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.
A. We start with the same molds that we use to make our cold casted pieces. In lost wax, we cast a piece, a chess king for example, out of wax instead of metal. The wax king is then coated in a liquid ceramic that hardens as it dries. When the ceramic shell has hardened, the wax king is removed by melting and the shell is ready to be filled with molten metal to cast the final product—a metal chess king.
A. No, at this time our products, including chess sets, are only available from Artifaqt.com. We are building towards wholesale capacity and would be happy to discuss inquiries by phone.
A. One of the benefits of the internet and the suitability of our product for shipment is that we can service homeowners from coast to coast that would never find us otherwise. Our gallery is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and by appointment. You can also visit us on the first Friday of each month, 6–9 p.m. When you visit, why not make an evening of it? With an outstanding repertory theater, live music, a wide variety of shops and an exciting selection of places to eat, Phoenixville is a wonderful destination on Friday nights. We are just 2 hours south of NYC and only 45 minutes from Philadelphia. Reservations are suggested if you're planning to have dinner in town. E-mail us for restaurant suggestions and information.
A. Yes, we have many concepts designed for expansion and new categories to launch. They all start with a sketch and from there we will select the next model to develop as a prototype. Your instinct is correct. Behind each piece is a set of hands and if you wish to know more about us, please phone at 610-935-0920 and your call will be answered by one of the makers.
No answer for your question? Call, 610-935-0920, or e-mail us.
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 or all of the patina revealing bright metal. The metal alloy we use and this labor intensive process are why our surfaces are so rich and authentic.
A. We have been getting lots of requests for this type of finish from customers looking to match walls or other home décor accessories. You will see some alternatives on our site currently (look at the finish of the dinosaur switchplates). E-mail info@artifaqt.com with your design intent, or call us at 610-935-0920. In the months to come we will be expanding many of our current finish options to include colors and finishes such as rust patinas and off-whites. 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.
A. Please call or email for custom requests. Over time we will be broadening the availability of finishes for each design. Some of our customers have found that different finishes, and even different designs can work well in the same room, depending on what other furnishings or perhaps picture frames are nearest to the switch.
A. Glad you like our arts and crafts designs and hope you saw the new accent table lamp we added. Your idea for the paper towel holder is a good one—we'll start on a design! Let us know if you have any more ideas for home decorating accessories.
No answer for your question? Call, 610-935-0920, or e-mail us.
A. No, but if you have something else in mind, you can order the lamp without our shade and supply one of your own.
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.
A. Yes! The “Spring” paper towel holder has been recently added. We hope customers check back to see new home decorating accessories as they are added to categories, or check out fresh ideas in our “In The Works” section. Any feedback about our work or comments about designs you would like to see is always welcome at info@artifaqt.com.
No answer for your question? Call, 610-935-0920, or e-mail us.
A. Chess pieces can be ordered individually. Please contact us and let us know the piece and finish you require.
No answer for your question? Call, 610-935-0920, or e-mail us.
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 decorative medallion as a more memorable gift than the usual. They make a wonderful gift for kids or adults. What kid wouldn't dig a shark medallion 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.
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. Call us; you will actually speak to one of the makers. We will take your order and in the process, answer any questions about our products. The Internet is imperfect, but it is most amazing.
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.