5 techniques for texturing metal without a hammer

The most common technique for texturing metal is hammering. To do this, you simply use a hammer with tips or a hammer with a rounded end to obtain the desired texture. We like these nice surface effects that make our jewelry unique and original.
But there are other ways to create simple designs on metal.

Want to know more? In our video, Lucie gives you 5 tips to texture metal without using a hammer.
We advise you to polish your jewelry before texturing it.

1. technique with a ball burr (00:00:05)

The ball burr will give different effects. Depending on the pressure you put on the metal, you can create a grooved effect or small notches for a hammered effect.

How to texture metal with a ball end mill?

• Step 1: Insert the ball cutter on your Dremel.
• Step 2: Gesture your jewelry with light pressure to get nice ridges.
  If you press with emphasis on a specific area, you will get a hammered effect.

To use this method, you need to master the Dremel or risk damaging your creation or injuring yourself. It is best to practice on a metal plate to be sure of your gesture before texturing your jewel.

2. technique with a tracing tip (00:00:50)

The tracing tip will allow you to create a pattern (a point, lines, strokes...) in a clean and precise way. To obtain a striated effect as in our video, simply locate the center of your piece, then draw lines with a ruler and the scribe, as you would with a pen on a piece of paper.
Note: the surface of the jewelry must be perfectly polished for this technique.

3. technique With a bocfil (00:00:29)

This technique is very simple: by pressing more or less with the saw blade, you will obtain more or less marked lines. For an unstructured effect, make strokes of different lengths.
Tip: tilt your bocfil slightly to mark the metal more easily.

4. technique With an abrasive disk (00:01:49)

This technique gives a very light brushed effect.

How to use an abrasive disc?

• Step 1: Mount the disc you want on the Dremel.
• Step 2: Rotate and press lightly (depending on the desired effect) to obtain the same finish as in our video.

For this technique, you can also use sandpaper. The grit of the paper will act in the same way.

5. Drilling technique (00:02:23)

The drilling technique allows you to create an openwork pattern on metal.

How to make a hole in metal?

• Step 1: First, make your pattern with a tracing tip. This will serve as a marker when you drill your jewelry.
• Step 2: Attach the drill bit to the dremel. Choose the diameter of your drill bit according to the hole you want to make.
• Step 3: Drill the metal of your jewelry.
  Remember to lubricate your drill bit regularly with beeswax.

As with all jewelry techniques, the key to success is practice... So, practice again and again to have a safe gesture and create beautiful and personalized DIY jewelry!