Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about A19 with these commonly asked questions.
Need more help? Contact Us and we will be happy to help!
Contact UsAbout A19
What is A19?
A19 is a woman-owned and operated artisan ceramic lighting company located in Ontario, California. While our name draws inspiration from the common household light bulb, our business stands out for its unique offerings. Our unyielding commitment to local craftsmanship and meticulous quality is reflected in every handcrafted fixture, underscoring our dedication to ensuring your complete satisfaction. We take immense pride in every aspect of our business, from personally handcrafting one-of-a-kind ceramic lighting fixtures to ensuring their prompt and secure delivery to your doorstep.
Is every fixture from A19 truly handcrafted in the United States?
Yes, every ceramic wall sconce and pendant light fixture from A19 is meticulously handcrafted in the United States. Our process involves designing, molding, firing, sanding, finishing, assembling, and shipping each fixture from our dedicated Southern California studio.
Benefits of Ceramic
Why should I choose ceramic lighting over glass and metal lighting fixtures?
A19’s ceramic light fixtures possess exceptional qualities that set them apart. They offer a unique aesthetic, unparalleled durability, and exceptional versatility. Unlike metal, ceramic won’t rust, making it ideal for various environments, including high-moisture areas like oceanfront properties. Our ceramic stands the test of time without deterioration concerns. Even in such challenging conditions, ceramic light fixtures maintain their integrity.
Ceramic’s opaqueness conceals the direct view of the bulb, eliminating harsh glare and providing a pleasant and gentle illumination that adds to the ambiance of your space. Moreover, working with ceramic allows us to apply a color-matched finish, ensuring seamless integration with your decor.
In addition to these benefits, our ceramic downlights are exceptional for outdoor dark sky and turtle-friendly lighting, making them environmentally conscious choices that contribute to preserving natural habitats.
Finishes
What finish options do you offer?
We offer a variety of finishes to suit different tastes and applications:
Natural Bare Bisque: The matte off-white ceramic finish as shown in our main photos.
Our Bare Bisque finish is the inherent color and texture of our unglazed, kiln-fired clay. Thanks to our meticulous attention to detail, each piece features a smooth-to-the-touch, matte, porous texture with an off-white hue. Due to the natural variability of clay and the nuances of the firing process, the color of our Bare Bisque pieces can range from the gentle warmth of Benjamin Moore Linen White 912 to the cooler, subdued hues of Stoneware CSP-245.
Professional-grade solid acrylic paint with satin sheen: A smooth, durable satin finish that adds a soft shine.
Below are descriptions of our most popular signature colors but with A19, you’re never limited to a color you see. We can make our fixtures just about ANY color!
- Our A30 Slate Black finish is a timeless, true black free from undertones, featuring a satin sheen that offers a subtle, soft shine. The color is comparable to Sherwin-Williams’ Tricorn Black (SW 6258) and Benjamin Moore’s Black (2132-10).
- Our A31 Satin White finish is bright white with minimal to no undertones, featuring a satin sheen that gives it a subtle, soft shine. The color is comparable to Benjamin Moore’s Super White OC-152 and Sherwin-Williams’ High Reflective White SW 7747.
Custom Color Match (CCM): Custom color matching is our specialty, and no order is too small. Simply specify your preferred color and sheen from brands like Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams, and we’ll match our ceramic light fixtures to your exact specifications .
Note: Because we apply finishes custom to order, all finishes other than Bare Bisque are considered finial sale and non-returnable.
What is Bare Bisque?
Our Bare Bisque finish is a beautiful, natural, smooth, and durable off-white ceramic surface. Bisque (sometimes referred to as bisqueware or biscuit pottery) is a type of ceramic made from clay that has been fired in a kiln but not glazed. The bisque firing process strengthens the clay, transforming it from fragile to durable ceramic. Unlike materials that corrode or degrade over the years, ceramic stands the test of time.
