Lacquer-finished drums possess a timeless elegance that complements their exceptional sound quality. Over time, however, the luster of lacquer can fade or become marred by scratches and wear. Refinishing lacquer drums is a rewarding endeavor that brings back their original brilliance and visual appeal. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of refinishing lacquer drums, allowing you to restore their aesthetic beauty and maintain their resonance.
Materials Needed
- Sandpaper (various grits): Ranging from coarse to fine grit, for smoothing and preparing the drum surface.
- Wood Filler: To address any dents or imperfections.
- Painter’s Tape: For masking off hardware, logos, and any areas you want to protect from refinishing.
- Lacquer Stripping Agent: If you’re fully stripping the existing finish.
- Lacquer Primer: To create a smooth surface for the new finish.
- Lacquer Paint: In the color of your choice.
- Clear Lacquer Top Coat: For protection and enhancing the finish.
- Rubbing Compound: For polishing and bringing out the shine.
- Clean Cloths and Tack Cloth: For wiping down the drum and ensuring a dust-free surface.
Step-by-Step Guide to Refinishing Lacquer Drums
- Remove Hardware and Clean:
- Carefully remove all hardware from the drum shell.
- Clean the drum shell thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, and residue.
- Stripping (if needed):
- If you’re fully stripping the existing lacquer finish, apply the lacquer stripping agent following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a paint scraper or sandpaper to gently remove the old finish.
- Repair Imperfections:
- Fill any dents or imperfections in the drum shell with wood filler. Allow it to dry and sand it smooth.
- Prepare the Surface:
- Sand the drum shell using progressively finer grits of sandpaper (starting with a coarse grit and moving to a finer grit) to achieve a smooth and even surface.
- Wipe down the drum shell with a tack cloth to remove any dust.
- Apply Primer:
- Apply a lacquer primer to create a smooth base for the new finish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times.
- Apply Lacquer Paint:
- Apply thin, even coats of lacquer paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the number of coats needed.
- Apply Clear Lacquer Top Coat:
- Once the paint is dry, apply a clear lacquer top coat to protect the finish and enhance its appearance.
- Polish and Finish:
- After the clear lacquer has dried, gently sand the drum shell with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface.
- Apply rubbing compound to polish the finish and bring out its shine.
- Reattach Hardware:
- Once the finish is completely dry and polished, reattach the hardware to the drum shell.
Conclusion
Refinishing lacquer drums is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to breathe new life into your beloved instruments. By following these steps, you can restore the visual appeal of your drums while preserving their exceptional sound quality. Whether you’re refinishing to repair scratches, change the color, or simply give your drums a fresh look, the process outlined here ensures that your lacquer-finished drums will once again take center stage with their captivating appearance and resonant tones.
