My Recent Training Trip to the UAE and Beyond by Keith Langton
I’ve just returned from an incredible training trip to the UAE, accompanied by Adam and Ian from Saint-Gobain. During our time in Dubai, we had the pleasure of meeting the Gulf Saint-Gobain team and running an intensive hands-on workshop focused on the basics of GRG (Glass Reinforced Gypsum) casting. We used Crysrxal R and Fine Casting Plaster—materials that the local team had never worked with in this form before.
The session quickly became more than just a technical overview. While demonstrating standard casting techniques, I was challenged to create something more dynamic than the typical ‘plain face’ tiles. Rising to the occasion, I improvised a small barrel mould using half a white plastic bucket I found on site—talk about thinking on your feet! To our surprise, the cast came out surprisingly well, and it sparked genuine excitement. In fact, the team was so inspired that they requested a small dome GRP mould to be fabricated at our workshop in the UK and sent back to the UAE for further training use.
Another highlight of the trip was introducing the SG Gulf team to a large local company I’ve been consulting with for over a year now. My work with them spans both their UAE workshop and a significant on-site project in Mumbai. I’ll be heading back to the region soon to catch up with both the Gulf team and this client, particularly to check in on one of the largest GRG installations happening anywhere in the world right now—yes, I’ll admit, I’m quite proud of that!
These kinds of trips reinforce something I’m deeply passionate about: training. As tradespeople, if we don’t commit to preserving and passing on our skills, we risk losing these incredible crafts forever. That’s why I dedicate so much of my time to sharing knowledge. Today, as I write this, I’m on a train headed to the London Craft Careers Festival, where I’ll be hosting a stand (completely free of charge) with a few members of my team. Just a few months ago, we ran a similar two-day event at the Guild Hall for the Worshipful Company of Plasterers.
Next up, I’ll be holding a GRG masterclass at Dudley Building College, again at no cost. These sessions are a labour of love, and I travel across the UK doing them—helping inspire the next generation of plasterers and artisans. And there’s more on the horizon: I’ve just been invited to Virginia, USA, to collaborate with a specialist heritage plasterer, where we’ll dive deep into lime renders and traditional techniques. I’m already checking flights!
Craft is more than a job—it’s a legacy. And I’m doing everything I can to keep it alive.
Lath and Plaster 