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Frequently Asked Questions

General

Q. Is your site secure? If so, with what service?

A. All orders and payment information are encrypted through Secure Socket Layer (SSL), provided by GeoTrust, for your security. Your information cannot be viewed or intercepted during transactions. All the information you provide to us is strictly for internal use. We do not sell or share any of the information you provide us.

Q. Can you explain the “lost wax method”?

A. We start the “lost wax process” with a rubber mold. The piece, for example a Splitwood dish, is then cast in molten wax. The hardened wax dish is then coated in a liquid ceramic that hardens as it cools. Once the ceramic shell has hardened, the entire assembly is placed into an oven where the wax piece is liquefied and removed. The remaining shell is then ready to be filled with molten metal to cast the final product—a 316 stainless steel dish.

Q. When making my decision, it would be helpful to touch them, as everything seems so tactile in intent. Do you have retail locations or where do you show your product?

A. One of the benefits of the internet is that we can service homeowners from coast to coast that would not find us otherwise. Our gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Feel free to ring the buzzer or contact us as we welcome visitors and spontaneous tours.

Q. Your products have such an unusual presence of handwork in the finishes and the materials and textures really do represent an old world expression. Where can I learn more about how your product is made?

A. You can explore more of our process at www.facebook.com/artifaqt

No answer for your question? Call, 610-935-0920, or e-mail us.

Switchplates

Q. I am looking for a decorative switchplate to go over an outlet in our bathroom. The electrician calls this wall outlet a GFCI (GFI) receptacle. Will your D1 plate work in this application?

A. Yes, our D1 plate is the correct choice. The D represents the Decora style wall plate series. This is an industry standard opening that measure 1-5/16” wide x 2-5/8” tall. This opening is sometimes referred to as rocker or modern. You can click here for visual reference.

The Decora plate is also the correct plate to go over a GFCI or GFI outlet. This is the electrical outlet or receptacle that is required by building code for wet location such as a bathroom or kitchen.

Q. My electrician told me to purchase 8 decorative switchplates for the single duplex receptacles in our living room. I see that your product code refers to this wall plate as an O1. Am I correct?

A. Single duplex receptacle and a single outlet can refer to the same component. Our O1 code is for the traditional double opening. It is also possible that you may require a D1 if your components are the Decora style. You can click here for visual reference.

Q. I require an unusual decorative switchplate cover in our kitchen that I have not been able to find anywhere. There are 2 toggle switches on the left with a blank on the right. Can you make a custom switch for this configuration?

A. Yes, we have blank plates for all of the wall plates that we offer and we can custom cut any configuration that is required. The plate you inquired about would be a S2B1. Click here to see custom configurations. E-mail or call us at 610-935-0920 to order custom switchplates.

Q. I was tightening the screw on a wall outlet plate that I purchased from you and I must have over tightened it as it broke. I do not have any information on my order.

A. That will not be necessary to find your paperwork. Return the plate to us and we will replace it. There is no charge for the replacement switchplate only $5 for the return shipment by USPS Priority Mail.

Q. Do your switchplates come with matching screws?

A. Yes, all our plates come with matching screws.

Q. Can I order your decorative wall plates to coordinate with my walls?

A. We can custom match you walls or other home décor accessories. Since we have years of experience working in these materials and do all the work in-house, chances are we can accommodate your needs with a custom order. View our samples here. E-mail or call us at 610-935-0920 to order custom switchplates.

Q. Can you provide some detail of how you finish your light switchplates?

A. The Finish Process: First, we blast each switchplate with a fine aluminum oxide, followed by dipping in an acid bath which oxidizes the surface to a rich, charcoal patina. The final finish is done by hand using steel wool (from fine 00 to super fine 0000) to scuff the patina, in variable amounts, off the surface, to enhance the sculptural qualities of the piece. Vigorous scuffing can remove most of the patina revealing bright metal. The metal alloy we use and our labor intensive process are why our surfaces are so rich and authentic.

No answer for your question? Call, 610-935-0920, or e-mail us.

Table Lamps and Lamp Finials

Q. I am looking for accent lighting for my living room and your Asian table lamp designs would fit beautifully! Are shades available in any materials other than grasscloth?

A. No, but if you have something else in mind, you can order the lamp without our shade and supply one of your own.

Q. I've been looking at brass lamp finials for an accent table lamp in my living room. How do I know if your decorative lamp finials will fit that lamp?

A. Our lamp finials have the standard 1/4-27 threading used in virtually all lamps harps.

No answer for your question? Call, 610-935-0920, or e-mail us.

Talisman

Q. The designs on the talismans are great! What’s a talisman? How do people use them?

A. We designed these as interesting, small tabletop sculptures. Customers have used them as accent tiles in their fireplace surrounds, in the kitchen backsplash and bathroom walls. At your next get-together, surprise the hostess with a Talisman as a more memorable gift than the usual. They make a wonderful gift for kids or adults. What kid wouldn’t dig a shark talisman on his desk or bedside table? I keep a few in my car at all times for a spontaneous gift.

No answer for your question? Call, 610-935-0920, or e-mail us.

Serveware

Q. Can I use your Wood Serving Boards to cut on?

A. Yes, the sharper the knife, the least amount of cut in the wood board. Some see these as marks of beauty. And at a time when you’d like the surface to be renewed, return the board to us and we will restore it for $10.00/sq.ft. plus return shipping.

Q. Can I put your Wood Serving Board in the dishwasher?

A. No. A thorough washing by hand with dish soap is best. You can use a nylon brush or mild abrasive pad if needed. The extreme heat of a dishwasher will destroy the wood fiber and cause warping and cracking. After finishing the wash, apply the beeswax paste that came with your board. It will rejuvenate the finish and provide a protective layer for the future use.

Q. Can I put your black Splitwood dish in the dishwasher?

A. No, you want to avoid the dishwasher with the black Splitwood dish. The detergents will eventually strip the finish just as they do with a hard anodized frying pan.

No answer for your question? Call, 610-935-0920, or e-mail us.

Ordering

Q. I had trouble placing my order. It told me that the address and zip code don’t match. I know this is my address and I’ve ordered on line using this information before without trouble.

A. In entering an order, the security layer requires that every detail comply and match up with your credit card company. Once in a while, the same information you’ve ordered with before won’t process. We are as displeased with this outcome as you are and we apologize. If you experience difficulty, don’t give up. Give us a call and speak with one of the makers. We will take your order and in the process, answer any questions about our products.

Q. Is your site secure? If so, with what service?

A. All orders and payment information are encrypted through Secure Socket Layer (SSL), provided by GeoTrust, for your security. Your information cannot be viewed or intercepted during transactions. All the information you provide to us is strictly for internal use. We do not sell or share any of the information you provide us.

No answer for your question? Call, 610-935-0920, or e-mail us.

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Decorative Switchplates, Table Lamps & Lamp Finials, Unique Chess Sets, Paper Towel Holders, and other home decorating accessories by Artifaqt.