Antique Embossed Tins

Figure A

Steps:

1. Paint tin with a matte black acrylic paint. Allow to air dry.

2. Stamp pattern on tin with clear embossing ink (figure A). To stamp on a curved surface, press down on one edge of the stamp and apply pressure evenly around the curve. When stamping square tins, stamp on one side, then tip stamp around the edge. For best impressions, support tin from beneath while stamping.

Figure B

3. Hold tin over a large tray and pour clear embossing powder over inked impressions (figure B). Note: With a well inked pad, you may be able to stamp entire tin before applying Deep Impressions powder. You may stamp and sprinkle the Deep Impressions powder onto each stamped image as you go, then heat entire surface at one time. If you are unhappy with an impression, wipe away the ink and dust with talcum powder to remove any tackiness; then stamp again.

Figure C

4. With tin sitting flat on the table, apply heat gun until powdered patterns melt and create a clear raised impression (figure C). Note: Tins will get very hot. Only a few seconds of heat is recommended.

Figure D

5. Apply pink paint to the entire surface (figure D). Allow to air dry.

Figure E

6. Use a damp terry cloth rag and gently scrub in a circular motion to reveal the black pattern underneath (figure E). Apply a small amount of pressure at first, then increase pressure as needed. Note: Scrubbing too hard may reveal too much black or the original surface itself. Apply touch-ups as desired with the black or pink paint.

Figure F

7. Enhance the surface colors with rub on metallic or color paste (figure F).

Tips:

Embellish the tins in many ways:

Glue trims to a narrow edge that could not be stamped.

Glue wooden beads, game pieces or knobs to bottom for decorative feet.

Drill holes and attach handles or drawer pulls.

Add metal plaques or hand-tooled metal decorations.

Use clay to make personalized plaques or decorative "feet."