# Chasing and repoussé

> Repoussé pushes metal from behind to create relief and chasing defines it from the front, on a bed of pitch; an ancient goldsmithing technique.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/chasing-and-repousse/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-30
- Updated: 2026-09-10
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/cincelado-y-repujado/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Repoussé and chasing are two phases of the same technique: first the relief is raised from the back, then it is outlined from the front.

![Steps of the technique: Anneal and fix, Trace, Chase, Repoussé, Anneal, Clean](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/repujado-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## Repoussé

The sheet rests on a soft surface (chaser's pitch) and is struck from behind with punches to push the metal outward and form volumes.

## Chasing

The piece is turned over and, with chisels and punches of different tips (tracers, liners, planishers, matting tools), details are defined, grounds smoothed and texture marked.

## Materials and tools

Chaser's pitch, held in a bowl or block; chasing hammers; punches; frequent annealing and a bath or heat to remove the pitch when finished.

## History

It has been known since ancient Egypt and Greece, and appears in masks, armor and cult objects. Today it is used in pendants, brooches and bangles.

## Step by step

1. **Anneal and fix.** Soften the sheet and fix it on pitch.
2. **Trace.** Mark the design with a tracer.
3. **Chase.** Strike the punches to outline the lines.
4. **Repoussé.** Turn it over and push from behind to raise relief.
5. **Anneal.** Each time the metal hardens.
6. **Clean.** Remove the pitch and polish.

## Tools and materials

- Pitch or chasing putty
- Punches and chisels of various shapes
- Chasing hammer ([hammers](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-hammers-and-mallets/))
- Copper, brass or silver sheet

## Common mistakes

- Striking with uneven force: the relief is irregular.
- Not annealing in time: the sheet cracks.
- Pitch too hard or cold: the sheet will not give.
- Piercing the sheet with a sharp chisel.

## See also

- [Sinking, raising and dapping: hollow forms](https://www.711grados.com/en/sinking-raising-and-dapping/)
- [Hand and laser engraving in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/engraving-in-jewelry/)
- [Forging and hammering metal](https://www.711grados.com/en/forging-and-hammering/)