Teale Hatheway, founder of Pearl and Maude working on wallpaper in the studio

Digital Printing Revolutionizes Wallpaper Craftsmanship

 

 

Teale Hatheway, founder of Pearl and Maude working on wallpaper in the studio

~ Digital Printing Revolutionizes Wallpaper Craftsmanship ~

The Artistry, Customization, and Environmental Responsibility of Digitally Printed Wallpapers

 

The use of digitally printed wallpaper is becoming increasingly popular in the interior design industry. However, an established interior designer recently expressed her reluctance to embrace this modern technology, preferring traditional printing methods instead. As someone who values craftsmanship and traditional art forms, I understand her perspective. Nevertheless, this discussion prompted me to reflect on my own production process as a traditional craftsman and why I ultimately chose digital printing. My answer lies in three distinct characteristics of large-format digital printing: artistry, customization and a sense of environmental responsibility. These factors demonstrate why digitally printed wallpaper has become my preferred choice for producing Pearl & Maude wallpapers.

 

 

 

 

 

Artistry Redefined with Digitally Printed Wallpaper

The Artistic Details on Digitally Printed Wallpaper

Details of some of the unexpected nuances available with digitally printed wallpaper.

Digital printing offers exceptional artistic capabilities that can rival traditional printing methods, whether it’s block, screen, rotary or gravure. Almost all of the two-dimensional, visual components of traditional wallpaper are possible with high resolution, digital printing. But what makes the advanced technology even more exciting, is that it can accurately reproduce the details found in original artwork. This capability ensures that the final printed wallpaper captures the essence and artistic vision of the people who designed them.

 

 

I am an artist first and foremost. I revel in experimenting with materials, and textures in my paintings. These paintings eventually become the foundations of my wallpapers. The ability to reproduce brush strokes, gold leaf, gradients, and subtle details helps to maintain the integrity of the original artwork. It creates visually stunning wallpapers, the likes of which are impossible using other printing techniques. Working in traditional printing processes requires many people to design, develop and produce the screens that make the final product. But digital’s ability to reproduce different artistic techniques allows me, the artisan, to directly convey the skills I have refined over my career, in our wallpapers. This results in a few unique features of Pearl & Maude designs such as the illusion of gold leaf or what I refer to as “soft focus,” a result of spray paint spatters that make bold designs feel softer and less mechanical.

 

 

the customization potential of digitally printed wallpaper

Custom color is a common request in the Pearl & Maude studio.

Access to Custom Wallcoverings

Another significant advantage of digital printing is the ability to customize wallpapers according to individual preferences and requirements. This flexibility opens up endless possibilities for interior designers and homeowners to create personalized spaces. Through digital printing, custom scale, specific color schemes, and even personalized elements can be incorporated into the wallpaper patterns. But it’s not just about the design itself.

 

The immediacy of digital printing allows for quick iterations and adjustments, making it an ideal choice for those seeking tailor-made solutions in a timely and cost-efficient manner. Add to these benefits the ability to print on a range of substrates, and the world of custom wallpaper opens up to the possibilities of textured papers, metallics, and commercial-grade substrates. This level of customization ensures that each wallpaper can be a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects the client’s taste and the needs of their environment.

 

 

Digital Printing is Environmentally Conscious

digitally printed wallpaper is an efficient solution for custom wallcoverings

Made to order wallpaper reduces waste and eliminates dead stock.

Finally and importantly, in an era where sustainability is a growing concern, digital printing offers a more environmentally responsible approach to wallpaper

production. Unlike traditional printing methods that involve extensive (and expensive) setup, heavy electrical draws, large amounts of wastewater generation and the use of harmful chemicals, digital printing minimizes these environmental impacts.

 

In the case of Pearl & Maude, our wallpaper printing consumes far less energy than most other printing techniques, including digital.  It uses GREENGUARD Gold certified inks, which ensures they have met the most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This makes it acceptable for use in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities. The ability to print on-demand also reduces excess inventory, contributing to a more sustainable business model. By embracing digital printing, Pearl & Maude prioritizes environmental responsibility without compromising on the quality and aesthetics of our wallpaper.

 

While some may view the preference for traditional printing methods as a mark of craftsmanship, the choice to use digital printing for Pearl & Maude wallpapers aligns with our values of artistry, customization, and environmental responsibility. The artistic capabilities of digital printing ensure that the wallpapers maintain the integrity and intricacies of the original artwork. Customization options allow for personalized designs that cater to individual preferences. Furthermore, the environmentally friendly nature of digital printing aligns with the growing need for sustainable practices. In embracing these qualities, Pearl & Maude showcases how digital printing has transformed the world of wallpaper production, offering a blend of tradition and modernity that satisfies the demands of both craftsmen and contemporary consumers.

 

Teale Hatheway, founder of Pearl & Maude with her large format digital printer for wallpaper

Pearl & Maude founder Teale Hatheway with her printer “Dorothea.”

 

 

 

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