How to Make a Swirl on Metal

The method of making swirls on metal has many different names such as engine turning, jeweling, damascening, krayling or snailing. These swirls add delicate accents to metal whether it be on tools, public bathroom doors or home decor. Besides adding cosmetic beauty to metal, engine turning can increase the longevity of this beauty by making metal more impervious to the appearances of scratches. This increases the time you can enjoy the classic looks of your metal possessions.

Sandpaper
Metal Polish
Dremel or power drill
Stainless steel wire end-brush drill bit
Cutting oil
Masking Tape
Vice
Rubbing Alcohol

Instructions

- 1
  Sand and polish your metal. Make sure that all scratches have been sanded away and there is no rust on your piece. Polish your metal to clean it of any small metal shavings from sanding.
- 2
  Wrap several pieces of tape around the circumference of your wire end-brush drill bit. Leave the end free of tape. This will keep your brush's bristles from fanning out during the process and ensure exact and uniform swirls.
- 3
  Apply cutting oil to the surface of your metal. Place the piece into your vice to hold it in place.
- 4
  Attach your wire end-brush drill bit to your drill or Dremel. With even pressure, press the brush to the surface of your metal. Check your results as your apply more pressure to achieve the swirls you like.
- 5
  Wipe down your piece with rubbing alcohol immediately after to prevent rusting.

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