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& Customer Feedback
| 11/8/2010 - Finishes available |
We can now supply flat packed made-to-measure radiator covers in a variety of materials and finishes. See made-to measure section for costs.
UNTREATED MDF; if a board grille is chosen this will normally also come in untreated mdf.
PRIMER and undercoat. 2 coats of white primer undercoat are applied ready for you to add your topcoats. If a board grille is chosen it will be pre-finished in satin white.
FULLY FINISHED - in one of our colours; Choose Satin White, Satin Antique White (cream) Gloss White or Satin Black. The cost is the same again as the primer/undercoat cost. The website order system can't deal with this at the moment so just add your requirement into the comments/special instructions section at the end of the checkout process and we will confirm back we have picked up your request and confirm the new total price.
For a finish in a colour of your choice quote the colour name or reference and type of finish (eg Gloss) add those details into the 'comments' section as above. The cost will be £20 per litre which we will advise of. 1 litre will usually be sufficient for more than 1 rad cover depending on size.
VENEERED; Again the choice of veneer (Light Oak, Beech, Pine or Sapele - similar to mahogany) can't be ordered through the website, nor the finish (it can be left untreated for you to finish or we can finish in natural oil, clear varnish, coloured varnish or stain & varnish).
We also have a small selection of matching veneered board grilles (the alternative being metal ones).
Before ordering a veneered cover, email us with your requirements and we will let you know if we can do it and at what cost. There is cost indication at the start of the made-to-measure section to give you an idea.
PLEASE NOTE - only the 2 flat surfaces of the veneered board are veneered ie the EDGES are not veneered so the mdf core is exposed. For light oak, beech and pine the colour is similar and in practice the finished product looks fine. For the sapele veneer, or where a coloured varnish or stain is required, the edges are finished to match the main surfaces as close as possible. If in doubt we can send a small sample. |
| 12/30/2008 - Stained Glass Illuminated radiator covers |
Something a little different; we can supply custom made frosted or smoked glass fronted radiator covers with or without backlighting. If you need something really special our local artisan can supply a stained glass front to your design. Pictured is a miniature beech veneered and varnished New England rad cover with a backlit glass front panel with the Amber logo in stained smoked glass.
(we don't sell Christmas teddies though). A unique feature to make any room special - great for clubs, restaurants, corporate branding etc.
Prices on application. |
| 11/15/2008 - Is It a Radiator Cover? |
Well it looks like a radiator cover - deeper than usual perhaps. This one is a specially made cabinet that contains - wait for it - a 32" LCD TV. Press a button on the remote control and up pops the TV! Perfect for bedrooms, studies, family rooms etc. Call for more info. |
| 10/27/2008 - Thermostat Hatch - Silver Pillar |
In order to access the thermostatic valve we have two options. The first one is to have a simple u shaped cut out, this is available as an online option for £5. The other option is to have a hatch door as shown in the photograph which is discrete and stylish and costs £15.
The hatch shown is on a satin black cover with brushed silver 'pillar' handle.
Unless otherwise requested, the default option for the handle is wood but if you prefer the silver pillar or victorian brass, just ask for that in 'special instructions' - no price difference.
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| 10/24/2008 - Small Victorian Brass Hatch handle |
This tiny Victorian style brass handle suits the proportions of the hatch perfectly |
| 10/23/2008 - Wooden hatch handle |
This beech wood hatch handle is ideal for covers which will be stained or painted. If we are painting your cover the handle will be in the same colour |
| 10/14/2008 - Part assembled radiator covers-assembly instructions |
How to assemble your Amber Radiator Cover
Thank you for purchasing your Radiator Cover from Amber.
Follow these simple steps to assemble and fit it.
Step 1 - Check your pack contains the following
(Covers with more than one grille panel may contain more items).
A- Front panel including grille
B- Left side panel
C- Right side panel
D- Cover top shelf
FIXINGS
30mm screws x 16 (minimum) – Steps 2 & 4
16mm screws x 8 – Step 3
40mm right angle brackets x 2 – Step 3
2 (minimum) wall fixings brackets– Step 4
Wall plugs (drill size 5.5mm) x 4 (min) – Step 4
Before commencing assembly check your Cover will fit over the radiator and in the space available around the radiator. If you need to paint it, we find it’s a good idea to paint the sections before assembly – refer to the painting section below.
