Under construction – surprise!
On Texturing
Texturing metal is a lot of fun and there are a ton of tools available, to create interesting patterns. Almost anything can be used: gravel, sidewalks, leaves, fabric, hammers, paper, bits, etc. Patterns can be etched, hammered, drilled, sanded, bur-ed, built-up and rolled into the metal. There are probably other methods.
Texturing adds depth and interest to your work. Combined with the usage of patinas, the beauty of your texture can be further enhanced. Although, some textures, are best left “as is”. It’s a personal choice. Which is why, creating your own textures, allows you to fully express your visions.
That said, there are a ton of amazingly beautiful textures for metal out there in the interweb! Check out my just a few of them on my Pinterest Board: Textures. With the advent of cheap, easy to purchase laser cutters, many more people are creating their own texture papers and vinyls.
(Forest of Leaves pattern at Supply Diva on Etsy) There are manufactured textures available in nickel, copper or brass plates used in the rolling mill or by hammering them against metal (more on this later).
(Bonny Doon pattern plate #17 at Rio Grande)
You probably already have plenty of tools to create your own patterns – without buying anything.
Below, are some of the textures that I made today. Just to show you the variety of finishes, easily produced.
Hammered Textures
On this sheet of copper are 6 patterns created with hammers.
I used the ball peen end of my chasing hammer 
for this texture.
A smaller ball peen was used for this texture. 
My Peddinghaus raising hammer created this. 
Used the side of my chasing hammer’s head here. 
Employed the thick edge of my Fretz/Good planisher. 
The thin side of the Fretz/Good planisher. 
Bits and Burs
I also played around with bits and burs on some pieces of tin. Follows, are the results.
Here are the textures, pictured with their tools. Closeups follow. The texture on the left was carved with a 3.5 mm round ball bur. You can make cross-hatching, swoops and single-directional textures with this and other similar burs. On the right is a texture created using a checkering file. 
Click for closeups.
On the left, a textured made with a crimped-wire steel brush 
and on the right a diamond disc. 
The face of the diamond disc was used.
Here, we have a texture created with a Sanding Drum or Drum Sander 
and one from 320 grit wet/dry sandpaper. 
These are satin finish wheels. They are similar to scouring pads and come in a variety of grits. 
This is the roughest wheel – the extra cut. For a slightly smoother texture try the medium cut. 
Lastly, there’s the Mizzy heatless wheel 
which comes in a variety of sizes. 
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