Sage Restoration offers immersive workshops and presentations on traditional restoration materials. For heritage professionals, conservation organizations, tradespeople, and institutions who want to do the work right.
At Sage Restoration, knowledge transfer is as important as the products we carry. Our workshops bring together the history, science, and hands-on technique behind traditional restoration materials - linseed oil paint, pine tar, spar varnish, natural putty, and more - in a format that equips participants to do the work with confidence.
Whether you're a conservation architect specifying materials for a heritage project, a tradesperson learning traditional application methods, or an institution looking to upskill your team, our workshops are designed to meet you where you are.
We work with hosts to design each event around your audience, your space, and your goals. No two workshops are identical, and that's intentional.
Workshop Formats
We offer several workshop structures, which can be combined, extended, or tailored depending on your needs.
All formats include time for questions and discussion. We are also happy to incorporate panel discussions with additional practitioners and conservationists where relevant.
Keynote
Presentation
A structured 1.5–2 hour presentation covering the history, science, and revival of traditional restoration materials. Ideal as a standalone event, conference session, or opening to a longer program. Suitable for mixed audiences including homeowners, professionals, and policy advisors.
Topics can include: the case for traditional materials over modern synthetics, the linseed oil paint revival in Europe and North America, product systems and material compatibility, and North American project case studies.
Half-Day
Presentation + Demo
A morning of structured presentation followed by an afternoon of live product demonstrations. Participants observe hands-on application techniques across multiple material systems.
Demonstration topics can include: the Linseed Oil Paint System (window restoration), Pine Tar application, Traditional Spar Varnish, and Linseed Soap cleaning.
Full Two-Day
Immersive Workshop
Our most comprehensive format. Day one combines presentation, panel discussion, and demonstration. Day two moves into site-based or hands-on station work where participants apply materials directly under guidance.
Hands-on stations can cover: linseed oil impregnation, putty application and glazing technique, ideal film thickness, pine tar with and without linseed oil, spar varnish application and maintenance, and brushwork and tool care.
Our workshops draw on decades of experience working with traditional restoration materials across land and marine applications. Topics are selected in collaboration with each host and may include:
- Linseed oil paint: history, processing, qualities, and application
- The WindowCraft tradition and its influence on modern conservation practice
- Pine tar: heritage use, modern application, and cross-compatibility
- Traditional Spar Varnish: application, elasticity, and long-term maintenance
- Linseed putty: glazing technique for wood and metal windows
- Natural cleaners: linseed soap and solvent-free approaches
- Building lime, natural insulation, and breathable masonry systems
- Material systems thinking: how traditional products work together
- Comparing traditional materials to modern proprietary alternatives
- Specification guidance for heritage and conservation projects
- Maintenance planning over time
We also offer sessions specifically focused on marine applications, including preservation of historic vessels, traditional deck and hull materials, and heritage-appropriate finishes for wood and metal in marine environments.
Inquire About a WorkshopFeatured Workshop
Traditional Materials for Land and Sea
December 6–7, 2025 - The Great Lakes Museum, Kingston, Ontario
In partnership with Tall Ship Expeditions Canada (Brigantine) and The Great Lakes Museum
This two-day event brought together conservation professionals, heritage tradespeople, and maritime practitioners to explore the use of traditional materials in both building and marine contexts.
Day one opened with a keynote presentation by Sage Restoration, followed by a panel discussion with John and Michael Sinclair and Chris Chafe on the practical use of traditional materials aboard historic vessels. The afternoon featured live demonstrations of the Linseed Oil Paint System (window restoration), Pine Tar and Linseed Oil application, and Traditional Spar Varnish technique.
Day two moved aboard the SS Keewatin for a tour and guided discussion on heritage-appropriate paint removal and preservation. The day concluded with optional hands-on stations where participants worked directly with materials under guidance.
Topics covered included: maintenance over restoration, solvent-free approaches, cross-compatibility of traditional material systems, predictability of natural materials over time, and a practical comparison of traditional versus modern proprietary products.
Who Our Workshops Are For
Our workshops are designed to be relevant across a wide range of audiences.
If you're not sure whether a workshop is right for your group, reach out - we're happy to talk through what would work best.
Past participants have included:
Heritage &
Conservation Professionals
Conservation architects, historic site managers, restoration specialists, and heritage consultants looking to deepen their material knowledge and inform project specifications.
Skilled
Tradespeople
Painters, carpenters, glaziers, masons, and other craftspeople seeking hands-on training in traditional application methods.
Institutions &
Organizations
Museums, heritage societies, churches, historic trusts, government preservation bodies, and maritime organizations looking to train staff or engage their community.
Homeowners &
Enthusiasts
Owners of historic homes and environmentally conscious renovators who want to understand and apply traditional materials with confidence.
Bring a Workshop to Your Organization
We work with institutions, organizations, and community groups across Canada and beyond to design workshop experiences that fit your audience and your space. Whether you're planning a professional development day, a public event, or a site-specific training session, we'd love to hear from you.
Reach out to start the conversation - we'll work with you to build something that fits.