Step 2
Stand panels A & B up on a flat level surface (an assistant is helpful). Line up the back edge of the front panel (A) with a pencil line* on the inside of side panel (B), so that the side panel projects forward of the front panel (make sure the side panel has the decorative edge facing to the front). Taking care to keep the side at a right angle to the front, screw side panel (B) to front (A) by placing the 30mm screws in the pre-drilled recesses in the front panel and screwing through, making sure not to over tighten the screws. (Tip; If the two panels are not tight up against each other, do not try to tighten further, simply reverse the screw out, ensure the panels are tight up to each other and then re-tighten the screw). Repeat for side panel (C).
*pencil lines at between 23 and 28mm on New & Old England;
36mm on Studley (where the front edge of the lower feet and skirting will be level with the front edge of the side panel).
Step 3
For additional strength, attach the 2 right angle brackets (one on either side) to the front (A) & side panels (B & C) about a third of the way up the side panel, using the 16mm screws.
Place the top shelf centrally on the front/side panel assembly and line up the back edge of the top shelf (D) with the back edge of the assembly and fix in place with the 30mm screws through the pre-drilled recesses in the side panels (and also those in the front panel where present). (Tip; You may find it easier to do this by placing the top shelf on the floor face down, careful not to scratch it, and inverting the side/front panel assembly on to it).
Step 4
The cover can be left freestanding, but for extra stability and especially with larger covers we recommend fixing it to the wall. The wall fixing that is provided allows the cover to be easily removed from the wall for decorating, cleaning or access to the radiator valves.
Make sure there are no concealed pipes or electrical cables in the wall before you start drilling.
See over.......
Place your Radiator Cover centrally over the radiator and against the wall. Mark with a pencil where the top edge of the cover touches the wall in the vicinity of the grooves in the underside of the shelf.
Remove the cover and mark another line 18mm below them (ie the thickness of the top shelf). Place the brackets against the wall with the shoulder of the bracket just below the lower line. Using the wall plugs and screws supplied, drill and plug the wall and then screw the fixing brackets to the wall. (Tip; To start with just fix the brackets with 1 screw in the centre of the vertical slot). Trial fit the radiator cover by lifting over the brackets and lowering it down so the tops of the brackets engage in the grooves. (If your walls are uneven you may need to put some packing behind the brackets to provide clearance). Check the brackets fit well by looking through the top vents and ensuring the bottom is resting on the floor (except wall mounted covers). If necessary the brackets can be adjusted up or down using the adjustment available in the vertical slot before marking the wall in the horizontal slots to drill & plug for the 2nd screw in each bracket.
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If your cover is not already fully finished by Amber, the following may be helpful
As with all woodwork and painting, we recommend that you wear a facemask and work in a well-ventilated area.
Very little preparation is required but you may wish to have a final smooth over with very fine sand paper just to make sure. Wipe up surface dust with a soft slightly damp cloth.
• If your cover is untreated, use at least 2 coats of primer. White acrylic (water based) primer can be used for sealing the surface of the MDF. Always lightly sand surfaces with fine sandpaper (no rougher than 180 grade) between coats
• Best results are obtained using a mini (100mm) roller with gloss type (smooth surface) foam roller but you prefer to use a small paintbrush for the tight corners.
• If your cover is already primed and undercoated, apply 2 coats of your chosen top colour. Always apply the first coat thinly and sand with fine sandpaper between coats. Water based emulsion, satin, eggshell and gloss paint are ideal.
• It is more convenient to remove the grille and paint the main part of the cover (and also to paint a board grille) hence the grille may have been fitted temporarily (if so the remainder of the fixings will be in the fixings pack). If not already marked, mark the position of the grille before removal as it will have been positioned symmetrically.
• Wooden Grille panels can be painted with a lightly loaded roller, but don’t press too hard on the grille. Alternatively use a brush with light rapid strokes. We recommend you paint only the surface and don’t try to paint the edges of the holes. Alternatively try a can of suitable spray paint being careful to avoid excessive build up of paint.
• A convincing wood effect can be achieved by applying two or 3 coats of coloured varnish directly onto untreated mdf with a brush ensuring the final strokes are light and along the length of the panel. A mini roller can be used to get a good even colour which can be very effective but this will not produce a grain effect, or a mottled effect can be achieved by dabbing the surface with scrunched paper. If unsure about your desired finish, try out some test patches first on the inside of your Cover.
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