Drum Wrap

I’d like to cover the basic differences between a drum wrap and a drum finish. Each one has it’s own advantages over the other and with a wide range of wrap and finish options available on drum sets today, you may want to consider each of these before purchasing drums.

Wraps

A single color wrap found on most beginner drumsets.

Wrapped drums are the most common finish on drum sets. They are easier to apply to the shells and take less manpower, which is one reason most, if not all, beginner drum sets only come in a wrap finish. The most basic wraps come in single colors, but many companies offer a wide range of wraps that include glitters, sparkles, bursts, fades and more.

So, what is a wrap? A wrap is nothing more than a piece of colored plastic that is wrapped around the shell and glued into place. Although it is one of the cheaper options, I believe it is also the better one. It’s almost like a piece of armor for your shell. The plastic coating acts as a barrier and protects the shell from knicks and splintering.

One problem found on cheaper wrap is bubbling. A low end drum wrap is often applied only with double sided tape or glue in various places. This can cause the wrap to bubble up in places where adhesive is not applied. However, many entry level kits are now applying glues to the entire surface of the drum wrap and then heat rolling them onto the shell. This eliminates bubbling.

Finishes

Lacquered Shells

Finished drums are basically anything other than a wrap. They can include lacquers, oils, stains and acrylic paints that require a skilled craftsman to apply to the shell. Some of these finishes require multiple applications of stains and lacquers until they are ready to be sold. They are very time consuming, but the end result is a beautiful instrument.

High gloss lacquers showcase the natural wood grain and are easy to care for. They can take more abuse than say an oil finish does, but they still don’t protect as well as a wrap does.

Oil Finish

Oil finishes can create a beautiful drum with sheen. The oil offers some protection by sealing the shell, but they can be harder to maintain and keep looking like new.

Acrylic Shell

Acrylic shells have been making something of a comeback. While not as popular as they were in the days of Bonham, some drummers prefer the retro look of these kits.

How To Choose

If you’re looking for a finish that is easy to care for, won’t damage easily, and will protect your drums, then I prefer a wrap. If you want a beautiful finish that shows off the natural wood then go with a lacquer finish. I tend to stay away from oil finishes just because they don’t offer as much protection as lacquers or wraps. If you prefer the look of oils and other less protected finishes, you can help keep them safe with a drum case. You may also want to see some tips on drum care.

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