Paint and plaster no longer hold any secrets for Domingue Architectural Finishes. The company, co-founded by Belgian master painter Eddy Dankers and American designer Ruth Gay, develops mineral finishes that are pure in composition and rich in history. No synthetics, no chemical additives. Only materials that have proved their worth for centuries.
Thanks to his 30 active years in the craft, Eddy Dankers has risen to become a rare authority in his field. His work speaks volumes: subtle structures, deep colour tones and a distinct sensibility. As a regular partner of Axel Vervoordt and the royal family of Belgium, his approach is always thoughtful, slow and meticulous. With him, paint and plaster are not finishes, but building blocks of atmosphere. 
Domingue's products are based on traditional formulas: lime paint, mineral paint and lime plasters, all composed of natural elements such as liquid potassium silicate, water and pigments. This composition ensures that the paint forms a chemical bond with the substrate, rather than remaining on top of it. As a result, the painted surfaces appear to breathe, age with grace and exude a certain inner peace. 
The lime undergoes a seven-year slaking process, but the result is definitely worth the wait.
That these techniques have been used since Roman times is no coincidence. What worked then still proves relevant today. Domingue's lime, for instance, undergoes a seven-year slaking process - an exceptionally long time within the industry. Regardless, the extremely strong and pure raw material that results is definitely worth the wait. Walls finished with this lime plaster actively absorb CO₂, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Whereas synthetic paint can contain up to 300 toxic substances, Domingue's environmentally conscious alternatives are completely free of such elements. This not only makes for healthier indoor air, but also avoids the harmful emissions involved in manufacturing and using synthetic paint. 
Although Eddy Dankers and Ruth Gay's story began in the United States, the germ is undeniably Belgian. The link to local craftsmanship, the integrity of materials and the return to artisanal techniques make this brand particularly relevant at a time when authenticity is increasingly difficult to find. With Domingue Architectural Finishes, an old story is rediscovered. In every pigment, grain and brushstroke lies a way of looking at things that feels urgent again today. 
Curious about the book ‘Belgian Craftsmanship III’? It is available via shop.imagicasa.be
Portrait by Jean Van Cleemput
Atelier image 1 by Joris Certiaens
Project image 1 by Salva López
Project image 2 by Salva López
Atelier image 2 by Joris Certiaens
Project image 3 by Salva López
Text by Carolien Depamelaere