Using a Repoussé Hammer for Silversmithing Textures

By Jewellery Tools UK — Hand Tools for Jewellers & Silversmiths | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use a repoussé hammer to create controlled textures on silver. Step-by-step guide with tips on grip, strike angle, and avoiding common mistakes.

Quick answer

Use the octagonal face of a repoussé hammer for broad, even textures and the rectangular peen for sharp, defined lines. Control comes from a relaxed grip and consistent strike angle.

Why a repoussé hammer works for texturing

A repoussé hammer gives you two distinct faces on one balanced head. The octagonal face spreads force over a wider area, creating a soft, pebbled texture that works well on flat or gently curved silver sheet. The narrow rectangular peen concentrates force into a line, letting you build grooves, ridges, or stippled patterns.

The locksmith pattern keeps both faces on a single head, so you can switch between broad shaping and fine detail work without changing tools. At 120 g, the head is light enough for controlled, delicate strikes — ideal for thin gauge silver where a heavy hammer would distort the metal.

Choosing the right face for your texture

The octagonal face (16 mm) is your go-to for general texturing of soft metals like silver and copper. It leaves a uniform, slightly faceted impression that catches light well. Use it when you want an all-over matte or hammered finish.

The rectangular peen (5 mm x 16 mm) is for adding sharp, defined lines — think chasing outlines, leaf veins, or geometric patterns. Because the peen is narrow, it can cut into the metal if struck too hard, so start with light taps and increase force gradually.

How to texture silver with a repoussé hammer

Secure your work: Place the silver sheet on a steel bench block or sandbag. For thin sheet (under 1 mm), use a sandbag to absorb excess force and prevent stretching. For thicker sheet, a steel block gives a crisp impression. Check that the metal does not slide — a non-slip mat under the block helps.
Grip the hammer near the end of the handle: Hold the handle loosely near the end, not choked up toward the head. A relaxed grip lets the hammer rebound naturally and reduces fatigue. A death grip transfers shock to your wrist and produces uneven strikes. Your grip should feel light enough that the hammer could almost fall out of your hand.
Start with the octagonal face for broad texture: Hold the hammer so the octagonal face lands flat on the metal. Strike with a controlled, pendulum motion from the elbow — not the wrist. Overlap each strike by about half the face width to avoid gaps. Common mistake: striking at an angle, which leaves crescent-shaped dents instead of even facets. Aim for consistent force — vary the force only when you want a graduated texture.
Switch to the rectangular peen for lines: Rotate the hammer so the narrow peen contacts the metal. Draw an imaginary line and strike along it, letting the peen track the path. Keep the handle angle steady — tilting the handle changes the line width. Common mistake: striking too hard, which gouges the metal and is hard to sand out. Practice on scrap first to find the force that gives a clean groove without a burr.
Check your progress and adjust: After every 10-15 strikes, inspect the texture under a bright light. Shadows reveal uneven depth. If the pattern looks patchy, go back over low spots with lighter taps. If you overwork an area, anneal the silver to soften it before continuing. Stop before the texture looks overworked — you can always add more, but you cannot remove metal easily.

Product facts

Silversmiths' Repoussé Hammer — Locksmith Style, Octagonal & Rectangular Faces, Wood Handle: Two faces cover a lot of bench forming: a 16 mm octagonal face for general shaping of soft metals, and a narrow 5 mm x 16 mm rectangular peen that lays down sharp, defined lines for repoussé and chasing. You get both a broad texturing face and a precision line tool in one hammer, so you don't need to switch tools mid-project.
Silversmiths' Repoussé Hammer — Locksmith Style, Octagonal & Rectangular Faces, Wood Handle