Treated as a finished product, our Bare Bisque is smooth to the touch with a soft, matte appearance that highlights its natural beauty. It can be left unfinished, painted, or glazed, allowing for a versatile range of looks to suit your style. If needed, the surface can also be refreshed with fine sandpaper, making it easy to clean or customize whenever inspiration strikes.
What white finishes are available?
Ah, white! Designer whites are the versatile backdrop that can make any space feel fresh, clean, and inviting.
Some popular designer whites include:
Chantilly Lace: A bright, neutral white from Benjamin Moore with minimal undertones.
Snowbound White: A classic, pure white from Sherwin-Williams that complements many design styles.
White Dove: A versatile, all-purpose white from Benjamin Moore with slight yellow undertones.
Greek Villa: A creamy white from Sherwin-Williams with subtle warmth.
Extra White: A bright, crisp white from Sherwin-Williams.
Simply White: A soft, warm white from Benjamin Moore.
Pure White: A clean, cool white from Sherwin-Williams.
And that’s just the beginning! We can create these whites and more. The possibilities are endless—your wish is our command.
Our clay produces a matte off-white colored Bare Bisque finish when fired. You can leave it as-is for a natural, simple look, or paint it. Bare bisque can be cleaned with fine grit sandpaper.
Our Satin White (A31) finish is bright white in color, with minimal to no undertones and has a satin sheen, giving it a subtle, soft shine. The color is comparable to Benjamin Moore’s Super White OC-152 and Sherwin-Williams’ High Reflective White SW 7747. Our Satin White finish is durable, suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces, and is washable.
Aside from our signature finishes, there are endless choices of white ranging from warm to cool undertones. Because we offer custom color matching, with A19, you never have to settle for a stock white. Instead, choose our Custom Color Match (CCM) finish option, specify the exact white color and sheen, and we will make your fixtures match your specifications perfectly.
Can I DIY paint my ceramic fixtures myself?
Yes! If you’d like to take a DIY approach and paint your fixtures, you have the option to choose any style from the Islands of Light collection in “Bare Bisque” ceramic. This flexibility empowers you to easily customize your fixtures, aligning them with your specific decor preferences through your own creative touch
You can paint Bare Bisque fixtures yourself. Painting a Bare Bisque fixture is a straightforward process, much like painting a wall.
If you have a specific color in mind and would prefer a professional finish, we can handle the painting for you. Simply choose our Custom Color Match option and we can make your fixtures any color and sheen of your choice.
How to Paint a Bare Bisque Fixture
Painting a bare bisque fixture is a straightforward process, much like painting a wall. You can paint any of our fixtures using most indoor or outdoor-grade wall paint. For ease of cleanup and other considerations, we recommend using water-based paint. However, if you opt for oil-based paint (e.g., spray paint), it’s essential to first seal the exterior of the fixture with an appropriate primer. Please note that we do not recommend painting the interior of the fixture.
Do I have to paint Bare Bisque fixtures?
No, applying a finish to our fixtures is entirely optional. Our bare bisque ceramic lights possess innate beauty and are fully functional in their natural state. However, if you wish to seal the ceramic surface and make cleaning more convenient, especially for exterior applications, you have the choice of either painting the fixture yourself or allowing us to apply a finish.
If you decide to leave the ceramic bisque unfinished, you can easily refresh it by gently sanding the surface with fine-grained sandpaper.
About Lamping Location Options and Ratings
What is the difference between lamping location options?
Understanding the distinctions between lamping options for various locations is crucial when selecting the right lighting for your needs:
Damp Location: Damp locations may be periodically subject to moisture condensation. Fixtures suitable for damp locations are ideal for areas like bathrooms (excluding the shower or tub), basements, and building exteriors. These locations experience moisture but have no direct exposure to water. All of our standard ceramic lighting is suitable for damp locations, making it perfect for various environments like indoor bathrooms and outdoor patios. Ceramic’s corrosion resistance ensures longevity in any setting.
Wet Location: Wet locations are exterior locations directly exposed to the elements, where water comes into direct contact with your lighting. These uncovered outdoor areas necessitate light fixtures that are wet-rated. If you plan to install our light fixtures in outdoor spaces where they will be directly exposed to rain, you should select our “Outdoor/WET Location” lamping option.
