>I tried the contact email but never heard back.

This is strange!?

The show's over now and I'm ready to
>start.

How did the show go?

When I start using the putty (which is
>in sealed bags)

Is it Chinese/Taiwan? - should be good.

can I put what I haven't used
>into an airtight container and cover it with
>water?

yes, this is exactly what you need to do, also you need to pour about an inch of distilled whater over the putty.

Could you tell me how to make fresco
>white?

Dry the putty and crush it into powder that mix with distilled water into paste, dry and crush again. do it a couple of times. Make sure you keep it clean.
You will make "Bianco di san Giovani"

Keep the powder in the sealed contaner/plastic bag and use as needed for painting - grind with distilled water into paste and use as white.

What would be a good colour selection to
>start with?

Check "storing pigments" topic in this forum for traditional palette and tips on storing your colors.

Is it a good idea to make up colour
>tiles to begin with for reference?

you can do that to learn how the color works.

What are the
>special tools needed for applying the plaster?

stainless steel trowel slightly flexible (will post pic later)

>Why do you need to grind the pigments? I
>thought they would be fine enough to dissolve in
>the water.

To make them more refined and to properly mix with water. also to be able to control the consistency of the paint. you can make the paint thinner, but how about making it thicker if you mix it too wet. Just think about that.

Sorry for all the very basic
>questions and the long message but enthusiasm
>has taken over common sense. It's very hard to
>get information in Australia. Bye for now and
>thanks again for the best site in existence.

You are welcome!