A Step-by-Step Guide to Metal Embossing

Carbone

Editor

posted on 13 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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When you emboss metal, you participate in an art form that has existed for centuries. Metal embossing is used to impart a design upon metal sheets. The metal is pushed with an embossing tool or stylus in order to create a raised effect on the opposite side. By placing the metal sheet on a rubber or foam pad, the positive impression has a smooth surface that will shine or can take pigment. Embossed metal sheets can be used to decorate items like tins, lanterns, windows or doors. Smaller pieces can also be used to decorate greeting cards or scrapbooks. Embossing metal does not require many tools. The steps below will present you with a tried and true method of metal embossing.

Steps

Transfer your design to the metal sheet. Print out or draw your design on a piece of paper. It can be helpful to use a piece of paper that is the same size as your metal sheet. Tape the edges of your metal sheet to the piece of paper with your template design. Place a piece of tape on all sides to ensure the page does not slip. This will ensure that your lines are true to the design. Using the stylus, trace over the lines of your template design. Use as little pressure as possible, so that you are not committed to a high relief. This cannot easily be undone, so follow the lines as close to exact as possible.

Remove the paper and tape from the metal sheet.

Deepen the lines on the metal sheet using the stylus to your preference. The harder you press, the deeper the line.

Fill in the lines with the embossing tool. Again, more pressure yields more relief (negative from the side you're working, positive from opposite side).