Hojalata — Method

The shadow comes first

We mount tin over dark oxidized wood, so every punch reads as recess before a single dot is struck.

Recess ground

Pierce, don't print

Each dot is a real hole driven by an awl — the pattern is the metal removed, not ink laid on top.

Chili red

Emboss for the highlight

Repoussé from behind lifts the silver so a single panel carries both a bright crest and a black valley.

Cobalt lacquer

Lacquer last, never opaque

Translucent marigold and teal are brushed over bare tin — the metal still glows through the colour.

Marigold gold

This is the Punched Tin Hojalata design system, applied by Curio Design — a design-style library for AI agents. Full Punched Tin Hojalata guide → designbycurio.com/learn/punched-tin-folk-panel-mexico

Four steps, struck by hand