Shahalak|About Shahalak|Shahalak History
About Shahalak
Shahalak is technology by surfers for surfers.
Using traditional Kyoto printing technologyknown as Kyo-Hyo-Gu, Shahalak has succeeded in creating a printing technology that allows for great visual detail while keeping the material extremely thin.
By collaborating with old masters of the Kyo-Hyo-Gu style we are now able to express subtle details and depth of colour in a way never possible before.
Shahalak is made from perennial plants not the regularly available pulp. We want to do our part saving natural forest and decrease the use of chemicals.
Shahalak History
Shahalak was born in 2006 from the simple idea of one surfer who wanted nothing but to emblaze his family crest onto his board along with a Japanese design that would frame it. He finally found his answer in the Kyo-Hyo-Gu craft tradition.
Kyoto, where Shahalak was born, is a town filled with historical landmarks such as temples, Shrines and traditional houses.
Keeping this ancient tradition alive are hanging scrolls, holding screens and sliding paper doors which express great color and detail while using rice paper.
Kyo-Hyo-Gu is the name of the artist who freely wields all aspects of rice paper today. Being able to work with such a distinguished craftsman has helped us overcome many of our obstacles and had a great impact on the birth of Shahalak.
Kyoto, where Shahalak was born, is a town filled with historical landmarks such as temples, Shrines and traditional houses.
Keeping this ancient tradition alive are hanging scrolls, holding screens and sliding paper doors which express great color and detail while using rice paper.
Let us not forget the fact that surfboard shaping, which spread mainly from Hawaii and California, is a craft and performed by some of the most skilled craftsmen on the planet. We want to continue to support these craftsmen in their trade when they are shaping that one original board, while at the same time do everything in our power to make sure that Shahalak is used to its maximum potential.
Characteristics of Shahalak
1. Easy to laminate
The fact that Shahalak uses Washi paper means that it has great elasticity when laminating the board. Since the paper fibers are extremely long the paper can be stretched when wet making it easy to apply.
2. Merges well with resin
The main advantage of Shahalak is how well it merges with the resin when applied to the board. The Washi Paper reacts well with resin and does not cause problems when laminated.
3. No more running ink
Usually water based ink will run when applied to resin but with Shahalak this is a problem of the past.
4. Prevents cracking
When a surfboard is used over a period of time the deck side part of the tail will start budging towards the stringer and start cracking. Shahalak actually strengthens your board when laminated, preventing cracking thus making it last longer.
5. Depth of Colour without blurring
The special treatment given to the Washi paper means that that even though it merges well with the resin it retains the original strong colors. This works to maintain the sharp contrast of your design.
6. Less Discoloring
Shahalak acts as a UV filter on your board preventing discoloring over time even on clear boards.
7. Does not affect the board
The low weight of Shahalak, (about 10 grams) means that it will not add any considerable weight to your board thus mainting its inherent characteristics.
8. Washi paper is Eco Friendly
Washi paper is made from perennial plants grown on fields. This means that it has less impact on the natural environment. Helping to curb the deforestation of our planet.*For printing and data preparation please contact us directly. We will provide a detailed laminate manual with all deliveries of finished prints.
