EXPERT INTERVIEW: The Future of Wallcoverings - We Interview Paul Restarick to Explore Epson Resin Printing
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
The interior decor industry is experiencing a profound shift. Demand for mass-produced, repetitive wallpaper produced by traditional rotary technology is being disrupted by the consumers growing demand for bespoke, highly customised decor that reflects individual aesthetics and brand identities.
For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.
Navigating these challenges requires more than just standard printing equipment. It demands forward-thinking solutions that prioritise both aesthetic excellence and sustainable practices. Enter Resin printing technology. With innovations like the Epson SureColor SC-R5000, the market is seeing a rapid evolution in how decorative wallcoverings and interior accessories are produced.
This article explores the technical advancements and creative opportunities offered by Epson's latest resin technologies. Drawing on industry insights from Paul Restarick, Pre-Sales Technical Specialist at Epson UK Ltd, we will examine how water-based resin inks, precise heating controls, and expert technical support are redefining the boundaries of commercial decor printing.
Driving Growth in the European Decor Market
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate. Industry reports frequently project steady annual growth in the digital wallpaper sector. The market is scaling, with revenues reaching roughly USD 0.8 billion in 2025 and projections showing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.6% to 20.9% through 2030 (Fortune Business Insights) driven largely by commercial sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and retail seeking unique interior branding. As designers look for ways to differentiate their spaces, the ability to print custom, high-quality short runs offer significant commercial advantages.
To capture this growing market, print service providers need agile, intuitive technology. They require equipment that can seamlessly switch between diverse applications, from high-end residential wallpapers to durable commercial wallcoverings, without compromising on print quality or production speed.
The Science of Colour Consistency and Dimensional Stability
One of the most persistent hurdles in digital wallpaper production is maintaining colour matching and dimensional stability over long print runs. If a single drop of ink behaves differently from one end of a roll to the other, the resulting panels will not align seamlessly on the wall.
Epson’s resin technology addresses this issue at the microscopic level. The resin ink consists of pigments encapsulated in resin, suspended in a water-based carrier solution. During the printing process, the printer's platen is precisely heated to start the evaporation process the moment the ink hits the substrate. This controlled environment dictates exactly how the ink droplet spreads, fundamentally controlling dot gain.
By managing the droplet size and placement using advanced piezo printhead technology - specifically the PrecisionCore Micro TFP printheads - the system guarantees exceptional colour consistency. Furthermore, the curing process uses circulated warm air rather than intense, fluctuating blasts of heat. This prevents the substrate from warping or stretching, ensuring the dimensional stability crucial for matching wallcovering panels perfectly.
Sustainable, Safe, and Certified Printing
As the industry moves towards greener practices, the environmental impact of printing technologies is under intense scrutiny. Epson's UltraChrome RS resin inks are entirely water-based and odourless. They hold GREENGUARD Gold certification, making the printed output perfectly suited for sensitive indoor environments such as schools, hospitals, and restaurants.
For the eco-conscious consumer, this technology pairs exceptionally well with eco-friendly, PVC-free substrates, such as non-woven paper. This allows print professionals to offer a fully sustainable product lifecycle, meeting the market demands of consumers while maintaining exceptional ink durability and scratch resistance.
Empowering Designers to Push Creative Boundaries
The true power of the Epson SC-R5000 lies in its ability to unlock unprecedented creative freedom. Historically, printing on uncoated stocks or unique textures required large minimum order quantities or compromised print quality. Resin technology changes that narrative entirely.
Because the ink sits on the surface and cures immediately, designers can print directly onto uncoated, textured materials like faux suede, metallic foils, and mica palettes. This capability provides a premium, true matte finish that eliminates unwanted glare, a vital characteristic for high-end home furnishings and ambient commercial spaces. By removing the technical limitations of substrate compatibility, this technology empowers both the designer and the print community to experiment boldly, offering highly customised interior accessories and expanding their commercial growth potential.
The Value of Expert Technical Support
Adopting advanced printing technology is only part of the equation. To truly maximise the potential of agile, intuitive printing solutions, businesses require access to deep technical expertise. Application specialists like Paul Restarick play a crucial role in the wider print ecosystem.
Epson’s approach goes beyond simply supplying hardware; it involves active knowledge sharing. By providing highly skilled technical support, specialists help businesses understand the nuances of piezo head technology, the intricacies of substrate behaviour, and the optimal settings for bespoke applications like roller blinds or textured wallcoverings. This collaborative support structure ensures that print professionals can confidently take on complex, high-value projects, knowing they have the technical backing to deliver flawless results.
A New Era for Interior Decor Applications
The transition towards bespoke, digitally printed wallcoverings continues to reshape the interior decor landscape. Technologies like the Epson SureColor SC-R5000 demonstrate how far the industry has evolved, offering solutions that merge precise engineering with environmental responsibility.
By providing exceptional colour consistency, dimensional stability, and the ability to print on diverse, uncoated substrates, resin printing technology directly answers the demands of the decor market.
Supported by dedicated technical experts, print professionals are now better equipped than ever to deliver sustainable, market-leading quality. For those operating within the interior design and commercial print sectors, embracing these advancements is a clear pathway to unlocking new commercial opportunity whilst meeting the sophisticated needs of today's clients.
OVERVIEW:
This is Epson’s first resin ink large format printer. Printing on a wide range of substrates such as vinyl, banner, textile, canvas, wallpaper and film, it combines accuracy, media flexibility and reliability. The odourless water-based ink means printed applications can be used in sensitive environments such as schools, hospitals and hotels, as well as outdoor applications that require extreme durability.
