I don't know what Tama used for your tom or what shade you are attempting to match, but I use Orange Shellac from a big box or hardware store that seems to work fine for natural wood drum shell interiors. It seems to me that almost any thing you use will turn out kind of dark since you are staining end grain. I also have heard of folks using paraffin, beeswax, or rubbing cheap candles on their bearing edges after they have been stained. I prepare the bearing edge with very fine grit sandpaper or 0000 grade steel wool. Good luck, maybe some one will chime in with other options.

Hi,

I am trying to match the Tama Cherry Wine stain when they stained the bearing edges and the interiors of the shells. I already have the dye to mix with water, it is water soluble stain. Phil Cormier Leominster, Ma 01453

I had a Tama SuperStar set years ago, in Cherry Wine, and always loved the fact that the entire shell, including the interior and edges, were the same color! Not really sure how you would exactly match the color. We do have a member here, jccabinets, who might have some insight for you.

-Mark

Do some test samples on a piece of birch first...

Then & if the edge is already shaped & sanded, I would simply mask of the finished edge as close as possible to the bare wood as possible, also clingwrap the outside of the shell ). Wear rubber gloves and carefully apply the dye with a small cloth. Begin with just a light coat & allow to dry well between the coats to assess the colour match.

Cheers

John

Excellent advice!

-Mark

My advice to all stain jobs. Use a pre-stain. Especially if you are doing end-grain. Otherwise it will suck it in a be dark in some areas, and light in others...Splotchy if you will.