Product Information

Our products are made with polyester resin. We do not stock inventory since we offer so many finishes. All orders are custom and take 3-4 weeks. We offer over 30 fabulous Faux Finishes or order the finish in white primer to paint yourself. These products are unique in that they are created from historical ornamentation or, in the case of our Arts and Crafts Grilles, are reproductions of historic grilles which we have redesigned to work with today's HVAC industrial grilles. All of our products are appropriate for interior or exterior use. We also do custom work. Please call — (410) 867-0790 or (301) 855-4244 — for information on your unique project.

Beaux-Artes decorative grilles can be cut to size to replace the louvered door on your filter grille. Your filter grille consists of three parts, the decorative grille mounted to a door (with the louvers removed) which opens, the frame which is attached to the ceiling or wall, and the filter which you need to replace when dirty. After unwrapping remove the door from your filter grille by unlatching the two latches just like you do to replace the filter. Remove the filter and screen. Then swing the louvered door to an extreme angle to disengage the two backets that act like hinges. Now the door should detach from the filter grille frame. The frame can now be mounted in the wall or ceiling after you remove the old filter grille housing.

Use plenty of screws to attach the frame to your wall or ceiling. Screw holes are predrilled. Screws must be securely anchored into wood or metal. Once the frame is screwed into the wall or ceiling the decorative grille can be re-hung. Notice that it can be installed on either side of the filter grille frame, right or left. The weight of your Beaux-Artes filter grille is slightly heavier than the old louvered door, so make sure the latches are secure. Make sure a responsible adult replaces the filer and latches the door securely shut. Especially if your filter grille is on the ceiling.

Use the black screen provided to cover the filter. The screen is merely to make the background appear black as most filters are blue, white or brown (or some other undesirable color). If you can find black filters then the screen is not necessary. We supply you with two pieces of screen so that you can clean one when you replace filters. The screens like the filters will get dusty, so clean one and use the other, rotating screens upon changing filters. You may need a small piece of tape to hold the screen in place to the top of a clean filter. Once again the screen is just for looks, to give that nice black look to the background behind the grille, try to use just one piece of screen, unless your background still shows through, then and only then should you use both screens to hide the ugly filter.

The four pieces of molding supplied with the filter grille kit are designed to put around the outside of the filter grille frame. The molding even has a notch in the back which covers the steel frame. Use adhesive caulk (our favorite brand is DAP) to adhere the molding to the wall. You may also need to use one small brad or finishing nail to hold the molding in place while the caulk dries. Blue masking tape will also hold the molding in place while the caulk dries. Now get your digital camera and e-mail Beaux-Artes a photo of your fabulously beautiful filter grille.

Installing Door Hinge Straps

Beaux-Artes Faux Hinge Straps are easy to install. They are glued to the door directly adjacent to each hinge. Since hinges are visible from only one side of the door, these faux hinge straps can be used only on that side. We recommend attaching them with clear, DAP "Kwik Seal" adhesive caulk, available in most hardware stores. "Kwik Seal" is a water-based adhesive so it cleans up easily with a wet rag. It has a thick putty consistency, which will hold the weight of the hinge strap while it is drying. Apply a small lima bean size glob of "Kwik Seal" to the back of the first hinge strap, then smooth evenly over most of the back surface, avoiding the very edges.

Attach the first hinge strap to the bottom hinge first. If any "Kwik Seal" squeezes out past the edges, clean with a damp rag or small artist's paint brush. Be careful not to accidentally move the hinge strap, once it is centered on the hinge. Next we recommend using a piece of blue tape, to hold the hinge strap in place for an hour until the adhesive dries. Adjust the amount of "Kwik Seal" used on the back of the remaining hinge straps, based upon the first results, so that no adhesive caulk squeezes out. Always use a piece of blue masking tape to hold the hinge straps in place while the adhesive dries. Remove the tape after the adhesive dries in about an hour, and admire the results.

Installing Door Knob Escutcheons

Beaux-Artes Escutcheons are easy to install. Some of the escutcheons have screw holes, and others are glued to the door directly. Pre-fit your escutcheon, by placing it over the door knob. Check the fit. Most door knobs have a standard rosette size, but there are some exceptions. If the fit is tight the escutcheon can be rotated to help it slide down the doorknob base. Make sure that the escutcheon is pisitioned in an upright position parallel to the edge of the door, before attaching to the door.

Escutcheons with screw holes are sized for a #4 screw. Screws should be selected by finish and material. Screws are made in various finishes which can match the finish of the escutcheons, such as polished brass, satin brass, stainless steel and black. Screws are also made to screw into different materials, so either get wood screws or metal cutting screws depending on your door. The length of the screw should be 3/4" long. Even though some excutcheons have precut screw holes, a spot of adhesive in the long middle section insures a proper installation.

Escutcheons without precut screw holes should be glued to the door directly. We recommend attaching them with clear, DAP "Kwik Seal" adhesive caulk, available in most hardware stores. "Kwik Seal" is water-based adhesive so it cleans up easily with a wet rag. Apply a few small lima bean size globs of "Kwik Seal" to the back of the escutcheon, then smooth evenly over most of the back surface, avoiding the very edges. Properly align and then attach to the door and apply pressure for a few moments. If any "Kwik Seal" squeezes out past the edges, clean with a damp rag. Be careful not to accidentally move the excutcheon, once it is properly aligned on the door. Finally we recommend using a piece of blue tape, to hole the escutcheon. Remove tape after the adhesive dries in about an hour, and admire the results.