How to Hammer Copper by Hand

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Things You'll Need

  • 24 gauge copper sheet

  • Ball peen hammer

  • Nails

  • Plywood

  • Metal snips

  • Metal file

Hammer Copper by Hand

The look of hammered copper is easy to achieve at home with a few common tools. Copper sheeting is available in many different thicknesses. In order to easily hammer it, you want to avoid thick copper. One of the most common thicknesses to use in hammering is 24 gauge. You can cut out a shape before hammering, or you can use hammered sheets as they are for many decorative purposes.

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Step 1

Unroll your copper sheet and secure it to the plywood with a nail in each corner. If you will be cutting a shape from your copper, do this first, using the metal snips. File the rough edges, then attach to the plywood with at least two nails.

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Step 2

Begin hammering the copper. Do not hit too hard but with medium force. Overlap each strike slightly; otherwise, it will just appear that your copper has dents in it instead of a nice hammered appearance.

Step 3

If you would like to add further texture to your copper, remove it from the plywood. Now that it is flat, you can continue to hammer it on a variety of surfaces. Placing it on concrete and then hammering will give it a fine pocked appearance. You can lay it on a softer surface and achieve more of a burnished look.

Tip

Try different hammers, such as rawhide, to achieve various looks on your copper. After hammering, bend the copper into a variety of shapes or designs.

Warning

Wear gloves and goggles when hammering copper.

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