This article first appeared in the September 2025 issue of Australian Printer
Canon Production Printing, in partnership with renowned design and printing company, and long-time collaborator of The Block, Grafico, has played a key role in one of the most creatively ambitious episodes of this season – the DIY Wallpaper Challenge.
Filmed at the scenic town of Daylesford, Victoria, the episode showcased the contestants’ artistic flair while also marking the debut of the Canon Colorado M-series on Channel 9‘s hit Australian renovation TV show.
The episode demonstrated what’s possible when creativity meets innovation. More than just a printer, the Canon Colorado M-series is a tool for transformation – empowering designers and print professionals to deliver bold, personalised outcomes at speed.
A challenge unlike any other
The concept for the DIY Wallpaper Challenge was simple but ambitious – five teams, five houses, one day.
Each pair of contestants worked with an artist to create a unique painted design. The design was then captured digitally using Canon photography equipment and transformed onsite into bespoke wallpaper using the Canon Colorado M-Series.
Behind the scenes, success depended on close collaboration between Canon’s experts, Grafico’s design and production teams, and The Block contestants. From concept to install, five custom wallpapers were created, printed, and applied — all in one fast-paced filming day.
“To see the journey from a physical artwork to a digitally printed wallpaper within hours was absolutely amazing,” Canon Production Printing head of sales and professional services Steven Badger said.
“This kind of turnaround is only possible with technology like the Colorado.”
The power of Canon Colorado in action
From high-speed production to impeccable colour fidelity, the Canon Colorado delivered exactly what the challenge demanded – custom wallpaper prints produced accurately and quickly under time pressure.
Grafico founder Damian Corney said, “The Block is all about speed and we need equipment that delivers under pressure. The Canon Colorado has been a fantastic asset for us”.
Now in its 11th year working on The Block, Grafico knows what it takes to impress on national television and push creative boundaries. The company has witnessed firsthand how wallpaper has surged in popularity and complexity in recent years, with clients increasingly seeking custom designs, unique finishes, and lightning-fast turnaround times.
Bespoke boom
According to Corney, wallpaper isn’t what it used to be. The team at Grafico sees strong trends emerging for 2025 such as hand-drawn Australiana motifs, textured linens, timeless stripes and ginghams – all with a twist. But most importantly, customers are now demanding personalisation.
“None of our clients want to just pick something from a catalogue anymore. They want something unique, tailored to their room – whether it’s colour, scale, or complete custom artwork. That’s exactly what the Canon technology allows us to deliver in-house and with total confidence,” Corney said.
Canon Colorado — Empowering creative possibilities
When the episode (Episode 23) aired on 2 September, Canon Production Printing and Grafico were ready for the spotlight, showing how powerful technology can bring creative ideas to life – beautifully and efficiently.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter
