Pressed tin, often used as a tiling to decorate walls and ceilings, was popular in the late 19th century and into the early 20th century. Since then, the use of pressed tin in decor has changed. Today, pressed tin is used as an accessory in rooms that have been decorated with an antique or nostalgic theme. Modern pressed tin is not even made of tin, but aluminum, to prevent rusting. Still, whether your pressed tin shelf is an antique or a contemporary piece, made from tin or aluminum, the steps are the same.
Instructions
1. Pick the location and the color for the shelf. The color of the shelf should depend on the furniture and color scheme found in the surrounding room. Find a color for the shelf that will allow it to blend naturally with the nearby decor. Neutrals like whites, grays and blacks are common colors for a pressed-tin surfaces because the texture creates enough visual interest without the tin being painted in a very bright color. However, you should be open to brighter colors if this will look best in your room.
2. Clean your shelf with a damp rag and soapy water. This step is especially important if the shelf is an antique or is used. Dry the shelf thoroughly with a dry rag.
3. Paint the shelf with a coat of oil-based etch primer. This procedure is necessary only if the shelf has not been painted previously. Etch primer will adhere to the pressed tin and create a surface to which other paints can easily stick. Set the shelf on a worktable or newspaper print for it to dry. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Paint the shelf in your desired color with the oil-based enamel paint. Hold the shelf from the back as you paint to prevent the paint from smudging. If the shelf is hollow and open in the back, place your hand in the hollow to hold it. Wait for the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Paint the shelf with a second coat. If you're painting the shelf in a dark color, a third coat may be necessary.
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