How to Make Punched Tin Panels
According to Country Accents, tin punch gained popularity sometime during the Colonial period. Tin was known as poor man's silver as it economical to create many household objects with it. Styles of tin punch became useful for allowing light through tin lanterns and letting air through cabinet doors while still protecting food from animals. These decorative housewares were adorned with common designs such as wheat, fruit, hearts and stars. Some also resembles Old World designs used today in folk art painting. Today, this craft continues to be used in making punched tin panels for kitchen cabinets as well as home accent furniture and accessories.
Things You'll Need
- 36-gauge blank tin sheet
- Tin punch pattern
- Masking tape
- Plywood
- Large nails
- Hammer
Instructions
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1
Tape the pattern on the tin sheet. Make sure it will not get lose and shift. Patterns are outlines made from a series of dot and can be found from tin ware and woodworking companies (see Resources).
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2
Secure the tin sheet to the plywood with tape; this keeps it from moving about during punching.
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3
Hold the nail on top of a dot in the pattern and tap it with the hammer until it pierces through the tin. Do not tap the nail completely through or the hole will be too large.
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4
Continue to make a hole over each dot in the pattern using the same nail. Replace your nail if it becomes bent. The holes should be uniform in size for the best results.
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Tips & Warnings
Copper sheeting can also be used.
Special piercing tools are available for tin punch; each has a different tip to create different shaped piercings.
Handle the metal sheet with care to prevent cuts to your hands.
References
- Photo Credit hammer and nails image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
