Letter 34185

Hammered copper sheeting for table top  

+++++ I would like to make a dining area table top out of hammered copper. First, where do I buy hammered copper sheeting material? Then, how difficult is this going to be to make? Is there something I should know about working with hammered copper sheeting? Thanks Debbie K [last name deleted for privacy due to age of posting] - Spring Branch, TX +++++ Copper sheeting can be had at most sheet metal suppliers. If you don't mind the 30 minute drive into San Antonio you can get what you want relatively quickly. Copper will go for between $10/sq ft to $5/sq ft. As for the rest of the info, copper is easy to work, but not very stiff, I suggest doing your surface over wood (be sure to use a stain or finish on the wood first. Decide on the type of look you want, get some scrap for test pieces, get a rubber mallet, ball peen hammer, and wooden mallet, then try using each hammer and different surfaces (concrete, asphalt, sand, rocks, rusty metal, etc, etc, etc). Afterward attach it to the surface with either nails or screws. Marc Banks - Elizabeth City, NC, USA +++++ HELP! HELLLOOOO!!!! Someone please. Who knows where I can get hammered copper sheeting in the continental USA. Outwater does not have anything of this nature (according to their web's catalog search engine). Don't suggest Handcrafted Metal or Copperworks either, they only offer finished products. I am looking for a long sheet minimum 114" long by 19" high. Susan L [last name deleted for privacy due to age of posting] - Northfield, NJ USA

----
Ed. note: Please also see letters 9118 and 17339 for additional suggestions.

Hammered copper sheet is nothing more than a sheet of copper that has been run through a rolling die that gives it a hammered look. It is far cheaper to get a hammer and do it yourself.

Marc Banks
Blacksmith - Shiloh, NC, USA

There aren't many suppliers of hammered copper, the two we use most frequently are Rigidized Metals and Revere Copper. They both have the same patterns done by machine. If you want something more random you will have to make your own. Try using a ball peen hammer or a couple different sizes, place the copper on something that will allow the copper to dent, cardboard works well. You will find the copper will have a tendency to dish upwards as you peen it. Placing it on wood first then the cardboard and nailing the corners through both will minimize but not prevent the dishing. Try a few samples until you find one you like. Try other round metal items if you don't like the ball peen look, maybe a ball off of a trailer hitch. Good luck.

Jim Harvey
- Omaha, NE, USA

A coupla years ago we purchased a dining table with a hammered copper top. The table was produced in Mexico and has a thin transparent protective finish/sealer on the dining surface. In some areas, the finish is wearing through to the base metal, and we would like to "refresh" the top with a new finish. Please respond with finish recommendations. Thanks in advance.

Gary Shaw
- Iowa City, IA, USA

If you're lucky, the original finish is brass lacquer which can be removed with lacquer thinner [link is to product info at Amazon], and replaced with a fresh coat of lacquer. The site's supporting advertisers Agate Lacquer and G.J. Nikolas offer brass lacquer if you are looking for more than just a spray can or two.

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

We have copper sheet here at Blue Collar Supply. I have experimented with this and gotten great results. I just ball peen a flat sheet of copper over a towel on a concrete table. Then I use liquid nails and lots of weights to attach to my surface. I finish the edges with copper tacks. Good luck, have fun.

Ricardo Villanueva
- Sacramento, CA, USA

Hi,

I'm very interested in buying a hammered copper top dining table (oval sharped). I currently live in Austin Texas, and there's a store that has it but its too big and tooooooo expensive. I know they are made in Mexico, and also found a company that makes them there, but apparently they only sell their products to authorized wholesalers.

If somebody has information on any store in Austin, or anywhere else in Texas has these products, or knows about a manufacturer(s) in Mexico, please let me know. Thanks in advance for your help. Andrea Josefina - Austin, Texas, USA September 17, 2006 Ebay has a few people who sell copper tops for tables- the best prices I've seen anywhere- they are imported from Mexico like in retail stores, but half the price. good luck! Lydia Ahern - Armonk, New York Ed. note: Here's a link to the Mexicopper store on e-bay. June 5, 2007 The hammered table tops I have seen are very expensive and I need to know how to cover an existing table top,and how to achieve a red/gold patina finish. Thank you Dolores Park consumer - Castleton, Vermont December 11, 2007 I am replacing an electric jenn air cook top with a gas down draft. I want to cover the cabinets underside with copper for protection from heat and steam. What gauge should I use Carolyn cox property manager - fair oaks, CA USA

Hi, saw a bunch of questions about hammered copper...I just bought some from this place in Ohio...the woman makes it herself and it's not super expensive. I found her online at copperfinishes.com
Good luck! She even told me how to install it!

TOM BRUNNER
- Akron, OH, USA

February 4, 2008 Folks, this site is available free to everyone to discuss issues like this, but it's only possible because we found advertisers willing to support this forum. It's probably okay to mention other suppliers in passing, although they don't share any of the costs, but if we drift towards asking advertisers to pay for glowing testimonials to their freeloading competitors, we're strangling the golden goose :-) Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

I just hammered a copper sheet for a table top 40' X 60'. Now the copper sheet does not lie flat. How do I flatten it before adhering it to my table top? I appreciate any advice, I would hate to glue it to the table top and later have some areas pop up. Thanks!

Lewis Black
hobbyist - Prescott, AZ

Did Lewis B. from Prescott ever get an answer back on how to flatten a piece of copper that he just hammered. It won't lie flat

Kathy Putnam
hobbyist - Meridian, Idaho

Answer to Lewis B, you may want to try a rolling pin used by baker's, or a piece of gas pipe. Lay the copper on a solid surface with the peened side up. Place a piece of cardboard or a towel over the copper to prevent scratching. Roll the copper gently going different directions until it is flat. Be careful not to use too much pressure or you will take out the hammering you want.

Good Luck!

Jim Harvey
- Omaha, NE

Answer or follow-up on this subject (in non-commercial fashion).

 

Post a new question or inquiry on a different subject.

 

This is a monitored forum. If you spot broken links or obsolete info, please advise!