ceramic lighting fixtures
A19, Inc., Manufacturer of handmade ceramic lighting fixtures.
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What is A19?
We are a family-owned and operated lighting manufacturing company located in Ontario, California. We take pride not only in our creative ceramic and glass products but also in our personal attention to our customers. Our philosophy is that we should take pleasure in the work we do and the people with whom we do it. We enjoy participating in every aspect of the business, from creating original designs to delivering our fixtures to you.
Why should I buy from A19?
All our products, from beginning to end, are made in America. Our wall sconces and pendants are designed, molded, fired, sanded, finished, assembled, and shipped from our factory in California. Our products are made by hand with a careful eye to detail and craftsmanship. Moreover, we respect the impact of our business on the social and physical environment. Therefore, we hire locally, treat each employee like a member of our family, and promote education and creativity in our community. We also recycle our clay, filter the water we use before it leaves our factory, and use recycled boxes, bubble wrap, and office materials.
Do you have fixtures that suit my decor?
A19 offers a variety of styles and finishes for our ambient lighting. We have styles and finishes that will suit every type of decor, including Modern, Classic, Southwestern, Rustic, and Craftsman, among others. For example, you might choose our scalloped shell sconce with our blanco granite finish for your beachfront restaurant and you might choose our cylinder sconce with our buckskin leather finish and copper stitching for your mountain lodge.
What are the advantages of ceramic?
Ceramic fixtures are versatile. For instance, we can provide the look of a corroded copper sconce without your having to worry about its deterioration over time. Because ceramic is resistant to rust and corrosion, our fixtures are appropriate for various environments, especially salty and moist ones.
What lamping options does A19 offer?
We offer standard incandescent and energy-efficient fluorescent lighting options. Our standard fixtures are supplied with medium-base sockets. They accept standard incandescent bulbs and, for areas that require more light, most accept medium-base, double-envelope halogen lamps. For energy efficiency, we offer a GU24 base socket and bulb.
Can I use a halogen bulb in place of a standard incandescent bulb?
You will need to check with the manufacturer of the bulb for that answer. In any case, please be sure that the halogen bulb does not exceed the maximum incandescent wattage allowed for that fixture. Also, due to the high heat generated by halogen bulbs, some discoloration and possible heat damage may occur to the adjacent wall surface. Be sure not to have flammable materials near halogen lamps.
What does ADA mean?
"ADA" is the abbreviation for Americans with Disabilities Act. Odds are that you only need to be concerned with ADA if you are selecting fixtures for a public corridor. ADA wall sconces do not project more than 4" - a requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Are A19 fixtures ADA-compliant?
A19 fixtures with a depth of 4" or less meet the handicap projection requirements set forth by the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Some of our styles are available in multiple sizes; if you require ADA-compliant fixtures, you must choose an item with a depth of 4” or less.
Can I purchase A19 products directly from the factory?
A19 products are sold exclusively through a network of lighting showrooms and distributors. Click on Find a Store to locate an authorized A19 dealer near you. If you are a distributor and are interested in providing A19 products, please contact us.
How do I order my fixtures?
Once you have chosen the fixture that suits your needs, specify the item number, the option(s), and finish as in the following example: 208 - WET - S2.
How may I obtain an A19 catalog?
Click on Catalog to view and/or download our full catalog.
What is the shipping time for A19 lighting fixtures?
Standard bisque orders typically ship in less than one week. Lead-time for most painted finishes, fused glass and other made-to-order product is typically less than two weeks. Please Contact Us to verify stock for rush orders or lead times for large jobs and items requiring special customization.
How long are A19 products warranted?
A19 warrants all products to be free of defect, both material and workmanship, within one (1) year of the purchase date to the original purchaser. All A19 products are manufactured to the most stringent quality-control standards possible.
Can I paint my fixtures?
Yes. If you would like to paint your fixtures, choose any style from the Islands of Light collection without specifying a finish. You will receive your fixture in unfinished bisque. You may easily paint bisque with any latex or acrylic paint. No primer is necessary unless you are using an oil-based paint.
Do I have to paint my Bisque fixture?
While bisque beautiful and completely usable in its natural state, you may choose to paint or lacquer your fixture to seal the ceramic surface and to make cleaning easier (recommended for exterior applications). If you choose to leave the ceramic bisque unfinished, you may clean it by gently sanding the surface with fine-grained sandpaper. Care and maintenance instructions are included with each fixture.
What finish choices are available?
