Unlocking Creativity: Highlights from CASTO's Hands-On Themed Finishes & Materials Training
The Artistry of Themed Finishes: A Journey in Creativity
Over the course of four transformative weekends, CASTO’s hands-on training brought the world of themed construction to life. Hosted at Select Surface Solutions in Orlando, FL, the training welcomed 24 enthusiastic participants — a dynamic blend of UCF students and industry professionals — ready to roll up their sleeves and create magic.
Day 1: Concrete is Our Canvas
Theme: Decorative Concrete 101
We kicked things off with a bang, diving straight into the versatility of concrete in themed environments. Participants tackled eight different panel types, learning:
Broom finishes
Exposed aggregates
Steel trowel finishes
Dry shake hardeners
Stamped textures
It wasn’t just a day of technique — it was a celebration of concrete as an art form. Students transformed raw materials into expressive panels, discovering just how beautiful, colorful, and textured concrete could be.
"I want to learn more and more. This class was so beneficial on a personal and professional level."
"I want to learn more and more. This class was so beneficial on a personal and professional level."
Day 2: Vertical Carving — From Walls to Wonders
Theme: Mastering Overlays and Carving
Day Two brought overlays and vertical carving to center stage! Students explored:
Seamless overlays over cured concrete
Microtoppings and exposed aggregate overlays
Vertical carving using metal lath, scratch coats, and bonding agents
From carving round planters to crafting faux brick walls and rustic wooden textures, the energy in the room was electric. Creativity soared as every participant brought their visions to life, adding depth and dimension to flat surfaces.
Day 3: Painting the Dream
Theme: Scenic Painting and Staining
The focus shifted from form to color as we welcomed industry legend Kirsten Ruhs of KirPaint. Under her guidance, participants learned to breathe life into their creations, mastering techniques like:
Realistic woodgraining
Weathered marble effects
Moss-covered stones
Multilayered scenic stains and paints
It was a masterclass in authenticity. Every textured surface burst into vivid realism, from carved bricks to aged timber — elevating every student’s work to new heights.
"I would gladly give up sleeping in on Saturdays again, which is saying something!"
"I would gladly give up sleeping in on Saturdays again, which is saying something!"
Day 4: Protect, Preserve, and Innovate
Theme: Resinous Coatings & Mold-Making
Our final day was all about sealing and preserving the masterpieces created. Students explored:
Resinous floor coatings
Specialty sealers
Mold-making and resin casting techniques
Thanks to our special guest instructor Amee Whitt of Reynolds Advanced Materials, participants even crafted custom texture stamps, themed props, and artifacts. It was the perfect bonus — adding an extra layer of creativity to an already unforgettable journey.
Behind the Scenes: Where the Magic Happens
While the students were front and center, the real magic started behind the scenes. From early morning setups of freshly poured concrete panels to late nights spent perfecting texture samples, the CASTO Creative team — along with our amazing partners — worked tirelessly to make sure every detail was ready.
One unforgettable behind-the-scenes moment? A mold-making mishap led to a valuable lesson. When a student accidentally bonded material to an untreated sample board, it seemed ruined — but under expert guidance, the team salvaged the piece and turned it into a new learning opportunity about proper material procedures. As Matt Casto put it, "Knowing your materials and following proper procedures is critical to success in this industry."
We were also honored to welcome the President of AIA and his wife, who spent an afternoon engaging with students, reinforcing the importance of programs like this in cultivating the next generation of themed environment professionals. Their presence validated what we already knew: real-world, hands-on learning is not just valuable — it's essential.
"Thank you for giving us a hands-on environment to learn."
"Thank you for giving us a hands-on environment to learn."
Student Spotlight: A Letter of Appreciation
"This workshop brought together a group of incredibly enthusiastic and creative individuals for an experience with materials and techniques we may have never otherwise had the opportunity to experience so intimately... After completing this workshop, I feel significantly more confident pursuing a future in a creative director role and communicating intelligently with contractors."
— Analiese Melendez, UCF MS Candidate in Themed Experience
Analiese’s heartfelt words capture what so many participants felt: a deepened confidence, expanded creative vision, and a profound respect for the craftsmanship behind every themed environment.
Thank You to Our Incredible Sponsors, Partners, and Friends
None of this would have been possible without the passionate support of our sponsors and partners:
Sponsors:
Lanco
Resinwerks
Foxfire
Adena
UCC
Duraamen
Surecrete
Hot Spray
Falcon's Creative Group
Partners:
KirPaint
University of Central Florida (UCF)
Reynolds Advanced Materials
Select Surface Solutions
Local Professional Attendees:
AIA
University of Florida (UF)
UDX
Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI)
Merlin Entertainments
Tait Entertainment
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
We are especially grateful to those who not only contributed resources but also took the time to engage directly with students. As Matt Casto emphasized, "It's one thing to give money — it's another to give your time. Students notice the difference, and they deeply appreciate it."
"The passion from every presenter was so evident. It made a huge impact."
"The passion from every presenter was so evident. It made a huge impact."
Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy of Craftsmanship
This course was more than just a series of classes — it was a spark for the future of the themed finishes industry. As Matt Casto so eloquently put it:
"The themed finishes industry will either live or die based on the continual development of artisans."
At CASTO Creative, we believe it's our shared responsibility — from universities to major industry players like Disney, Universal, Falcon Entertainment, and others — to ensure the next generation of craftsmen and craftswomen are empowered, trained, and inspired. The future of themed construction depends on cultivating real skills through real experience — not just theoretical knowledge.
We’re proud to lead the charge. And we call on our partners, colleagues, and friends across the industry to join us in making artisan training a central part of our collective legacy.
Stay tuned — the best is yet to come!
#CastoCreative #ThemedFinishes #HandsOnTraining #CreativeConstruction #ConcreteArtistry #UCFThemedExperience
