I would read this thread and see if it's something you might prefer to do. Always nice to have options and Mitch did a great job creating this. He paved the way for others to follow.

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=51437

Should you decide to go this route, note there are outstanding issues - wrinkles [if not glued down to shell]; wrinkles [if shells are not true cylinders]; backing paint/colour can only be applied if emulsion and glitter are perfectly evenly distributed, otherwise painting the back will highlight inconsistencies.

In short, I really only started this process, and took it just to what I was able to do. It might be advisable to go with the 0.010 mil Dura Lar for extra robustness. Also you might want to use 70 or even 60 grit glass glitter as 80 was a bit fine, though still looks pretty darn great.

...and thanks Glenn! :)

Mitch

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the advice! How do I know which grit the glass glitter is?

Thanks for the input Downtown. I was looking at the 40 grit stuff, would that be a little overkill?

I don't think so - they used some pretty big chunks/low grit back in the day. I attached a pic of some 40 grit glass glitter - looks like it would be pretty eye-catching. I like the colour too...

Repeating myself here, but if you go the wrap route, try to find a more rigid base than the Dura Lar I used...

[edit] just realized - a consideration is; the larger the grit, the harder to smooth the final surface, so the more buffing you'll need...I think.

Mitch

Thanks for the input. I don't think I want to risk doing something complicated like making a drum wrap. It looks like a really material intensive project with little room for error. I would rather do a long and simple road than a short but complicated road. My only debate is what to use as a binder, whether to go for the polyurethane as I intended or maybe venture towards lacquer? I already have primer, polyurethane (clear gloss) and all the waterproof sanding supplies up to 2000 grit plus a buffing wheel with flannel wheels for finishing. All I want to know is what would be the best long lasting effect?

Hey guys! I have narrowed it down to a 40 grit german glass glitter. I want to do the lacquering route and I am brushing it on. My only problem is deciding color. I could either do white, or pale blue. The white would look very nice, but I already have a white kit. My wife thinks it won't go out of style for a glass glitter, and it is very nice. However, I talked to a manufacturer who informed me that white glass glitter won't have as much shine as a colored one simply because it lacks the same silver base the other glass glitters have because they explained that you can't make silver white, so these shards are clear glass.

[IMG]http://i66.tinypic.com/1rq9aw.jpg[/IMG]

This made me think that perhaps it would be better to go with a colored glitter for more sparkle. The only other color that appeals to me is this 'pale blue' color.

[IMG]http://i66.tinypic.com/2ezl18x.jpg[/IMG]

Anyone seen a kit like this? And does anyone know if the white glitters have less sparkle?

Another question as well, how much glass glitter do you need to coat a 3 piece drum set?

No silver backing has got to mean less sparkle. I covered the Club Dates, with some to spare, using two pounds of glitter. Your sizes are bigger and maybe you want to do a snare - three pounds tops.

I like the colour you chose. That's going to be one awesome looking kit!

Mitch