Plaster Center Information

"PlasterCenter offers a full line of Italian, Venetian and Moroccan plaster products plus real milk paint products," Beninati said. "We specialize in products with hundreds of years of safe history behind them." "Products have evolved into eco-friendly wall treatment materials over last 35 years," he continued. "Products are so much healthier to use now." A native Detroiter, Beninati stepped into the paint contractor and design industry more than 20 years ago. Since then, he has studied at sites around the U.S. for product training in fine finishing. "I was laid off from the medical industry and started working at a paint store," Beninati said. "I learned how to tint with a 12-colorant manual tint paint system." Beninati is helping others learn skills he acquired over the last few decades at PlasterCenter's educational branch, Minneapolis Institute for Fine Finishes, or MIFF. September 2010 kicked off the first of many Moiré-based workshops at MIFF. These workshops cater to all levels of learners and are extremely well-attended, according to Beninati. "We run very affordable workshops for people at every level," Beninati said. "It is very easy to learn." Recent MIFF student, Marsha Adams, agreed that Moiré is easy to apply. "I did a demo board in MIFF's studio and it was extremely easy to learn for a first-time user," Adams said. "Drew taught me how to apply Moiré, and I know anyone, even the average homeowner, can do this." PlasterCenter workshops are often conducted at various Hirshfield's locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin to promote Moiré. This April, the first ever Detroit-area Moiré' workshop will be held. "Moiré is in the early stages of distribution," Beninati said. "Moiré is currently available in several U.S. markets, Canada, and the U.K." There are currently 105 colors in Texturline Moiré Midwest Reflections collection. Beninati said another designer color line will be released in spring 2011. This pastel color line will include lighter, brighter colors inspired by fabrics in living spaces. "The new designer color line will have more pearlesence in it," he said. "This line was inspired by linen trends." All colors in Beninati's color lines are developed uniquely, he said. "I pride myself on color development," Beninati said. "Our first color, cinnamon, was actually developed on my kitchen table with a container of cinnamon right next to me." "I am very blessed," he added. "I love what I do because it started off as a hobby and is now a career." Beninati added, "I have met so many talented finishers around the Twin Cities and look forward to meeting many more." Texturline Moiré Midwest Reflections is available at various dealer locations and the PlasterCenter.