Everything You Need To Punch Tin

Pattern

Trace your design (find predrawn options at Country Accents Punched & Pierced Tin) onto a sheet of paper the size of the panel you want to punch. Back it with thin cardboard for durability, then use tacks to secure the paper to both the metal and your work surface.

Metal Sheets

Lavy recommends 24- or 28-gauge plated metal. Try copper as a warmer alternative to traditional tin. About $10 for a 12-by-18-inch tin sheet, about $13 for an 8-by-10-inch copper sheet; CreateForLess

Nailsets

To create a pattern with dots, try these Dasco Pro tools, which have round tips. About $6; The Home Depot

Cold Chisels

For punching dashes, use ¼- to ⅜-inch chisels. About $4 each; Sears

Hammer

Tap the punches into the metal with a claw hammer. One firm strike per punch should do. About $9; Ace Hardware

Rawhide Mallet

Once you’ve transferred your design to the metal, flip it over and use a rawhide or rubber mallet to flatten its edges and dull the punches’ sharp points. About $20; available at hardware stores

Scour Pad

To rough up the metal a bit so that it better accepts your desired finish, lightly rub this heavy-duty scrubber over the punched design. About $3 for three; available at hardware stores

Clear Lacquer

After scouring the metal, spray it with this clear coat to help prevent rust. For an aged look, first apply a black oxide finish (about $45; Caswell).

The $15 Shortcut

For an inexpensive take on this project, swap out the tin and copper for sheet metal from the hardware store. Use a large nail as your punch, then “age” the panel by rubbing it with flat black metal paint.