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Wet sanding to remove paint from WMP

Posts: 417 Threads: 22

About 5 years ago, I bought an early 1960s Gretsch RB kit in 12, 14 and 20. Those are nice sizes, yes, and the kit sounds fabulous. However, somewhere down the line it has been painted maroon. Underneath is WMP. I have no idea about the condition of the wrap.

Also, when I bought the kit, the bass drum was fitted with a Catalina tom mount. A big hole had been made in the shell to accomodate the mount, and early on, I replaced the mount with a Maxwell replica and covered the hole with a plate.

This is my daily practice kit, and I really like it. I have constantly though about either rewrapping it or removing the paint, to releas the original WMP.

I tried removing the paint from a spot on the TT with lacquer thinner, but the paint didn't budge. I have heard that wet sanding is really the way to go, but I just couldn't see myself having the time to do this.

Now, however, with Covid-19 and the resulting lockdown, all I have is time... So perhaps I should start wet sanding the kit, drum by drum?

I have a fair idea on how to proceed, but I welcome any specific recommendations you may have. Also, I wonder about the grommets. Should I sand around them, or is it better to remove them. If so, how?

I attach a pic of the kit so you can see for yourself what it looks like.

Hoping you are all well and staying safe,

Magnus

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Posted on 4 years ago
#1
Posts: 536 Threads: 66

I followed this guy’s technique to bring back a green light blue pearl tom back to light blue. It may work for paint removal too.

Josh

[ame]https://youtu.be/QPSXB6ihUu0[/ame]

Posted on 4 years ago
#2
Posts: 55 Threads: 11

Hello Magnus,

Here it what I did. I called 3M company and asked them what would work for this project. They suggested 3M Safest Stripper. Antique pinball machine restorers use this to remove paint without damaging the decals. I put it on each panel for 15 minutes,then scrped it off with a plastic creditcard. Once the completed shell is done let the shell sit and cure for a few days, buff the shell and viola. Here is before and after. Hope it helps. Round Badge.

Posted on 4 years ago
#3
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

From Round Badge

Hello Magnus, Here it what I did. I called 3M company and asked them what would work for this project. They suggested 3M Safest Stripper. Antique pinball machine restorers use this to remove paint without damaging the decals. I put it on each panel for 15 minutes,then scrped it off with a plastic creditcard. Once the completed shell is done let the shell sit and cure for a few days, buff the shell and viola. Here is before and after. Hope it helps. Round Badge.

Those are very good results and I think the way to go.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 4 years ago
#4
Posts: 417 Threads: 22

Hi Josh, Round Badge and OddBall,

And thanks for pitching in. Much appreciated.

Josh: I will look through that video closely. Many thanks!

Round Badge: That seems like a very good way to do this. The problem, though, is that these paint removal products seem to be not available in Europe (I live in Sweden). That's mainly why I am considering wet sanding. I will, however, check and doublecheck for the 3M product. That kit came out great!

OddBall: I believe so too.

/Magnus

Posted on 4 years ago
#5
Posts: 97 Threads: 36

I have a video on this process that I will be putting on youtube within a week or so. It goes over my steps in how to remove paint on a drum.

Hacksaw Custom Drums.
Spokane WA
BUY/SELL/TRADE
Posted on 4 years ago
#6
Posts: 417 Threads: 22

From Hacksawdrums

I have a video on this process that I will be putting on youtube within a week or so. It goes over my steps in how to remove paint on a drum.

That's fantastic! Please keep me posted.

/Magnus

Posted on 4 years ago
#7
Posts: 417 Threads: 22

Oh, any ideas on how to go about the badges, by the way?

/Magnus

Posted on 4 years ago
#8
Posts: 55 Threads: 11

Magnus,

Just put the stripper on the badges when your doing the shell. It will lift the paint and not hurt the badge. Round Badge

Posted on 4 years ago
#9
Posts: 417 Threads: 22

Thanks, great.

/Magnus

Posted on 4 years ago
#10
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