How to Strip Drums

Stripping and painting drums can give them a new and shiny look.

Part of the appeal of a drumset is its appearance, which is why drums come in a wide variety of colors and finishes. If the paint on your drumset is becoming worn or you no longer like the color, you may be considering painting the drums to restore a new appearance. Before you can paint the drums, however, you will need to disassemble them and strip the existing paint away to provide a better surface for painting.

Things You'll Need

• Drum key
• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper (multiple grits)
• Power sander (optional)

Instructions

1. Use the drum key to loosen the tension rod from each drum and remove the rod, rims and drum heads.

2. Use the screwdriver to remove the lugs and any other hardware. Place all of the hardware for each drum in its own plastic bag to keep them separate and organized.

3. Use the heavy grit sandpaper or power sander to begin sanding away the top layer of gloss or paint. Use long strokes and don't spend too much time in one area to avoid making the surface uneven.

4. Use a lighter grit sandpaper once the natural wood begins to show through to avoid over-sanding. Once the paint is completely gone, your drums will be stripped and ready to paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using chemical paint strippers as they may damage the sensitive wood of the drum and alter the sound.

References

• Vintage Drum Guide: Cleaning and Restoring
• Ace Hardware: Removing Paint and Varnish