Wallpaper Reproduction FAQs
What's the first step in recreating wallpaper designs, how do I get started?
Before we can offer a quote we will need to see the actual wallpaper. It doesn't have to be a high quality photo - a simple snapshot from your mobile phone is enough for us to get an idea of the scope, size and complexity of your unique project.
Do I need an original sample/piece of the wallpaper in order to replicate the pattern/design?
While we do recommend scanning original samples, wallpapers can also be recreated from a photograph.
You can learn more about this process in our article How to Reproduce Existing Wallpaper Designs
What's the typical turnaround time for a wallpaper reproduction project?
Recreating wallpaper is a fairly involved process which includes scanning, digital restoration and creativity from a skilled technician, not to mention color matching, printing samples. Projects always vary by complexity and the level of preparedness that each client brings to the table, so turnaround ranges as follows:
Basic Restoration (Few colors, simple design): 2-4 weeks
Moderate Restoration (4-6 colors, detailed artwork): Average 5-7 weeks
Historic Restoration (Match an existing installation): At least 8 weeks for accuracy and color matching
What is the pricing for wallpaper reproductions? Is it based on size, complexity, or other factors?
For pricing we always look at:
1. The condition/quality of the original sampleA piece which is damaged, dirty or incomplete will require more design hours than a pristine copy.
2. The number of colors and importance of accurate matching Since each color must be separated, each additional color adds to production time. If color matching is critical, this will also increase the cost as multiple rounds of samples must be printed.
3. Complexity of the designThe size and intricacy of the wallpaper will determine just how difficult it will be for our artists to isolate all the shapes and colors.
The best way for us to evaluate your project is to have a visual sample of what you're trying to replicate, even if it's a quick snapshot from your mobile phone we'll be able to let you know the scope and timeframe of the project.
How closely can you match my wallpaper? Will I be able to tell the difference?
It depends on the style of wallpaper you are trying to replicate. There are a number of different methods, including digital printing, block printing, screen printing and gravure printing. The more traditional methods can leave a slightly raised texture from the ink, in digital printing, this will replicated with a pre-fabricated paper/substrate with a raised surface. When the digital ink lays down, it can create a similar effect to traditional and more expensive methods of printing.
It's also important to note that, sometimes, due to the age, exposure to environment, condition of the existing wallpaper, or the original manufacturing process, it might can be difficult to match colors exactly. In these cases, we will match the colors as closely as possible to give an overall similar look.
The exception to this is metallic wallpapers. While we can print on metallic materials (gold, silver, copper), our digital presses do not actually print metallic inks/foils.
Regardless of the project specs, it's our company policy never to print any wallpaper without the you seeing a press proof first (a job ticket must be generated). We only go to press when you 100% confirm your custom press proof/sample.
Do you keep records of my wallpaper designs for future orders?
After we send you a link to download your digital file, we will keep a copy archived for up to 5 years. If there are no subsequent orders during this time, these files will be deleted. This backup service is provided free of charge - one of many perks that our long-term clients enjoy.
Wallpaper Recreation Design FAQs
Can you replicate wallpapers with unique, non-repeating patterns?
All day, every day. Whether it's a non repeating pattern, or a panoramic mural, we produce custom wallpaper sheets, custom sized and designed for your space and clearly labelled to make installation a breeze.
Is it possible to recreate wallpaper with intricate hand-painted details and artwork?
Attention to detail is the main reason our clients never complain about price. They understand just how much we value their time, happily applying decades of expertise to a life-long craft. Our printers will get you 1200dpi resolution, finer than most photographs and pritine quality for everything from simple shapes and gradients (clean, flat even colors), to even the most intricate designs. Our scanners scan up to 1800dpi, which captures every nuance of your wallpaper, down to the texture of the paper itself. This is how we are able to effectively clean up these old patterns and restore them to their former glory.
Can I request custom modifications to the original wallpaper design during reproduction?
Absolutely! We can modify your patterns, change colors and edit the size or placement of your wallpaper design.
How do you handle wallpapers with metallic or textured elements during reproduction?
