Grafico, the renowned design and printing company, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a major milestone: its return as official wallpaper product sponsor for Channel 9’s hit TV show, The Block.
Damian Corney, Founder of Grafico
Having first opened its doors in 2004 from founder Damian Corney’s home and his grandmother’s garage, Grafico has since grown into a leading provider of custom print solutions, including vehicle wraps, custom wallpapers, tiles, and signage. The company’s participation in The Block over the last decade has cemented its reputation for innovation and quality across Australia and beyond.
The Block 2024: Grafico’s role and new innovations
For the upcoming season of The Block, set in picturesque Philip Island, Victoria, Grafico is once again taking the spotlight. Grafico provides contestants with a dedicated budget to utilize its unique offerings, particularly its custom print wallpapers. “We love being involved with The Block,” says Damian Corney. “It’s a thrilling and high-stress environment, but the impact we can make on each space is immensely rewarding. Our products save time, add interest, and help contestants achieve that ‘wow’ factor that judges and viewers love.”
This season, contestants will continue to have access to Grafico’s innovative range of wallpapers, custom art prints, and tiles. A key factor in delivering these high-quality products is the Canon Colorado printer. “Switching to the Canon Colorado has been a game-changer for us,” says Corney. “The UVgel technology offers superior colour consistency, ensuring that every print, whether produced today or in six months, looks exactly as intended. This level of consistency is crucial, especially when our designs are used across multiple projects.”
The Block’s contestants Jessie & Paige
Why Canon Colorado?
Grafico’s decision to adopt the Canon Colorado printer was driven by the need for reliable colour consistency and production efficiency—qualities that are essential for high-profile projects like The Block. “Before the Canon Colorado, we faced significant challenges with our previous latex printer, including colour inconsistency and frequent breakdowns,” explains Corney. “These issues led to high rework costs and frustrated customers. The Colorado’s robust performance, combined with its unique matte and gloss printing capabilities, has enabled us to explore new creative possibilities while ensuring high-quality results.”
Even in the high-stress environment of The Block, where construction dust and constant handling are common, the prints remain vivid and scratch-resistant. The printer also ensures dimensional stability, so there are no issues with prints bowing or stretching. Moreover, the durability of the UVgel inks means our wallpapers can endure the wear and tear on The Block sets without needing to be replaced.
The Block’s contestants Ricky & Haydn
Grafico’s growth and future directions
Grafico’s involvement in The Block has significantly boosted its brand recognition, not only in Australia but internationally. The company’s online store, which launched just before the COVID-19 pandemic, has grown to become a key part of its business. Fans of The Block can easily purchase the exact designs featured on the show, shipped directly to their doors, whether in Australia, New Zealand or rest of the world.
Looking ahead, Grafico plans to expand its online presence and continue developing large-scale projects, particularly in the hospitality sector. Recent successful projects, such as custom wallpapers for hotels, have demonstrated Grafico’s capability to handle extensive orders with precision and reliability, thanks to the Colorado.
The Block’s contestants Courtney & Grant
Steven Badger, Head of Sales & Professional Services at Canon Production Australia says:
“We are thrilled to partner with a high-profile business like Grafico and see the impressive results of our Canon Colorado printer come to life in stunning wall coverings on The Block. Grafico’s use of the Colorado printer on The Block highlights the key strengths of UVgel technology: dimensional stability, repeatability, and durability.”
Watch Damian Corney explain about the wallpapers printed on the Colorado printer series and that are used in The Block’s episode 1. Note: Cookies must be enabled to watch the video.
Find out more about the Canon Colorado series here.