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Unique Refinishing Project - Please help!

Posts: 7 Threads: 2

I hope it is ok to post this on the Vintage drum forum as it doesn't relate to a true Vintage drumset. It is my first refinishing project, and I have a great interest in Vintage drums, so I'm considering this project practice for when I do get a Vintage drum set I really don't want to mess up!

So the drumset is a Pearl Export that is my original drumset, purchased new, presented Christmas morning 1994. It's in good shape except for the warped/ugly wrap. So I've begun to take that off. I decided awhile back that I wanted to do something unique and maybe a little crazy with them since they don't hold any real monetary value, but nice sentimental, so what better than to put a little more of myself into them? I settled upon the idea of doing a Collage of images on them. Fortunately, with some searching, I came across Thomas Given's project of a similar nature. http://thomasgiven.com/drum.html He outlines his process pretty well, but leaves out a number of significant details. I tried contacting him, but haven't heard back.

My primary concern is in not harming the sound of the drums with any materials I may use, as the drums still hold their own for a gigging kit.

That finally brings me to you, the lovely people of Vintage drum forum.

My questions are as follows:

1. What kind of glue would work to secure the Art (clippings from books, posters, magazines, etc...) to the drum shells without harming the shell sound nor staining/harming what could be thin paper in some cases?

2. Thomas mentioned using a "Tough Clear Gloss Gel" from an art store which I assume was to seal the artwork in and provide a top coat. Does anyone know anything about this type of product? I was wondering whether I could just use a lacquer or polyurethane coating or if any of these would ruin the paper? Any suggestions on other sealers/finishes?

3. I'm also considering staining the wood and leaving parts of it exposed between the art. Are there any type of wood staining materials that would prevent glue/adhesive from sticking to the shell?

4. What is the best sealer for a beginner application? I'd love to get a glossy finish. Brush On vs. Spray On Lacquer? Are there any spray on products that don't get bubbles?

I know this was a long post and I commend anyone for reading the whole thing. Hopefully some of you have some tips.

Aaron

Posted on 15 years ago
#1
Posts: 2628 Threads: 40

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Aaron...welcome.

Wow...it's a cool idea...but...wow...considering it's your FIRST refinishing project....

it's a complicated one.

Yes, the glue you mention (tough clear gloss gel) is made for sealing paper and paper-like materials. Used for collages and sealing puzzles and the like.

The Q becomes....is it really a lacquer ? I mean, on a drumshell, you need something that isn't souluble and will hold up to dings and nicks.

Polyeurethane, yes...but as to whether that ruins the paper, I dunno. Depends on what kind of paper perhaps...photo paper, newsprint, magazine print, etc....they all react differently.

Poly over the gel ? hmmm...one may have a bad reaction with the other....

May I suggest 2 things ?

1) Go visit Drumshed: http://forum.drumshed.org/index.php

There are guys there who are masters at finishing bare wood.

2) Get a scrap shell or two....this sounds like you will need to try a couple of prototypes before you come to a solution.

BTW, interesting link you provided there.

I like the idea....guitar2[/COLOR]

www.2ndending.com
Posted on 15 years ago
#2
Posts: 443 Threads: 10

Yah, I think that gel is waterbased. I know someone that did such a thing with wallpaper paste....squeegeed it off and then used a waterbased sealer and topcoat. That might work too. Just an idea FWIW.

Posted on 15 years ago
#3
Posts: 7 Threads: 2

hey Jaye. Thanks a lot for your response and a huge thanks for recommending Drumshed. Vintage drum forum was hard enough to find amongst the sea of drum forums seemingly run by age 14 Slipknot fans. Drumshed is another amazing resource for anyone interested in more than arguments over who the greatest drummer in the world is. I probably never would have found it on my own.

I know it's a big project, but I always have to dive headfirst into things like this. I'm kind of a mad scientist in that way. Somehow, every project tends to work out in the end though, thereby fueling my madness.

Posted on 15 years ago
#4
Posts: 7 Threads: 2

Also, Thomas Given did get back to me last night and seems like a friendly fellow. It really is rewarding to throw questions out into the world of strangers and receive thoughtful responses from caring people.

Posted on 15 years ago
#5
Posts: 7 Threads: 2

From the_drum_dad

Yah, I think that gel is waterbased. I know someone that did such a thing with wallpaper paste....squeegeed it off and then used a waterbased sealer and topcoat. That might work too. Just an idea FWIW.

Was this on a drum? Any other info on the project or photos of the result floating around out there? Thanks

Posted on 15 years ago
#6
Posts: 2628 Threads: 40

From luckydrummin

Also, Thomas Given did get back to me last night and seems like a friendly fellow. It really is rewarding to throw questions out into the world of strangers and receive thoughtful responses from caring people.

[COLOR="DarkRed"]That's what is so great about a good forum, and folks sharing the same obsess--....oops...I mean, interest:D

[COLOR="Purple"]People you absolutely don't know will gladly go out of their way to help you out...wherever on the globe they may be....[/COLOR]

So..what did Thomas G. have to say about longevity/durability of the final finish ?[/COLOR]

www.2ndending.com
Posted on 15 years ago
#7
Posts: 443 Threads: 10

From luckydrummin

Was this on a drum? Any other info on the project or photos of the result floating around out there? Thanks

Here is a pic. From what I understand he did use actual wallpaper torn into pieces for this project....

1 attachments
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Posted on 15 years ago
#8
Posts: 2628 Threads: 40

[COLOR="DarkRed"]omigosh.....THAT's the finished job ?

um.....:confused:

Cooked Egg

CryBaby[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Silver"]....inlays on the tom/snare hoops ????[/COLOR]

www.2ndending.com
Posted on 15 years ago
#9
Posts: 443 Threads: 10

Well, you have to admit, it is sort of "mad scientist".

Posted on 15 years ago
#10
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