Getting Started! Metal Stamping Checklist

Metal stamping is such a growing hobby, perhaps because once you have your basic tools, the ongoing costs are relatively minor. My recommendation is to start small. As your stamping skills develop, you can expand your toolkit. Here is a checklist of minimum requirements to help you get started and begin your stamping adventure.

Metal Stamping Kit – Letter Stamp Sets

To start you off, we have a Metal Stamping Kit that includes your basic 3mm font, bench block, hammer and some metal blanks. The 3mm size will help in your initial stamping trials and usually gives better results with less practice. Two popular sets are Basic Sans Serif Upper, Lower Case and Stargazer. Browse our Alphabet Letter & Number Stamping Sets or view the different metal stamping fonts here.

Stamp Straight Tape

Stamp Straight Tape is a specialty non-residue tape for metal stamping. It is invaluable for marking out, spacing and alignment. The tape can be marked with a pen for spacing, and its thickness helps you drag the bottom of the stamps neatly for straighter impressions.

Stamping Hammer

When you're starting out, you could use a hammer from your toolbox. I’d recommend a minimum 16oz hammer to achieve reasonable results. However, a specialty Brass Hammer or Brass Short Handle Hammer will improve the consistency and effectiveness of your strikes. Later, you can expand into chasing hammers or textured hammers.

Steel Bench Block

A Stamping Bench Block provides the ideal hard surface for stamping, forging and texturing. Sunset Crystals also stocks composite blocks with rubber or wooden backing which help absorb noise or support more delicate work.

Metal Stamping Blanks

Your choices are endless — gold, silver, brass, copper, Vintaj, aluminium, plated finishes and many different shapes. Browse our Metal Stamping Blanks for inspiration. Softer metals and thinner gauges may curve during stamping, so a Nylon Hammer is very helpful for flattening.

Oxidizing

A permanent black marker is a quick way to darken stamped impressions. For a better finish, ImpressArt Stamp Enamel works beautifully. Remove excess colour and fingerprints with Ultra Polish Pads. As you move into silver and gold, specialised oxidising products such as Liver of Sulfur are also available.

Hole Punch

For thicker blanks, a Hole Punch Plier with a 1.5mm pin is recommended. Most economy-priced blanks and specialty blanks do not come with holes, so a hole punch is really a must-have. Screwdown Punches are also available for larger holes or thicker materials.

Jump Rings

Jump Rings connect your stamped blank to a chain or cord. As a guide, 16 gauge jump rings work well with 1.5mm punched holes. Chain nose pliers — one straight and one bent nose — make working with jump rings much easier.