hello- I usually use a detail gun and spray a few coats of automotive clear I get at NAPA (here in the states) I have used Krylon Clear in a pinch but getting it even all the way round you gotta have a way to spin it. I've also used a quality polyurethane brushed on when the wood grain is pronounced but you always see the brush strokes-

I use laquer.

For spinning drum.

Place a drum head or plywood on this type of lazy Susan(see pic).

Place drum on top and spray and spin.

I do not have a pro paint spraying set-up. Wish I did.

I have used rattle cans with good results.

I have used many brands of rattle can lacquers.

They all seem pretty much the same to me.

Try a "satin" finish for a bit of shine but not too much.

Get a medium priced can at Home Depot.

Do some good prep and wipe down.

Spin and spray med-light coats.

Sand ( That means gently wipe) with 220-1000 grit between coats if you want.

Here is my latest build with a brush on poly. Wet sanding is the key....

[Attachment: 136799]

You mean sanding between coats or just before the first coat?

Latz, beautiful job with the poly on that snare.

Right, wet sanding is key.

The black sandpaper 400, 600.

OP: Sand between coats. Spray it, let it dry.

Gently wipe with the black sandpaper with water on it.

It will make a slurry that really smoothes it out.

Do minimum 3 coats.

It is fun work when it turns out great when you be done.

Thank you, everyone very much! It was very kind of you to take the time to respond! Actually, I just finished this particular phase of refurbishing. I chose to use Minwax Gloss Coat Poly for the old marcher. At first, I thought I'd give it a bit of a fine sanding just to smooth things out a bit, but decided against it. I wanted to preserve all of the weird rust-induced patina (Fantastic luck!!!, Vintage Drums) and not tamper with it. After seven coats, it is finally done! No bubbles! Not even a bristle from the small brush I used! I taped the holes from the inside first. There were enough factory drips on the inner shell. I didn't want to contribute any more. Tomorrow, more work on lug screws, grommets and rims! Gotta love our passion! Thanks again!!!

Brian

If if I say you want to go with modern finishes

Try or cat waterborne gloss at stores or 2k from Ici jc Licht

The wet sand to 5000 and buff very nice

If if I say you want to go with modern finishes

Try

pre cat waterborne gloss

at stores or 2k from Ici jc Licht

The wet sand to 5000 and they buff very nice

Thank you, sir! Sounds good!

Brian