[Silver9692]

So on my old shells I noticed that the black plastic wrapping that surrounds the shell is starting to peel off in spots. Now would it be ok to just peel it off completely and just have a wooden looking drum or would it damage them someway?

[Tainojim]

drum refinishing

Unless you want to replace the shell wraps.

http://www.precisiondrum.com/

Wrapping Drum Shells Using PSA Tape Part 1

YouTube - Wrapping Drum Shells Using PSA...

Wrapping Drum Shells with DF pre-applied PSA part 2

YouTube - Wrapping Drum Shells with DF...

Wrapping Drum Shells Using PSA Tape Part 3

YouTube - Wrapping Drum Shells Using PSA...

[Buddy]

well you couls leave them without a cover BUT it will expose the shells to the elemnts. It culd end up damaging the shells in the end

[Der Trommler]

Exactly right Buddy. If you take the wraps off, and you can do that, you would need to refinish the outside. I am sure the videos that jim posted go through this. You would want to sand the shells to remove the glue from the wrap and then stain and/or laquer the shells to lock out the elements.

Keep in mind that removing the wrap makes the shells thinner and that will change the tonal qualities of the shells.

[Silver9692]

Thanks for all the replies. So I ended up just taking the wrap off and i have to say the natural wood look is so beautiful. What im gonna do is use some Clear water seal for wood and just keep the wood look

[Andy B]

The wrap is normally bonded on with very strong glue. If the wrap is DE-bonding the only thing to do is look at your storage is it too damp too dry too warm too cold...if you remove the wrap be careful...sometimes the glue rips the outer plywood laminate. so you get wood sticking to the wrap...if you do go on removing the wrap you need to know for sure what wood your dealing with. You need to know what ply it is... is it mahogany and hardwood or birch or maple. if the ply has got a wrap on its normally a guarantee that the wood underneath is low class top veneer..Maple is soft and will strip easy...if your putting back the covering label each cover with tailors chalk or paint you can remove easy. just a spot on the leading edge of the drum each side of where the wrap starts and ends and on the wrap too... so then its patterned to go back wood bits and all if you are putting new wrap on use a good quality wood filler to repair all shells and a good quality glue ideal a glue thats used in the manufacture of boats so two pack if required .....clean drum shell from all dust and use a a clean dust free space to glue your new wrap on... you will need wood clamps and a bead of wood to clamp in three position along the leading edge they use hoop clamps in the manufacture.... specialized tools..... personally i would not recommend removing the wrap and stain and varnishing unless you can get some nice veneer to add the the outer shell as an external covering some can be ironed onto the wood or you use strong contact adhesive.. you can then stein to your own personal color and spray ....lacquer varnish.....i hope this has helped its a big job so get people who can assist you and advise you on the project.... and check the value of the kit before hand...before customizing and remember it may De-value your kit for re-sale

[Buddy]

Soundz like a good idea man. That should keep it workin good. Take a pic and upload it! I've never seeen a drumset like that b4

[Andy B]

walnut veneer would look good.........However...i like the idea of using living trees in soil as living drums man with leaves and ****..and branches. they would dance around as you played them...i must stop smoking .....................

[Tainojim]

If you're going bare with the kit, use some Naphtha to get off the excess glue.

Be sure to use a well ventilated area. It's not the color I would use.

Refinishing my drums

YouTube - Refinishing my drums

[Tainojim]

This one is a bit more technical.

Tutorial - Drum Refinising.

YouTube - Tutorial - Drum Refinising.