DISTRESSED TIN TOPS

 

Tin tops are made using a sheet of galvanized tin. The sheet will usually have some scratching and blemishes, and has a shine to it. Square or Rectangular Tops are wrapped (bent) so that the tin covers the four sides. Round tops need to be inset with a small edging of wood at the circumference. We can also inset a square or rectangular top if desired. A standard sheet of tin is 48” x 96”, limiting tops to this constraint. Custom sized sheets can be ordered up to 60” in width allowing for larger sizes.

 

 After the top is made, the tin is distressed using an acid wash. This removes the shine along with some of the galvanization. It also “ages” the tin. The tin is then sealed with penatrol. This is a rust inhibitor that can be found at most hardware stores. A light coat, applied by dampening a rag with the penatrol and wiping on the top, can be applied once a year to maintain the finish.

 

The look of the tin will vary from one top to the next. The nature of the process allows for a limited amount of control over the final outcome. While the raw tin may look the same, every sheet looks different when aged. The size and appearance of the grain can vary from small to larger (more mottled).

We can do a minimal amount of aging to avoid pitting and actual rust spots that will occur if the galvanization is completely removed. Scratching and blemishes that were initially in the tin will still be present. The tin usually appears slightly shinier when only lightly distressed. It may produce “black” spots or darker areas. There may be some light pitting

 A heavy amount of distressing will have rust spots where the galvanization has been completely removed. Please specify if you would like the finish heavily distressed.

  

 

AGED COPPER TOPS

Aged Copper is achieved using a process that moves the surface around and turns it into a multi-colored black, copper, and red work of art.

 

Copper Tops can be done either as an inset top with a wood border, or wrapped over the edges. A standard sheet of copper is 36"W. It can be special ordered as wide as 48".

Copper is a soft metal and scratching and aging will continue over time. The copper is sealed with penatrol. This is a rust inhibitor that can be found at most hardware stores. A light coat, applied by dampening a rag with the penatrol and wiping on the top, can be applied once a year to protect the finish.