As a digital print shop we do not use metallic inks. That said, we can isolate all metallic elements and assign them a flat color which can then be passed onto a printshop with the capabilities to print metallic inks.
I only have a few pieces of a wallpaper which do not represent the whole pattern. Can this still be reproduced?
Yes, although the accuracy of the reproduction will depend on how rare the wallpaper is. We can often research and find references online to build off. In cases where this is not possible, our creative team can use references from similar designs to fill in the missing pieces of the design. As mentioned in the previous question, this project is a hybrid of restoration and recreation. We do our best to honor the existing parts while making new sections appear compatible and seamless in the final design
Damaged, Discontinued or Incomplete Wallpaper FAQs
I need to reproduce a wallpaper that has been damaged by a water, fire or other natural forces. Can you guys help?
Our ability to help depends on the state of the wallpaper. If it is not too damaged and there is an area that can be cleanly sampled then it should not be an issue. Please send us a quick snapshot of the wall in question and we can assess the requirements of your project
I was remodeling my kitchen and uncovered an old wallpaper. Can it be restored?
You'd be amazed just how much of a design can be recovered when there's enough of a reference point. Usually we can reconstruct any pattern as long as over 50% of it is intact.
In cases where most of the design is missing, we will do our best to find the original pattern and supplement with hand drawn design to fill in the pattern. It may not be an exact match but we can make a comparable design that matches what you have.
What's the process for matching wallpaper that's been exposed to sunlight and has faded?
Once your sample has been scanned, our restoration specialists will adjust color levels (saturation, hue and brightness) in order to turn bac the hands of time on your wallpaper. There are also cases where just one section of your design may be faded, requiring a selective and special touch to blend everything together seamlessly. Our artists and technicians are experts at this process.
Pricing considerations: If you are trying to reprint a wallpaper and install it right next to or on top of an existing pattern, you are going to need to jump through a lot more rounds of color matching, which can significantly impact pricing. Some of our clients decided it was more cost effective to replace an entire wall, rather than patch a small section.
What's your process for handling delicate or antique wallpapers?
Antique wallpapers require special attention. We have experience in both transport and care in order to preserve your originals, which will be shipped securely back to you via private courier once our restoration specialists are done preserveing and scanning them.
Can you recreate discontinued or limited-edition wallpapers that are no longer in production?
Discontinued wallpapers are our specialty! If you have the pattern or sample of the original, you can take a picture and email it to us. If you have neither, we will need some kind of visual reference - a link from a website, a screenshot - something to get a general idea of what design you are trying to restore. We will immediately let you know how plausible the recreation is, and get you a ballpark estimate.
Once the project has been approved, we turn your vintage or damaged wallpaper sample into a pristine copy, ready to be produced at any printshop. We also offer digital printing as a one-stop shopping solution for turning your old patterns into brand new, one-of-a-kind wallpaper rolls.
Can I recreate a wallpaper that is currently in print from another company?
Yes, as long as you provide expressed written permission from the publisher/copyright owner.
Historic Wallpaper Restoration FAQs
What's the difference between wallpaper recreation and restoration?
Wallpaper recreation is the art of restoring a wallpaper that is discontinued or out of print. This can be done from an original sample or photo.
Wallpaper restoration is a service we provide to fix incomplete or damaged samples, where some creativity is needed to fill in the the missing sections of the wallpaper design or pattern.
What should I do if I want to recreate wallpaper from a historic landmark or heritage property?
The process is very similar to most of our recreation efforts. Send us a picture, we will evaluate and follow up with guidance. The main difference for historical projects is a far more thorough process of color matching. This is especially true in cases when the new wallpaper is being installed in the same space as its predecessor.
You should plan and budget accordingly because this process requires multiple rounds of printed samples and interactive review. It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months, depending on your review process and the lighting conditions at the install location.
We also recommend our professional scanning services for cases when an original sample can be provided. This is the technique which will best replicate all of the details you are trying to conserve in your restoration efforts.
NOTE: OUr process is CMYK digital printing with UV cured inks. While our color range is impressive, not every color can be reproduced perfectly (especially beiges, along with certain deep blues and oranges). We will let you know in advance how much accuracy you can expect from your unique design.
