How to Make Punched Tin Objects
Decorative punched tin objects bring a nostalgic, old fashioned touch to any room. Fortunately, they are easy to make for even a complete crafting novice. You can create beautiful punched tin objects for your home or for a friend. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tin or copper panel
- Tin snips
- Thick piece of corrugated cardboard
- Heavy duty tape to secure the metal panel to the cardboard
- Design suitable for punched tin
- Copy of the design on thin piece of paper
- Pen or pencil to mark dots along the design lines
- Cellophane tape to hold the paper design onto the metal panel
- Hammer
- Awl
- Spray paint or antiquing medium to finish your metal, if desired
Instructions
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1
Decide how you will use punched tin. Punched tin is often used in cabinet panels or in candle holders.
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2
Cut a tin or copper panel for your project to size with a pair of tin snips.
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3
Secure the panel to a piece of corrugated cardboard with tape. For best results, have a piece of cardboard that is larger than your piece of tin by about 1-inch around.
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4
Select a design to punch into the metal. Keep the design a simple one, since they not only are easier to work, but they also look better when you are done.
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5
Copy the design onto a thin piece of paper. Mark little dots along the design at regular intervals. Fasten it onto the tin with some tape.
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6
Hammer your awl gently into the little dots you previously marked on your design. Lift up the paper occasionally to check on your design.
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7
Finish the tin with an antiquing glaze or leave it shiny if you prefer.
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Tips & Warnings
Find good designs to use for punched tin by adapting quilting patterns, using simple floral designs or repeating geographic shapes.
