DRUMMER CAFE

Hi all - I was curious, I wanted to do a dark emerald green to black fade on my next snare drum - But now looking at them, I am curious, is this usualy done by a wrap? or by stain?

http://usera.imagecave.com/Prong/Drums001-copy.jpg

Anyone have any information on getting this effect? Any help would be appreciated.

One of the reasons I'm asking is I went by a few stores that sell paint and stain, and they could mix me any color stain I want, but they are saying I wont be happy with it because the color would never get "dark" no matter how many layers you put on it.  I dont know if this is true or not, so I wanted to ask a few of you that have some experience in this.

Thanks,


Steven

I'm going to do it on 2 toms and a bass, also - just the snare is the next part on the table to get put together.

Sorry, should have been more specific.

You need to start with a base coat primer first thing. Then acrylic lacquor is the only paint that you can use that I know of. The gun has to be able to do a very fine spray. Louis is right, it's done in thin layers. Each coat, then stop and wait to dry. Takes a long time....Not something you do in an hour or two. My son does custom car painting. I've seen him take as long as a month or more on certain cars. The spray gun has to be spotless for each coat. Then a clear coat as the last process. Makes a shine and keeps it from cracking or chipping. He's got a compressor that will run an entire auto shop. It's for sale....You could buy an entire set for less money. You should go to an auto parts supply to get the proper spray gun, small compressor, and paints. You could rent the proper gear over a weekend to do a set with only two or three colors. Then you will need patience....Lots of it.    Don't forget, you'll need a mask for your face to breath through. Plus lots of air....That stuff will give you a colored face and a bad headache.   

You're right about that. Better take a week off from school or work. Don't forget to call your insurance man. Could burn down the garage if your careless. 

You will need to practice on something 1st to get the "feel" for a proper fade. It's both in the distance you are from the object, and the way you move the gun with your wrist motion. Being closer then moving back will result in a heavy to fade action. Keeping the spray going in contant motion will give you less "blobs" on it. It takes a very steady hand, feel on the trigger, and moving back all in the same process. The minute you make a small change on the trigger can result in a "blob" being shot from the gun. It requires a good eye and smooth wrist action as you pull away from the object. I've watched my son do it several times. Takes lots of practice to get it right. Don't forget, you're dealing with a round object vs. a flat one. That also throws a curve at you.... 

I would ask your paint supplier for a base coat recommendation. Make sure you get something that is compatable with the paint you are using it with. A grey primer will look different than a red primer will in the final color. I doubt if the paint will make a difference whether it's maple wood or metal. Your supplier should be able to answer those questions.   

I'm very curious as to how this project comes out....Please keep us informed. Good luck! 

Just curious, have you made a go no-go decision?