I actually just saw this suggestion on the Brit site Mike Dolbear (sorry but gotta pay them their due) quoted as it was:

"fyi: The black paint could be removed with oven cleaner foam - 30 minutes soaking, then scratching it off with an old credit card - an idea I had from reading a post here (thanks!!)."

I have no idea if this works but apparently drums black is not a peculiarly American phenomenon (the one in question was an old Premier Royal Ace being used as a lamp shade, which certainly scores points for original secondary usage).

Cheers,

David

Antipodes:

THANKS for the suggestion. It's the best (and only!) one I've received to date! I think I'll wait until the week-end to try it out. Who knows....perhaps I'll hear of some other creative ways of safely removing this "stuff."

Appreciate your time and help!

By the way..... the title of my post should have read "Removing Paint From A Ludwig Pearl Wrap, not "Pain." I must say, though, this has certainly been a "pain."

Thanks again.Keep on Pl

If the wrap is un-scratched, then you should be able to clean off the paint reasonably well. But, it's likely scratched ...in which case, the paint will penetrate the into the scratches and stain all the inside edges of the scratches. It's kind of a bad deal that the wrap is light in color and the paint is jet black. That will make it a true PAIN to clean. I have seen miracles performed before on drums that I would have thought un-save-able, so I reserve the right to be wrong...but I think you'll have your work cut out for you with that one. On the up-side...the sound of the drums will still be all Ludwig no matter what the wrap looks like!

Hello,

The easy off oven cleaner will remove your paint and soaking for 30 minutes is good. Please remember one thing, if you leave easyoff on certain metal surfaces to long, it will tarnish it. Another method of paint removal is soaking metal parts in heavy duty brake fluid. Won't harm a thing.

Good luck

Doug

I think the key to removing paint is to carefully try several different chemicals. There are many types of paint - oil, latex, lead-based, etc, etc. Each type has a chemical that breaks it down, making it easy to clean. For example, some paints will come right off with standard paint thinner, while others won't budge. Once you find the right chemical you'll know it...the paint will just come off. At that point it's a matter of being very careful about using a small amount of chemical at a time in order to protect the wrap. You can experiment with each chemical under the lug spots. Chemicals I've used have included paint thinner, mineral spirits, acetone (nail polish remover), "oops" remover, "goof off" remover, etc. Acetone especially will melt the wrap, so don't let it sit too long. Once all the paint is gone, depending on the chemical used, the wrap may take on a dull appearance. A good workout with Novus 3-2-1 should restore the shine. Good luck!

THANKS to all for your input.

I'll be getting back to the project this week-end. I'm determined to save the original finish. I'll post a pic of the finished shell (assuming my efforts are successful!)

Here's a thought that popped into my head, and wonder if anybody has ever tried it? A Clay Bar!

Folks use Clay Bars on Autos to remove paint overspray, and they do a marvelous job removing paint, yet gentle enough not to damage a clear coat finish.

I see at places like Wally Wold what appears to be a new type of Clay Bar product that looks like a liquid?

The conventional type Clay Bars are either used with a soapy water spray, or a spray detailer product to act as a lubricant for the Bar. Might be worth a try?

Of course mucho scrubbing might be involved, but it might succeed in removing the paint with little or no damage to the underlying wrap. Mark

So, I do have to ask: What of these answers, ultimately worked the best?

I just noticed that my Ludwig Standard snare has some v e r y tiny black spray paint specks. I didn't do it - I swear Eye Ball

On my old Rogers marching bass drum, I tried a little bit of acetone / nail polish remover with a Q-Tip on a spot. Never again. It was barely on the wrap for 30 seconds, when I could see it melting the Q-tip swirl cleaning pattern into the wrap. I cleaned it off right away, but it did leave a mark. Fortunately it was only 1/4" section.

Unless something is totally harmless, I'd just as soon live with those tiny specks on my Ludwig. They're so easy to miss.

Just curious about the final outcome here.... from back in 2007 !!!

Should I hold my breath crying2-07 ????

NewDecade: No need to hold your breath! If I recall correctly (and at my age, this itself is questionable Sailing2), I ended up using some sort of paint stripping spray normally associated with stripping paint off of antique furniture to restore the original wood finish. I sprayed it on, let it sit about 1 minute or so until it turned into a gel and then carefully scraped off the paint. It did a decent job, although nothing great. Afterwards I polished the drum and then sold it for a few pennies.

In regard to the "specks" on your drum, you might consider "Goo Gone". I've had a lot of luck with that product for small jobs. I simply pour a very small amount onto a non-abrasive rag and go over the affected area in a circular motion and I'm normally successful. Just a thought.