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How to Fix a Broken Tin Box

A broken tin box may have holes in its side or dents on its exterior. You can repair the box using a variety of methods. After repairing the box, you may have to paint the entire box to hide any patched areas and other signs of repair. The paint will also help the box resist rusting and future metal damages. Clean the box before trying to repair any damages, as rust and dirt can hamper the effectiveness of a repair.

Things You'll Need

Hammer
Tin snips
Power sander
Fiberglass mat
Epoxy
Rubber gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Place the dented area of the box against a hard, flat surface. Hammer the side of the box opposite the dent to straighten out the surface. Repeat the hammering process until all dents are removed from the box.
- 2
  Cut away any jagged edges of the metal with tin snips. Sand the area around the hole with a power sander.
- 3
  Cut a piece of fiberglass mat to 2 inches larger than the hole on all sides. Cut a total of four pieces of mat.
- 4
  Coat both sides of each fiberglass mat sheet with a layer of epoxy. Apply a layer of epoxy to the box 2 inches past all hole edges. Fit the patches over the hole, one on the outside of the box and one on the inside.
- 5
  Smooth the patches with your gloved fingers. Allow the patch to dry overnight.
- 6
  Sand both sides of the patch with the power sander. Apply a second coat of epoxy to both sides and allow to dry overnight. Sand the epoxy once more when dry.

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