A19 offers over 50 finish options and decorations and has full custom capabilities. Available finishes may differ from collection to collection. A brief description of the finish categories appears below. Click on Finishes to view finish swatches.
Note: Actual finish patterns and colors vary slightly from the photos shown. The finish samples shown are close to what your actual finish will look like, but not exact! Photographs do not truly capture the beauty of our hand-painted finishes.
Bisque: The natural white paintable ceramic surface. If you prefer to paint your own fixture, you may want to choose a natural bisque fixture from our Islands of Light Collection.
Solid Acrylics: Our solid paint colors have a satin finish—more subtle than gloss finish, yet with more shine than a matte finish
Faux Finishes: Our Faux Finishes begin with our hard-wearing cross-linked acrylic paint, and are completed by hand for a totally unique look. No two faux finishes are ever exactly the same.
Custom Finishes: Color matching and custom finish options are available. Contact us with your request.
Glazes: Our glazes are carefully applied by hand, enhancing the depth of color that just isn’t found in any other medium.
How do I paint a Bisque fixture?
Painting a bisque fixture is simple. You may paint any of our fixtures with most indoor our outdoor grade wall paint. For the ease of clean-up, etc. we recommend water based paint. Should you choose oil based paint (e.g. a can of spray paint), seal the outside of the fixture first with an appropriate primer. We do not recommend painting the interior. Painting instructions are included with each fixture.
Are A19 finishes suitable for Outdoor/Wet Location fixtures?
All A19 finishes are suitable for exterior use. Our acrylic and faux finishes start with a durable cross-linked acrylic foundation. Additionally, each faux finish is sealed with a clear cross-linked acrylic coating to protect the finish.
Can fixtures be installed upside down?
Most A19 wall sconces may be installed in any orientation. Some of our fixtures are shown flipped as “downlights” specifically to be used in exterior Wet Locations.
How do I clean my A19 fixture?
For bisque smudges can be removed by lightly sanding with 150-grit sandpaper. Do not use liquid cleaners on the highly porous bisque surface. For fixtures with a finish you may dust or wiped clean with a non-abrasive damp cloth or sponge.
What are diffusers?
Normally, sconces are mounted above eye level so that the bulb and socket are not visible; however, in the instance that you may see down into your fixture, you may want to order a sconce with a diffuser. Diffusers are frosted lenses attached to the top of the fixture to conceal the view of the bulb. Diffusers are for cosmetic purposes; they do not protect the fixture from water. Diffusers are not sold separately.
Can I order a diffuser for a fixture I already have?
No. A diffuser must be specified at the time you order your fixture. We custom build and attach the diffuser to the fixture. You will also notice that the maximum wattage and lamp type usually changes with the addition of a diffuser. Diffusers cannot be added later.
Is a diffuser sufficient to make an open-top fixture suitable for a wet location?
No. A diffuser’s purpose is cosmetic only. The function is to prevent one from seeing down inside of an open-top fixture (e.g. in stairways). Diffusers are not sold separately and will not waterproof your fixture. For Outdoor/Wet locations, you must select a fixture that is available with the Outdoor/Wet location option.
Is a "Damp Location" fixture suitable for a bathroom, pool area or exterior environment?
All A19 fixtures are UL listed for Damp Locations. You may use them in any setting as long as no water directly touches or enters the fixture. Because ceramic is resistant to rust and corrosion, our fixtures are ideal for a variety of environments.
Do you offer custom cut-outs on all fixtures?
The possibilities at A19 are virtually limitless. Cut-outs can add character and effect and are a relatively simple customization. Contact Us for more information.
Can I order custom cord lengths on pendants?
A19 pendants are supplied with 6 feet of cord to be cut to the desired length upon installation. Longer lengths are obtainable for an additional charge. Contact Us for availability.
On what side do your corner wall sconces mount to the wall?
Our corner wall sconces are able to mount on either the right or left side.
What does your company name, A19, mean?
This is probably the most frequently asked question when someone first hears our name. We are an uncommon company named after a common light bulb. Uncommon in that we are fully committed to designing and manufacturing handcrafted light fixtures 100% made in America. We are proud to be known as the last of a dying breed of artisans who put ourselves into our work, heart and soul. From the first design conception to finally shipping each original art piece, we are connected.
Where is A19 located?
A19 is proud to be a US manufacturer, lucky to be in sunny Southern California..
What else could I need to know?
Lamps (bulbs) are not included, unless ordering with the fluorescent option. Dimensions shown are approximate. Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any other questions.
Have a question you don't see here? Contact us today and let us know. We're more than happy to answer any questions you may have.