How to Hammer Copper

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Hammered copper can be an accent to tables, sinks, artistic projects or other various household items. Purchasing hammered copper from a third party, however, can be a very expensive undertaking. Read the following article to learn how to hammer copper at home for a fraction of the cost.

Steps

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    • Get approximately 2 feet (about 61 cm) more copper sheeting than you need for the job. Allow 1 foot (about 30.5 cm) on each side. It will shrink with extensive hammering, and you'll need the excess on the ends for hammering in nails.
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    It can also be shaped by hand, if necessary.
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    • The thinner the copper sheeting, the easier it will accept the indentations of your hammer. For ease of hammering, choose a 24-gauge thickness for your copper sheeting. This can also be called 16 oz. or .021 inches (about .05 cm).
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    • This protects your eyes from any stray shards of copper that may dislodge while indenting copper.
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    • This will secure your copper sheeting in place while you are hamming the copper.
    • You want the copper sheeting to be as flat and flush against the plywood as possible. This will give you the most control over your ability to hammer and indent the copper sheeting.
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    [1]
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    To avoid making too drastic of indentations in your copper sheeting, start soft and gradually apply greater and greater force until you've created the desired pattern. [2]
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    [3]
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  • Question
    Can I use copper pennies to create a sheet?
    Community Answer
    Not easily. It would require melting and casting or possibly some kind of welding.
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      Video

      Tips

      • If you choose to indent your copper with something other than a ball peen hammer, apply very light pressure. Overt force could rip or tear a hole in your copper sheeting.
        Thanks
      • If the material you're using to support your copper has a pattern or texture, it will be embossed onto the back of your copper sheeting. Use concrete for a distressed, aged look.
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      Warnings

      • Never use a product to support your copper sheeting that is in any way breakable or fragile. These prohibited materials could include glass, porcelain or ceramic.
        Thanks
      • Hammering copper can be tiring work. Take a break so you don't injure yourself or compromise the overall design of the copper sheeting.
        Thanks
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      Things You'll Need

      • Protective eyewear
      • Protective gloves
      • Copper sheeting
      • Ball peen hammer
      • Nails
      • Plywood
      • Towel

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ag2roFYsuc
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e6Z9QQieAk
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sskkwy3-OgM

      About This Article

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        Aug 2, 2019

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