Frequently Asked Questions

1. A bulb needs replacing in one of my lights how do I go about this?
   You should be able to remove the bulb with a pair of tweezers and either a small piece of sellotape or Tacky Wax inside the tweezer ends and gently twist the bulb. If you have any problems please contact us *Please note not all lights have replaceable bulbs.
2. Are the kits supplied painted?
   Some kits are supplied painted both internally and externally as noted on the house description. All other kits are supplied in natural MDF and require either painting or wallpapering. We also have a range of QuickStyle Houses which are fully-painted and externally decorated ready for your interior design scheme.
3. Do you sell transformers?
   Yes, we supply US transformers. These can be viewed on the website, please view Lighting Accessories.
4. How do you recommend I stain my dollhouse?
   The use of colored varnish, as opposed to a stain followed by clear varnish gives a better uniformity of colour used on compound wood and MDF parts, particularly over any glue residue.
5. What is MDF and why is it used in Dolls House Emporium products?
   

   MDF stands for Medium Density Fibreboard, and is an engineered wood product created from breaking down hard and soft woods and then binding them together. The result is a product which is much denser and provides a smoother finish than plywood.

   There have been concerns that the manufacturing process of MDF, which involves using formaldehyde, results in the urea-formaldehyde being slowly released after manufacture. There is no conclusive evidence about the effects this has on human health but we always advise anyone wishing to sand or cut MDF to do so in a well ventilated space and preferably wearing a dust mask. Once an MDF product is ?sealed?, be that by paint or varnish, the urea-formaldehyde is sealed in.

   The Dolls House Emporium uses MDF in its dollhouses as it is sturdier, smoother and harder-wearing than plywood which allows the dollhouses to be finished to a professional standard and for the customers to enjoy their dollhouse for longer. The risks it prevents are considered very low, especially since dollhouses are ?sealed? and thus any emissions are stopped.

   What CARB means for MDF.

   CARB is the California Air Resources Board and was established in 1967. It has several goals, including;

   • attaining and maintaining healthy air quality;
   • protecting the public from exposure to toxic air contaminants;
   • and providing innovative approaches for complying with air pollution rules and regulations.

   From the goals above, and the information on MDF its pretty clear why there is a correlation between CARB and the use of MDF. In January 1, 2009, the CARB 1 formaldehyde emission regulation took effect for hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium density fibreboard. This regulation limits the sale of MDF into California and thus limits the dollhouses currently available to Californian customers.

   The Dolls House Emporium is working with it?s suppliers to have CARB certified MDF dollhouses as soon as possible and we will keep you informed of any updates.

   Further information on MDF can be found on the following links:

   • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium-density_fibreboard
   • http://www.diyaudioandvideo.com/FAQ/MDF/

   CARB information and sources

   • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CARB
   • http://www.medite-europe.com/carb2/questions.html#quest04
6. When I purchase one of your lights will it come complete with the bulb?
   Yes, all of the lights come complete with a bulb, length of wire and small plug on the end.

If you cannot find the answer to your questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.