Wall&decò’s WET SYSTEM™

The latest innovation from Italian wallpaper producer Wall&decò enables its large-format graphic prints to be applied in spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, fitness centres and spas. Offering a technically advanced and certified waterproof alternative to tiles or mosaics, WET SYSTEM™ introduces colour and pattern on a scale that transforms the character of these spaces.

The team at Wall&decò dedicated five years to the research and development of WET SYSTEM™, which currently has a patent pending for its unique combination of a printed fibre surface with a technical waterproof coating. ‘WET SYSTEM™ is a step forward from traditional wall coverings,’ claims the company’s founder and art director, Christian Benini. ‘It creates a seamless look that continues across all surfaces in the shower room, which is something you cannot do with traditional wallpaper.’

Interior designers and homeowners have typically tended to avoid using wallpaper in damp environments like bathrooms and have instead preferred hard surfaces that are resistant to water and easy to clean. The appearance of these materials, and the way they are fitted, limits their aesthetic potential, with repeat patterns or uniform surfaces prevailing in most cases. ‘The graphic solutions offered by WET SYSTEM™ refer to the wallpaper world, which means that the final visual effect is totally different from the one offered by tiles or mosaics,’ suggests Benini. Instead of rigid repetition, Wall&decò's designs incorporate large-scale, non-repeating images that transform each wall into a statement artwork.

Launched in 2012 – and with the new collection added in 2014 – WET SYSTEM™ has reached 46 different designs and 81 graphic variations. Many of these designs feature patterns that seem to have been partially eroded to unveil an alternative material or texture. A generally muted palette combining different tones provides visual depth, while classic patterns such as brocades and subtle floral motifs are updated with the addition of the faded sections. ‘We wanted to create unobtrusive designs that are a perfect decoration for bathrooms, where they create a light and bright atmosphere,’ says Benini, who designed several of the versatile surfaces himself, along with a network of other designers from the creative industries.

Thanks to the digital printing process pioneered by Christian Benini after he launched his first collection in 2005, the diversity of available wallpapers means there is something to suit a variety of tastes. It was while working as a photographer for the fashion and advertising industries that Benini created a set for a photo shoot featuring an enlarged image of leaves as a backdrop that he felt looked great for use in home interiors. This led him to explore the potential of creating wall coverings with unique designs based on photographs and digital graphics. ‘Our innovative approach to producing wall coverings is based on the concept of custom-made,’ Benini points out. ‘We scale images to preserve the subjects and enable large prints to be placed on the wall to customise the space. In this way it is not just a decorative element that you add at the end but exactly the opposite – it is an integral part of the project from the beginning with a great added value and strong figurative effect.’

Architects and interior designers were excited by the concept of wallpapers that departed from the typical geometric shapes or repeat patterns, and they began approaching Wall&decò, who by then had developed a system for printing any design onto a resistant, flame-retardant vinyl with non-woven cotton backing. Wall&decò continues to provide a custom-made service to complement its own collection, which today incorporates more than 650 designs. WET SYSTEM™ can also be produced with customised prints applied to its fibre surface, enhancing its versatility and allowing spaces to be even more personalised.

The success of Wall&decò’s wall coverings for living spaces prompted the company to begin the process of developing what it believes to be the world’s first all-in-one waterproof decorative membrane. WET SYSTEM™ meets the strict guidelines that determine which products can be used in wet or damp areas and boasts a range of technical properties that make it resistant to liquids, yellowing, abrasion and harsh household cleaning products. The system is manufactured as a kit of four separate components applied in stages and which result in a decorative wall covering with the protection of a fully waterproof membrane.

One of the key benefits of WET SYSTEM™ is that it can be applied straight onto existing vertical surfaces such as rendered walls, plasterboard, PVC, glass, or ceramic tiles. This process reduces material wastage and mess when redecorating, as the original surface can be left intact. The first step in the system is to apply a layer of a protective primer to create a smooth base. An adhesive is then spread over the wall to hold the decorative, printed fibre panels in place. Finally, two transparent liquid sheaths are used to create a protective coating over the entire surface. Years of research were required to identify the correct combination of compatible chemicals that would produce a stable and resistant solution.

WET SYSTEM™ represents the latest step in Wall&decò’s quest to bring expressive, large-format imagery to interiors and architectural projects. Through ongoing collaborations with leading artists, illustrators and designers, the company has introduced highly original decorative surfaces that offer freedom from repetitive patterns, while also providing a custom printing service for truly unique spaces. In addition to products for interiors, the team has developed OUT SYSTEM™, a wall covering for external use whose installation process is similar to that of WET SYSTEM™ and which enables the facades of residential and commercial buildings to be transformed into canvases for exciting murals and patterns. Through this dedication to technical innovation, Wall&decò has revolutionised the way wallpaper is produced and how it is used. With WET SYSTEM™, the company is changing attitudes towards the application of wallpaper in the bathroom, allowing designers to create spaces that are bold and unique without fear of compromising on functionality.