# Sinking, raising and dapping: hollow forms

> Sinking and dapping give volume to a metal sheet: domes, bowls and hollow beads with dapping blocks, wooden blocks and stakes.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/sinking-raising-and-dapping/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-06-22
- Updated: 2026-06-27
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/embutido-y-formas-huecas/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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A flat sheet can become a volume: domes, bowls, hollow beads and bangles. The main techniques are sinking, raising and dapping.

![Steps of the technique: Cut the disc, Sink, Use the dapping block, Anneal, Smooth, Polish](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/embutido-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## Sinking

The sheet is struck into a cavity of wood or metal (a sinking block) to hollow it out gradually.

## Dapping

With a dapping block and round-nosed punches, domes and half spheres are formed; two soldered halves make a hollow bead.

## Raising

The metal is hammered over a stake, in circles, annealing often, to raise the walls of a bowl or bangle.

## Anticlastic raising

A double opposing curvature, like that of a saddle. It is used in bangles with flowing lines.

## Step by step

1. **Cut the disc.** Cut a circle of sheet and anneal it.
2. **Sink.** Hammer the center over a wooden hollow.
3. **Use the dapping block.** Refine the dome with punches of decreasing size.
4. **Anneal.** Each time the metal hardens.
5. **Smooth.** Planish the piece over a stake.
6. **Polish.** Finish the dome with file and sandpaper.

## Tools and materials

- Dapping block and punches
- Ball-peen hammer and mallet
- Stakes ([anvil and stakes](https://www.711grados.com/en/anvil-steel-block-and-stakes/))
- [Torch](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-torches/) for annealing

## Common mistakes

- Striking too hard: the sheet wrinkles.
- Forgetting to anneal: cracks appear.
- Using a hollow smaller than the piece.
- Leaving hammer marks by not planishing.

## See also

- [Forging and hammering metal](https://www.711grados.com/en/forging-and-hammering/)
- [Annealing: how to soften metal](https://www.711grados.com/en/annealing-metal/)
- [Chasing and repoussé](https://www.711grados.com/en/chasing-and-repousse/)