Outdoor Lighting: This term simply denotes lighting intended for exterior locations, as opposed to interior spaces. When choosing outdoor lighting, consider the placement of your fixtures. If they are exposed to outdoor elements like rain, you’ll need fixtures suitable for Wet Location. If your lighting is sheltered by an eave, overhang, porch, or patio, fixtures for Damp Location are typically sufficient.
By understanding these distinctions, you can make informed choices to ensure your lighting fixtures are suitable for their intended environment. Or, give us a call and we are happy to help.
Does A19 Make ADA Compliant Lighting?
A19 wall sconces with a depth of 4 inches or less meet the projection requirements specified by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). ADA compliance becomes a consideration primarily when selecting wall sconce lighting fixtures for public spaces.
On Which Side Do Your Corner Wall Sconces Mount to the Wall?
Our corner wall sconces are designed to mount on either the right or left side, offering flexibility in their installation to suit your specific needs.
Can I install a fixture in the bathroom or shower area?
It’s crucial to adhere to the regulations outlined in your specific building codes regarding the installation of electrical fixtures within the ‘shower zone’ to minimize the risk of electrical hazards. Installing lighting within this area typically requires the use of fixtures that maintain a watertight seal and ensure safe operation. While our standard ceramic light fixtures are excellent for bathroom installations where they may be exposed to moisture, making them exceptionally corrosion resistant, they are not fully sealed or ‘waterproof’ for placement within a shower or bathtub’s electrical safety water zone. Our ‘Outdoor/WET’ rated lighting fixtures, designed for outdoor exposure to rain, are also not fully waterproof or sealed for water submersion. Our ‘Standard/Damp’ rated wall sconces and pendants could work beautifully however over a vanity without any special requirements.
Are your A19 fixtures suitable for wet or submerged environments?
While we do offer “WET” rated fixtures that can withstand exposure to rain or moisture, our fixtures are not rated for submersion or for use in areas requiring high levels of ingress protection (IP ratings like IP67).
For example, Zone 0 lighting, which is installed directly inside a shower or bath where fixtures may be submerged in water, requires a much higher level of protection than our products provide. If you need lighting specifically for these areas, we recommend looking for fixtures with an IP67 rating or higher, which are designed for water submersion.
If you’re looking for lighting suitable for wet conditions like rain, our wet-rated fixtures will work perfectly, but they are not designed for complete water submersion.
On Which Side Do Your Corner Wall Sconces Mount to the Wall?
Our corner wall sconces are designed to mount on either the right or left side, offering flexibility in their installation to suit your specific needs.
Customization
Does A19 offer customization?
Yes. At A19, we specialize in making handcrafted ceramic light fixtures tailored to your specific requirements. Our expertise encompasses the customization of colored finishes (by custom color matching any paint color and sheen you wish) and the incorporation of unique cut-outs and textures. Additionally, we offer a diverse selection of shapes and sizes that can be personalized to meet your precise needs.
We partner with select retail brands and hospitality properties to make exclusive products in addition to making our own diverse and versatile selection of shapes and sizes.
While we have the capability to create new styles, it’s important to note that our process of crafting new ceramic fixtures (even if just a slightly bigger or smaller size of a piece we’ve already designed) involves a significant amount of time and labor and therefore may be cost-prohibitive, unless it’s for a large quantity of fixtures. If you’re in search of smaller quantities, you might discover a suitable option from our extensive catalog of pre-designed styles.
We encourage you to share your vision for a custom ceramic light fixture with us. Our team is eager to provide expert guidance and explore how we can turn your unique vision into a tangible reality. Please feel free to reach out, and let’s bring your design vision to light.
Can A19 make custom colored lighting?
