Recently I was invited to visit Roland DGA's Southern California office, on the suggestion of my longtime friend, Laurie Laizure of the Interior Design Community. I spent the day with Laurie, the Roland DGA team, and several design leaders from around the country, to learn about the future of printing, wallpaper, and Dimense's newest printer, Dimensor S.
Dimense -New Digital Printing Technology
Dimense is a revolutionary digital printing technology that adds 3D structure to prints. Originally founded in Lithuania, the company was recently acquired by Roland DGA. With their resources Dimense's innovative technology is poised to disrupt the surface art industry, which includes custom textured wallpaper. Dimense utilizes water-based latex inks and a unique "structural ink" to create stunning 3D effects. This single-pass system efficiently prints CMYK colors and also adds the structural element in a single pass, streamlining the production process.
The first part of the day was spent in the "classroom" at the Orange County Museum of Art, learning about Dimense Dimense's origin, its technical specifications, and the possibilities this new printing technology brings to the table.
Eco-Friendly Custom Textured Wallpaper
A true disruptor in the digital printing world, this revolutionary technology, offers a sustainable approach to creating custom textured wallpaper. Utilizing water-based inks and PVC-free media, Dimense ensures a biodegradable and environmentally friendly product. The company controls the entire ecosystem - printer, media and ink so they can ensure that the highest standards are maintained. Unlike traditional vinyl options, Dimense materials are designed to decompose over time, minimizing their environmental impact. However, it's important to note that prolonged exposure to UV light can cause material degradation, so it is best to not be exposed to direct sunlight or the outdoor elements.
Applications and Substrates
Dimense provides so many ways to customize a space, including textured wallpaper, feature walls, corporate branding, trade show booths, fine and surface art - all printed on demand...and in 3D.
Dimense offers 11 substrates including suede, pearlescent, matte, silver media. I'm sure you're dying to know how the texture is incorporated. Unlike 3D printing, it doesn't involve multiple pass overs and a build up of material. The substrate consists of two layers - the backlayer is a non-woven, and the top layer is a PVC and phtalate-free EcoDeco composition layer that expands when heat is applied. Where structural ink is applied, the substrates remains flat and does not expand. Structural ink can also be applied without color to create a monotone embossed effect. Here is a sample of that effect. On the left, as printed, and on the right that is painted after printing.
Dimense is oftentimes used this way - print then paint, when creating concrete effects, as it looks so close to concrete, but without the cost... and weight.
A couple of weeks before the event, each participant was asked to submit an original 18"x 24" image to print. I sent a flat PDF file and Kitt Jones, Business Development and Co-Creation Manager at Roland DGA applied texture to my file so that the stuctural ink could print texture. This was the file I sent:
The others in the group also had their art printed, but on a variety of substrates, to show the different effects that can be achieved depending on the substrate used:
I also took the opportunity to peruse several of the custom wallpaper books on hand. One of my favorites was this Japonais mural of birds printed on a metallic gold specialty substrate. The ability to print on metallic paper is one thing but to add texture really brings the scene and material life.
Another use is to paint the "embossed" or textured paper, then to apply paint in a contrasting color to a sponge and gently wipe across so that just the high points are painted. Here is an example:
After viewing a demonstration of how to create a two-toned effect on a painted printed Media Plus substrate, each of the participants took a stab at painting. I applied metallic gold paint to a flat and firm block of styrofoam and the gently brushed it across the top layer. The gold adhered to the raised, textured areas. Here was my attempt:
Here are Jaime Derringer, founder of Design Milk and Laurie Laizure, founder of the Interior Design Community taking a stab at painting.
The Printers
One of the most satisfying things is going behind the scenes to see how things work, and I got to do exactly that. First, we saw the Dimensor S in action.
While in the showroom, I took a look at all the other printing capabilities that are applicable to the interior design trade. It is quite interesting that seeing what is possible opens your mind to other possibilities.
Above, this may look like a wood paneled elevator in an upscale hotel. But in reality, it is wallpaper that is digitally printed to look like wood paneling. The floor is also printed to look like a tile mosaic! So what looks like an upscale wood paneled elevator really is printed wallpaper!
With everything being so readily available online, there is no greater luxury than having something custom made, and the rise of digital printing has enabled custom printing. Not only is it on demand but digital printing has allowed wallpaper to be created in a specific shape and for a specific wall, with minimal waste. The addition of texture adds another nuance. There is no doubt that custom textured wallpaper brings depth and warmth to a space, and anything is possible. If you'd like to explore the possibilities of working with Dimense, reach out to them and they will be sure to show you the possibilities!
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