Replies

1. 
   fourier_transform | Jul 28, 2019 01:04am | #1

   I'd recommend wipe-on poly for this application. It's pretty easy to apply and wears quite well.

2. 
   Drumfreak | Jul 28, 2019 06:17pm | #2

   Thanks for the suggestion. How many coats? How long between coats? Should I sand between coats?

3. 
   Hoovyendy | Jul 30, 2019 09:40am | #3

   Thanks for sharing

4. 
   tdlinton | Jul 30, 2019 11:21am | #4

   A few years ago I built a stave-construction bass drum out of maple. I didn't want any yellowing or amber cast to the color so I chose to use water-based poly, specifically General Finishes High Performance Top Coat. I used an HVLP sprayer with 3 or 4 coats and the finish came out very well. If you don't have a sprayer, you can use foam pad applicators. Make sure to experiment with a sample first!

   
5. 
   BellaSerra | Jul 30, 2019 04:27pm | #5

   Poly will be great for protection. BUT poly is know to stiffen the wood keeping it from vibrating how it natually wants to, which in turn will kill the tone of the instrument. I can't even begin to count how many chinese made instruments i've brought back to life by simply and carfully sanding off the poly and refinishing with a laquer or oil finish and then spraying 3 - 4 clearcoats to seal and protect. With maple especially, I would recommend just doing a straight laquer finish it can be sprayed or wiped (i believe, ive only ever sprayed laquer) 4-7 coats depending on how much protection you want