Just tossing this out there since I've never really heard anyone mention this sort of solution.
Recently I visited an art/antique restorer in my city (Budapest) and learned about the idea of dissolving bronze powder in shellac. Having recently picked up a Beverley "fixer upper" for a decent price, I decided to experiment with this "bronze shellac" on these fine birch shelled drums (I chose the pre-international 12" for starters).
Essentially I did this:
1. Stripped the shell of old wrap (horrible non-original stuff)
2. Stripped off the glue (some residue remained) using a paint removal gel available locally.
3. Progressively sanded the shell up to 800.
4. Cleaned the shell with naptha (benzin from the pharmacy).
5. Later, started applying the bronze-shellac solution by brush. Three layers, with 000 steel wool between.
My next step will be to add an outer layer of plain shellac using the "French Polish" method. This should smooth out some of the brush strokes (with the help of some ultra-fine sanding -- 2500 was the recommendation from the lady at the shop). I might even get brave enough to try Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound in the end. We'll see!
Overall I'm hoping to achieve a matt version of the Hayman "Gold Ingot" wrap.
Anyway, all thoughts and comments are welcome. I'll add info here when I can.
More photos here using Microsoft OneDrive: http://1drv.ms/1lfJfzW
