Brass has been used traditionally, most famously in conjunction with tortoiseshell by Charles Boulle in the 17th and 18th centuries. We have worked with other metals including aluminum nickel & sterling silver, copper, stainless steel and pewter.

Depending on the design we will laser cut, CNC rout or photo-etch the metals to produce the required result. The thinner the metal the more complex the design can be and by combining cutting with half etching or engraving the most intricate details can be produced. The most useful gauge of metal for marquetry purposes is 0.5mm since most veneers are 0.6mm thick. This allows some leeway for sanding without damaging the metal. For restoration using double knife cut veneers 0.7mm or 0.9mm is preferable.

When laying a piece of marquetry that includes metal it is important to ensure that the glueing side is completely clean and free of grease by washing with vinegar or meths. The old masters often used a cut clove of garlic or onion for this! The surface then needs to be roughened either manually or chemically (eg with weak nitric acid) to ensure a good bonding surface for glueing. Epoxy resins should be used for glueing metal to wood as when heated the metal will expand and the wood contract.