Sealing inner ply?

[ThomasL]

I took apart my Tama Artwood snare for cleaning and noticed that the inside appears to be unfinished. Two questions:

1) What would be a good oil or other product for finishing the inner ply? Something to reduce the sensitivity to humidity changes without affecting the sound.

2) Is it worth the effort, or should I just reassemble the drum after cleaning?

I don't worry about originality, as the bearing edges and snare beds have been recut. This is a lower-level drum anyway, but it sounds great.

 

[Tommy D]

The easiest thing is boiled linseed oil. It has a bit of a scent which you will smell through the vent hold for a little while as it dries, but that doesnt change the tone of the drum at all.

 

[premierplayer]

I'm a fan of fast (4hr) dry polyurethane, satin finish is my go to.
I do think it changes the shell sound, but I have no proof. Brightens, more foucs, kinda like cleaning a cymbal. Not extreme, just enough to notice. Then again maybe it's me.
Makes em look like the high end stuff

 

[Tommy D]

I've also shellacked the interiors with great results. No change in sound but they look really nice. Shellac dries super fast though so you have to put it on, then sand it smooth, then apply another coat, then sand it smooth. Its a bit more work, but the results are great.

 

[varatrodder]

I use Tried and True Varnish Oil. It's a boiled linseed oil with natural resins added that seals very well, and doesn't affect the tone at all. They also make a product that is just boiled linseed oil, if you don't want the resins.

Also, it's non-toxic and completely food safe, so you can use it on your cutting boards and wooden utensils as well.

Varnish Oil - Tried & True

Tried & True Varnish Oil is linseed oil plus pine resin. Ideal for interior furniture, tables and counter tops. Excellent scratch resistance and durability.

www.triedandtruewoodfinish.com

Stains & Paints - Woodcraft.com

Give your wood a rich stain in colors from Java to Antique Walnut with Oil-Based and Water-Based stains from the leading wood finishing experts, Woodcraft. Choose the paint that colors your fancy and gives your woodworking project a finish that is old fashioned, chalky or even “crackled”.

www.woodcraft.com

 

[mlucas123]

The easiest thing is boiled linseed oil. It has a bit of a scent which you will smell through the vent hold for a little while as it dries, but that doesnt change the tone of the drum at all.

Be very careful with Boiled Linseed Oil. Rags soaked with it will spontaneously combust.

 

[JazzDrumGuy]

A thin coat or two of poly, wipe on then off, and repeat, is fine. H.D. has beeswax polish that also works well. A thin coat, wipe off and let dry. Do a few of those and you're good, too.

 

[dboomer]

As a former professional refinisher, my vote for easiest to use at home is water based wipe on poly. Although it does take a few coats to build up. You can wipe it on with a rag and not spill a single drop.

 

[JazzDrumGuy]

I use a blue shop towel for satin poly. I dip lightly and if I just want to do a couple of coats, I applied, give it 5 minutes to dry, and do a second or third coat at most.

The product I was referring to earlier is actually a beeswax orange oil wood polish and conditioner. Works great. Same application method.

 

[JohnnyVibesAZ]

I have had great luck with Tung Oil Varnish. It goes on VERY thin. One or two coats are all you need. It penetrates and seals the wood. I recommend it.

 

[ThomasL]

Thanks, all! There were just too many options, so I bought the same stuff I've used before:

Finishing Oil: Furniture and Interior Woodwork Oils | Liberon wood cares

Really easy to apply : the Finishing Oil by Liberon. Discover all our paints and wood products. Find tips and advice for all your renovation works (flooring, decoration, protection...). Please contact us for more informations about our Finishing Oil...

www.liberon.co.uk

Let's see if I have time to apply it tomorrow.

 

[Dave H.]

On cheaper drums I have used spray Poly with good results & it makes the drums sound and feel more focused. I am thinking on using some "Silver Sealer" on some shells I have laying around.

Slawman

 

[DBT]

Be very careful with Boiled Linseed Oil. Rags soaked with it will spontaneously combust.

Note : Well ventilated workspace . Temperature / humidity is highly important .

 

[Angelo Zollo]

I have had great luck with Tung Oil Varnish. It goes on VERY thin. One or two coats are all you need. It penetrates and seals the wood. I recommend it.

View attachment 558097

I think that’s the best

 

[DBT]

I think that’s the best

I use a different product but absolutely Tung Oil all the way . Prep and patience = excellent finish .