Priming is not necessary. But, some wraps are translucent enough to allow the wood to show through. This could make one wrapped drum look to be a different color from the other wrapped drums. In addition to the wrap being used at the seams, I like to use a vertical strip in each panel between the panels with lugs. I also like to use a horizontal strip of tape around the circumference of the shell (top and bottom) to be located at least one inch from the edges. Once again... proceed slowly to make sure that the wrap is laying completely flat on the shell before drilling the holes for lugs and other hardware in the wrap. And, make sure to drill the holes from the outside--not from the inside of the shell after making a tiny starter hole by poking a tiny nail from the inside through the wrap.

Thanks a lot! I appreciate all the help. Will definitely consider the tape.

Anyone had problems with wrap due to high/low spots in their shells? I took a T-square and noticed a low spot near the seam of the shell, which is probably fairly normal.

I'm extremely leery about the tape method, but that's just me. I wouldn't do it personally.

As I'm particularly handy, I let Precision Drum take care of stuff like this. I wrapped a snare drum once and did a fairly sloppy job, so they can do it.

Haha, that’s understandable. I just really enjoy working with drums. I’ve painted and stained them before but this will be the first wrap. I think I can handle it. If not, drum supply house and Nelson drums are a mile away ;)