Creating visually striking textures and depth in metal surfaces while preserving structural integrity is a delicate balance that skilled metal artists master through various specialized techniques. One common method is controlled hammering or chasing, where artists use precisely shaped hammers to create dimples, ridges, or patterns that catch light differently, producing the illusion of depth without significantly thinning the metal. Another approach involves chemical patination, where carefully applied acids or oxidizing solutions create colorful surface variations that enhance visual texture without compromising the underlying metal's strength.

Many artists employ engraving or etching techniques, removing minimal surface material to create intricate designs that appear deeply textured when viewed from certain angles. For more pronounced effects, repoussé and chasing work allows artists to push metal from the reverse side to create raised designs, maintaining thickness in critical areas. Modern techniques like laser texturing can produce incredibly detailed surface patterns with micron-level precision, affecting only the very surface layer of the metal.

Some innovative artists layer different metal types through processes like damascening or mokume-gane, creating visual depth through contrasting materials while maintaining overall strength. The key to all these methods lies in understanding the metal's properties and working within its structural limits - removing or displacing material only in non-critical areas and preserving the core integrity of the piece. Through these carefully balanced approaches, artists achieve remarkable visual complexity while ensuring their metal creations remain durable and functional.