What options are available for replicating wallpaper from multiple rooms in a historic property?
For each of your rooms and associated patterns, ee can deliver a print-ready file in a universal printing format that can be used at any printshop. We can also provide digitally printed wallpaper samples to match what you already have. Once approved we can deliver any number of rolls, set to the size and scale of your convenience. Our wallpaper is delivered as standard, non-adhesive rolls and are familiar to most contractors.
What if I have a wallpaper design from a different era but want to use modern materials for durability?
This is exactly what we specialize in - modern large format digital printing, combined with old-world craftsmanship as our artists trace, clean up and repair wallpapers from every conceivable era.
It is worth noting there are limitations to this medium. Metallic and flourescent inks require a very different process from what we offer. Pantone and other solid colored inks will also be matched in most cases, there will always be exceptions of colors that our CMYK process simply cannot replicate perfectly. In the majority of cases we can get you close enough, and in every case you will see a printed sample before you pull the trigger on your wallpaper recreation project,
Can you help me identify the historical origin and significance of my vintage wallpaper?
As you can probably tell from our History101.NYC Project that we are passionate about history, heritage and discovery. We'd be happy to help you track down the era, decade and if possible, artist and manufacturer. It's not always possible, given just how many obscure and rare wallpapers have been produced, but we will do our best to educate and inform you about the history behind your antique wallpaper.
Recreating From A Photograph FAQs
I have a high quality image of the wallpaper. Will it be good enough for printing?
Please email us the image to us and we'll let you know how print ready it is.
Below are the recommended guidelines for file preparation from prepress:
- ✓ Image Resolution: Should be at least 200dpi (300dpi for maximum quality)
- ✓ Original image should be focused, not blurry
- ✓ Image cleared of any debris, stains or damage
- ✓ Image is a straight shot to the wall (no angles)
- ✓ All perspectives and distortions corrected
- ✓ Pattern should be made seamless and ready for a repeat
NOTE: We can also reproduce wallpaper from low resolution or poor quality images, by performing any of the above tasks on your photos. Ask about our digital restoration services.
I don't have a sample but I do have access to the wallpaper. Should I take pictures or hire a photographer?
For best possible results we highly recommend paying for a professional photographer to fully capture the detail of your original, with the best lighting and uniformity required to produce a repeatable pattern.
You can save on this expense if you have a decent camera and follow these instructions. This is recommendable for simple designs without too many shapes, linework or colors.
For patterns that are ornate or intricate (Edwardian, Victorian etc) you're probably better off just paying someone to do the job right and save you significant prepress time.
I was clearing out my attic and stumbled across an old family photo with some wallpaper in it. I can't find the design anywhere, would you be able to reprint it?
Yes, although this also depends on the quality of the picture and how difficult the wallpaper is to research. Send us the image and we will let you know how reproduceable it is.
I would like to reprint a wallpaper that has been in a family house for a long time. I don't have a sample nor can I take it off the wall. All I can do is take a picture. Is that enough?
Yes, we can recreate wallpaper based on photos alone, although there are some special considerations and you will either need a professional photographer or have the skills/equipment yourself to caputre the necessary sharpness and resolution. We've posted some useful tips about digitizing wallpaper in our article How to Reproduce Existing Wallpaper Designs
I have searched the entire internet but all I can have is a blurry, low resolution photograph. Can this design still be replicated?
It definitely can, though it will depend on just how intricate the original and how much details has been lost due to poor camera focus, low resolution, or any other form of image degradation. Our artists have been replicating and designing patterns for many years, so they are indeed well versed in all the aesthetic periods (victorian, edwardian, art deco, etc) So in cases where a photo is really bad, they can improvise based on the layout and the skills they've acquired for rendering floral, tropical, modern and abstract designs. It may not be a perfect copy, but we are quite skilled at capturing and preserving the essence of a pattern. The more of it that is visible and in focus, the closer it will be.
It's worth noting that the more our designers need to recreate out of thin air, the more time and budget intensive this becomes. Plan accordingly.
