Removing Wrap?

[salty 1322]

Hi, guys,
I am contemplating removing the chrome wrap that is covering my Ludwig 12 X15 inch marcher and getting things down to the wood. The wrap, to say the least, is not pretty. I believe, judging from the inside, the drum is maple , but of course, I could be wrong. I am still learning about Ludwigs. I don't want to even attempt this without assistance! Maybe I should just let things be, but I have two WFL mahogany marchers which I love the look of. Sure, I doubt if the sound will be affected. It's just a visual improvement at best. Thanks.
Brian

[jmcohen]

Brian,
I have never attempted to remove the chrome wrap off of a drum before, but after peeling a few drums here and there, I would never attempt to do it without a heat gun. These are essentially hair dryers with lots more heat and a lot lower fan speed. The heat melts the glue and allows a slow peel without ripping the wood fibers on the outer ply.

With conventional wrap, I use a metal putty knife to help persuade the glue to give it up, but with such wrap, the plastic can be bent out of my way as I progress. Don’t know how that would work with steel, but it would probably be similar.

Here in the U.S., I found a Wagner heat gun for about $20. Best money I ever spent. I have used it probably 10 times on other things.

Josh

[Drummer21]

Use a heat gun and a metal putty knife,go slow and be patient, removing the glue residue will be another challenge,good luck

[salty 1322]

Thanks very much, guys! I'm still on the fence about this. I sincerely appreciate your input! If I do decide to do this, I will certainly follow your advice.
Brian

[caddywumpus]

I removed a chrome wrap once. Despite working slow and careful with a heat gun and putty knife, it didn't remove cleanly, and some chunks of wood came off of the shell.

Never again.

If you decide to go forward with this, realize that no matter how slow and "foolproof" your method is, it still might not go 100% as planned. Good luck!

[salty 1322]

Originally Posted by caddywumpus

I removed a chrome wrap once. Despite working slow and careful with a heat gun and putty knife, it didn't remove cleanly, and some chunks of wood came off of the shell.

Never again.

If you decide to go forward with this, realize that no matter how slow and "foolproof" your method is, it still might not go 100% as planned. Good luck!

Thanks very much for the valuable input. I'm almost decided to just leave things be. Maybe with a bit more polishing, the old wrap won't bother me too much. It would still be better than a shell with hunks of splintered wood removed. Then I'd be asking about wood fillers and spray paint! Thanks caddywumpus!
Brian

[grantro]

Brian,

I believe that chrome wrap is one of the hardest to remove...There would be older threads here to help support this...

It might be a wise decision to leave things be and detail it the best you can...Besides, the flaws add mojo!!

Cheers

[salty 1322]

Originally Posted by grantro

Brian,

I believe that chrome wrap is one of the hardest to remove...There would be older threads here to help support this...

It might be a wise decision to leave things be and detail it the best you can...Besides, the flaws add mojo!!

Cheers

Hey, Rod!
I think I'll take your advice. Looking at the rough spots as "mojo" might ease my O.C.D. traits!
Brian