2026 Autumn Workshops Announcement

Stone Grave Marker & Monument Cleaning & Repair Basics
October 2 – Book Now!

While cemeteries are often considered perpetual, grave markers are not. Deferred maintenance accelerates the deterioration of gravestones and monuments, resulting in safety hazards and loss of interpretation details as they erode away forever. What we teach by method and material selection is all in an attempt to keep gravestones from deteriorating further, respect original materials, and stabilize features for future generations. Participants will be introduced to the LimeWorks.us Graveyard Kit and practice working with the products. Exercises review steps to prepare a natural field-mixed glue to repair broken stone elements, using Ecologic™ Brand Waterglass to consolidate friable masonry, and choosing appropriate techniques to patch, repair, and clean sensitive stones without causing damage. Prior masonry experience is helpful but not required.

Lithomex® Brick & Stone Surface Repair
October 9, October 23 & November 13 – Book Now!

Rather than cutting out and replacing damaged brick and stone, impressive repairs can be achieved by using proprietary lime-based repair mortars Fit for Purpose in the application they correspond to. Saint-Astier® Lithomex® is a state-of-the-art repair material designed to take up material loss so the artisan using it can restore the profile, surface finish, texture, and color of the original masonry unit. This workshop introduces Lithomex® and the basic techniques to achieve convincing surface repairs for vintage masonry. Under the guidance of experienced masons from LimeWorks.us, students will shape Lithomex® and practice creative blending, tooling techniques, and fashioning details to simulate existing masonry. Prior masonry experience is helpful but not required.

Basic Plaster Wall Repair
October 9 – Book Now!

A traditional building material, plaster was historically used as a protective and decorative coating for walls and ceilings. While original plasterwork is a desirable asset, it requires maintenance to retain its elegance. Our workshop introduces the benefits of the Ecologic™ Lime Plaster System. The class covers the topics of surface preparation, and simple methods for performing lasting repairs. Under the guidance of experienced plasterers, students will apply a scratch coat over wood lath panels. LimeWorks.us products like TAKCOAT™ and TOPCOAT™—two specially formulated lime plasters from LimeWorks.us are designed for working with what remains in an old building for resurfacing, restoring, and repairing existing plaster walls—plus learning techniques to apply TAKCOAT™ followed by TOPCOAT™ for a smooth final finish in new work. Prior plastering experience is helpful but not required.

Basics of Repointing Brick & Stone Using Lime Mortar
October 16th – Book Now!

The decision to repoint masonry relates to obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks, loose bricks, or damp walls. Good repointing practices guarantee the long life of the mortar joint, wall, and historic structure. This hands-on workshop introduces basic principles needed to repoint vintage brick and stone structures using Ecologic™ Mortar to obtain a breathable joint that returns water back to the atmosphere rather than trapping it in the wall to cause adjacent damage to interior surfaces and surrounding wood elements. Ecologic™ Mortar is supplied by LimeWorks.us in 12 stock colors. A opening lecture on the properties of natural hydraulic lime mortars and how to select the right sand to go with the lime, mixing, placing, tooling and curing the mortar joints all give practical advice to the hands-on experience practiced in the workshop. Under the guidance of experienced masons from LimeWorks.us, participants will practice on mock-up panels or directly on historic structures undergoing restoration at our facility. Prior masonry experience is not required.

Restoring Historic Wood Window (Including Sash Mechanics)
October 21st-23rd – Book Now!

Old windows are important to the mechanics and character of historic buildings, comprising a considerable amount of the fabric of the wall plane. Wood windows that are repaired and maintained will have greatly extended service lives while contributing to the historic character of the edifice.

Put your piece of history back to work with guidance from our preservation specialists. Methods support retention and repair of original windows using old-fashioned craftsmanship combined with modern know-how. Participants will practice hands-on techniques to restore a wood sash and window from start to finish and review routine maintenance measures—such as weatherstripping or repairing a broken sash cord—that extend the life of historic windows.

Historic Preservation Boot Camp
November 4-6 – Book Now!

An immersive, deep-dive symposium into high-performance historic masonry conservation. Work shoulder-to-shoulder with LimeWorks.us experts to master compatible lime mortars, identify destructive prior intervention, and execute complex repointing and rendering. Practice advanced surface resuscitation using Lithomex®, mastering the delicate balance of breathability, strength, and historical accuracy required for elite restoration projects.

Plaster Level II, Traditional Three-Coat Lime Plaster on Lath
November 13 – Book Now!

Elevate your wall-finishing mastery beyond basic patching into full structural execution. Partnering with the LimeWorks.us Technical Install Team, you will engineer a complete, historic three-coat lime plaster system on lath utilizing premium Ecologic™ Plaster TOPCOAT™ Platinum grades. Learn to install, sequence, and then texture scratch, brown, and finish layers for proper bonding that will yield durability and historic authenticity.