YES! Custom color is our specialty at A19. We have the ability to customize the color of our light fixtures to match your specific preferences, including the exact color and sheen you desire. You can simply provide us with the color and sheen from any major paint brand (e.g., Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Farrow & Ball, Dunn Edwards, Portola Paints; you name it), and we will custom color match it to create light fixtures in your precise shade and sheen. This ensures that A19’s pendants and wall sconces will perfectly enhance the beauty of any décor, seamlessly tailored to your unique style.
How do I order a Custom Color Match for my fixture?
At A19, we are delighted to offer you the ability to customize the color of our light fixtures to match your specific preferences, including the exact color and sheen you desire. We offer a Custom Color Match (CCM) finish option for every light fixture we make. Simply provide us with the color and sheen from any major paint brand (e.g., Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Farrow & Ball, Dunn-Edwards, Portola Paints—you name it), and we will custom color match it to create light fixtures in that precise shade and sheen for you.
This ensures that A19’s pendants and wall sconces will perfectly enhance the beauty of any décor, seamlessly tailored to your unique style. Please reach out to us at info@a19.com to confirm the exact color you want.
Is it possible to make a style in another size?
While we technically have the capability to make fixtures in different sizes, it’s important to note that even a small size variation usually requires us to create a new piece from scratch. As a result, adjusting the size of an A19 fixture typically involves significant labor and material costs, and the cost will likely outweigh the benefits. That being said, we’re always happy to discuss your specific requirements and explore potential solutions to meet both your needs and budget. Feel free to reach out to our team to discuss your project in more detail, and we’ll work with you to find the best possible solution.
Does A19 offer lighting with custom textures and cut-outs?
Yes! Our lighting fixtures can be customized with unique cut-outs and textures, enhancing their handmade sculptural nature and adding character to your space. This level of customization allows you to align your lighting with your specific design vision. For more details and to explore the endless creative capabilities of our artisans, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Can we change the orientation of A19 sconces for different applications?
Yes! A19 wall sconces are designed with flexibility in mind. You can rotate or reorient the fixture to suit your needs, whether you’re installing it on the wall or using it in a different orientation, such as on the ceiling. There’s no fixed top or bottom, so you can adjust the angle or position to create the perfect look and lighting effect for your space.
However, for sconces rated for Outdoor Wet Locations (exposed to rain or moisture), orientation matters to ensure proper functionality and protection. In these cases, the fixtures have a specified top and bottom. For indoor or covered outdoor spaces, though, the choice is yours—feel free to get creative with your installation!
Can I order A19 pendants with a custom cord length?
A19 pendants come equipped with a generous 6 feet of cord, which can be easily cut to your desired length during installation. If you require longer cord lengths, they are available for an additional charge. Please reach out to us at info@a19.com to inquire about the availability and options for custom cord lengths. We are here to assist you in meeting your specific pendant lighting needs.
Cleaning of A19 Light Fixtures
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 wipe clean with a non-abrasive damp cloth or sponge.
Purchasing & Warranties
Can I Purchase A19 Products Directly?
Yes, you can purchase A19 products directly from us. Our commitment is to collaborate with you to meet your lighting needs. Additionally, A19 products are readily available through a network of knowledgeable lighting showrooms and distributors. If you are a lighting and decor retailer interested in offering A19 products, please feel free to reach out to us.
How Long Are A19 Products Warranted?
A-19, Inc. stands behind the quality and durability of our ceramic fixtures. We offer the following warranty policy:
For the original consumer purchaser, our warranty extends for as long as you own your home. This warranty ensures that the ceramic fixture, which we craft with utmost care, remains free from defects in material and workmanship when properly installed and used under normal conditions. It’s important to note that this warranty covers the ceramic fixture itself and not its component parts, including items like light bulbs, which may have separate warranty terms or exclusions.
For other purchasers, including those acquiring A19 products for industrial, commercial, or business use, the warranty covers a period of 5 years from the original date of purchase, with the same understanding that it applies to the ceramic fixture specifically.
This dual warranty policy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the quality and durability of our products, offering you peace of mind for years to come.
Did you find your answer in our list of commonly asked questions?
If not, Contact Us and we will be happy to help you!