Recommended enclosure finishesUpdated 12 days ago
One of the most effective ways to enhance the realism of the Aquafire vapor flame is to minimize unwanted light reflections inside the fireplace enclosure.
The darker and less reflective the surrounding surfaces, the greater the perceived depth of vapor flame and the more convincing the effect becomes.
The Aquafire®Box takes the guesswork out of design and enclosure dimensions but if you are designing your own enclosure, the options are endless for finishes since you do not have to protect your enclosure from heat or water. The enclosure finishes are completely up to the homeowner/purchaser. This means you can create a truly custom look that fits in with your existing decor and/or design plan.
To create an enclosure that highlights the Aquafire flames while minimizing light reflections, we recommend the follow enclosure finishing guidelines:
- High-quality, durable, ultra-matte black paint. We highly recommend Rosco Velour Black or Black Paint 4.0.
- Rosco Velour Black was originally developed for the entertainment industry. It has been used for decades in theaters, television studios, museums and commercial displays where controlling reflected light is critical
- Black Paint 4.0 offers even lower light reflectivity and was originally developed for artwork, museum displays, photography and other low-contact applications where maximum light absorption is the primary goal. This paint may require more careful handling and maintenance than paint designed for architectural use.
- Dark, non-reflective finishes. Choosing shiny or mirrored tile can cause the LED lights to bounce
- If you are adding river rock, logs or other media to the top of your Aquafire, have it attached to a lightweight sheet of plywood or similar so that it is easily removable for cleaning and maintenance. See THIS entry for more information.
- If installing in a traditional hearth design, please create a light trap or consider the Aquafire®Box for a simplified installation experience
- Reduce the viewing window height to 12"-18" inches. See our common setbacks article for more detailed information or use our Interactive Enclosure Guide to see your exact measurements.