I first met Nina Zubkova, Owner of Dimensions International, when my siblings and I took a Faux Event class from Barth White on managing hotel commissions. Since then, we have kept up a nice correspondence. Dimensions International is a lime plaster company whose headquarters are in West Palm Beach, FL. They import plasters from Italy that are naturally VOC-free and their limestone quarries have been selected by UNESCO to supply plasters to be used for restoration purposed worlwide. All of their products, with the exception of their “Venetian”, can be used for interiors and exteriors. Lime products expel moisture while drying, thus eliminating mold and mildew. Nina took the time to answer a few questions and provide some beautiful visuals.
How did Dimensions International come to be?
When I first experienced the ease of lime plaster application, I was hooked. I loved the history, the natural process of the plaster reverting back to a limestone state once dry and the fact that these products are used for restoration of historic sites. I knew right away that I wanted to bring these products to the U.S. market. I showed some sample boards to a stucco company, and they placed an order for plaster for the exterior of a 50,000 sf residence! I realized it was time to get a warehouse, office/studio space and be in business – this was in 2004. Within the first 18 months of being in business, we were shipping product to 40 states and the Caribbean, as well as Moscow. We are now in our 5th year of business and growing strong.
Tell us about your workshops.
I have been fortunate to have been personally taught advanced techniques by European masters which have become the basis for our curriculum. Ours was also the first studio to introduce Tadelakt (Moroccan plaster) and we offer a workshop at our Florida studio once a year as a “specialty advanced” class to its certified artisans. All classes are limited to 7 students, allowing for personal, hands-on training. A few of our students have even landed lucrative projects from showing the sample boards made at our studio. Dimensions offers a complete curriculum of European artistic techniques that will enhance any portfolio.
Here are some samples pics and interior & exterior project photographs.
What are some of the newest or innovative products you have in the Dimensions line?
Two come to mind. First is Tilecoat — a product that is troweled on over existing formica, ceramic tile or any non-porous slick surface. Once it is dry, it is primed with our lime based Primer, then any one of our plasters may be used to create a new and beautiful finish. The original surface just needs to be clean – no etching or demolishing required; and (2) Our Rasatura is a primer and first coat all in one. It has the grain size of our Travertino Fine and may be tinted. It is used to fill in porous substrates such as brick, and is especially effective over “orange peel” walls.
Tell us about some of your favorite design styles.
I have always been drawn to classic Italian and French design with some contemporary mixed in, such as in the artwork. I like the juxtaposition of antiques and modern with the layering of textures.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this interview and have received lots of good information. You can see their class schedule on their website as well as sign up for their newsletter. On their website, they even have a nice History of Lime area where you can read about the history of pure lime plasters. In fact, Dimensions doesn’t even call it “faux” — they call it “chaux” plaster, after the French term for lime. I hope you have a chance to review their lovely website and look into their products. Have a great weekend!
Love the Dimensions photos. The makeover of your blog is great!