practice Boards

Create 18x24” test boards using:

• Smooth finish
  

• Rough finish
  

• Clouded finish
  

• Formwork lines
  
  

Exercise 3: Combine Materials

Try pairing:

• Concrete Art on walls
  

• Micro-cement on surfaces
  
  

U.S. Spaces Where These Finishes Shine

• Los Angeles: Soft industrial concrete for modern hillside homes
  

• Miami: Seamless micro-cement for spa-style bathrooms
  

• New York: Brutalist vertical-textured concrete
  

• Texas: Open-concept concrete art walls
  

• Seattle: Japandi clouded finishes with pale wood
  
  

 

Final Thoughts 

In this masterclass, we explored how Concrete Art and micro-cement empower you to create expressive modern surfaces that transform the character of a space. Whether you’re a designer, contractor, DIY renovator, or future franchise owner, these materials unlock a new level of creativity and craftsmanship.

To take the next step:

✔ Book a consultation with The Decora Company
✔ Join a hands-on training class
✔ Visit a Decora showroom
✔ Purchase Concrete Art or Micro-cement kits
✔ Explore Decora’s franchise opportunity
✔ Subscribe for updates and design inspiration

Your creative journey begins with the first layer—let’s build something extraordinary together.