DIY Drum Wraps

Drum wraps allow you to customize your drum shells.

Drum skins are vinyl wraps that go around your drum shells. You can purchase drum skins in pre-designed patterns or even spend the money to have custom skins manufactured for your drum set. However, you could make your own custom skins and install them onto your drum set. You can go to just about any printing company, such as Kinkos, Staples or even CVS, to have vinyl prints manufactured with your own custom graphics, then install them on your own.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdrivers
• Wrench set
• Tape measure
• String
• Vinyl graphics
• Utility knife
• Spray adhesive

Instructions

1. Disassemble your drum kit and remove all of the hardware from the drum shells. This process differs depending on the drum and the manufacturer. However, in most cases, a simple screwdriver and wrench set works to take the drums apart.

2. Measure the height of each drum shell with a tape measure. Start a list of each drum shell and its measurements.

3. Wrap a string around each drum shell, then measure the length of the string with the tape measure.

4. Take the graphics you want to use on your drum shells to a printer and supply the printer with the dimensions for each shell. The printer will print your graphics on vinyl paper.

5. Cut the graphic out of the vinyl sheet with a sharp utility knife if the graphics are printed on a sheet larger than your drum shells. Use a straightedge to help keep the lines straight.

6. Spray the shell with a spray adhesive.

7. Place the vinyl graphic on the shell. Pull the vinyl taut to avoid air bubbles and creases. Position the graphic so the butt joint created by the ends butting together remains hidden. For example, when you wrap the bass drum, the butt joint should go on the bottom. Allow 24 hours drying time before you reinstall the drum hardware and reassemble the drum kit.

References

• Sic Skinz: Installation