Artisan offers four distinct finishes to enhance the beauty and originailty of your snare drum or drum set. We also offer dyes to color lighter hardwood selections, if you prefer.

• Hand Rubbed Oil/Wax (natural)
• Natural Satin Lacquer (soft sheen)
• Silky Satin Lacquer (smooth, silky, satin sheen)
• French Polish Hybrid (glossy, warm glow)
• High Gloss Lacquer (deep gloss))
• Dyes (transparent colors)

Hand Rubbed Oil/Wax (natural)

This finish offers the most natural appearance and has the least amount of actual finish material on the shell. We use a proprietary blend of danish oil to “pop” the figure in the wood.  After sealing the drum, we then apply carnauba / beeswax and hand buff the shell.   This finish imparts a natural, lustrous feel.  Oil/Wax finishes are suited for everyday use and, under normal conditions and care, will provide years of trouble-free service.  This finish can be easily maintained with a light coat of wax from time to time. 

Natural Satin Lacquer ( soft sheen)  $65.00

Satin Lacquer  finishes are our most popular finish.  In addition to sealing the wood with a proprietary blend of danish oil, we apply a few topcoats of water- base lacquer.  After the cure cycle, we hand apply a thincoat of satin finishing wax.  This finishing process produces a very durable,  satiny glow with a little more of a finished, “in the wood” appearance.  A gentle wiping with a dry cotton cloth is all that is needed to maintain this beautiful finish.

 NEW!

Silky Satin Lacquer (smooth,silky, satin sheen)   $90.00

The most recent addition to our finishing arsenal, this finish is for those who want the glass smooth finish of a high gloss lacquer, but with a lower level sheen, imparting a more natural, silky to the touch appearance.  This finish is rich, warm, and virtually maintenance free.  Silky Satin Lacquer offers a higher degree of durability than traditional lacquer finishes.  Another Artisan Drumworks exclusive and favorite!    (pictures coming soon!) 

NEW!

French Polish Hybrid (warm, glossy glow)  $165.00

French Polishing is one of the oldest craftsman finishes known to man.   It is also used in high end acoustic guitar manufacture and stringed instruments due to it’s acoustic properties and ease of repair. 

The process involves filling of the pores to create a level surface utilizing our proprietary process that  enhances the natural appearance and ”figure” in the wood.  Then,  shellac is ”padded” on with multiple thin layers by hand to “body- up” the finish.  We then hand apply a couple of thin protective top coats of finish to increase durability. Finally, after a curing period, a protective coat of wax is applied.  

Due to the nature of shellac,  this finish produces warmth unparalleled by any other finishing process and is an Artisan favorite.  Our new Hybrid version offers an increased level of protection to this beautiful finishing process.

High Gloss Lacquer (deep gloss)  $125.00

Our gloss finishes are simply outstanding!  We use environmentally friendly, water-base lacquer which offers greater durability than traditional lacquer finishes, while giving a nod to our ecology.   Artisan Drumworks’ High Gloss Finishes exhibit a deep, wet appearance similar in appearance to the gloss finishes used on high end guitars.   As a matter of fact, we use the same buffing process that  The Gibson Guitar Factory  and other high end guitar manufacturers use to create their gloss finishes.  If you want the “wet”, deep gloss appearance, this is the finish of choice.

Note: Please do not use any abrasive materials or strong chemicals on your drum(s). Usually a dry cloth is all that is needed. Occasionally a light waxing or furniture polish can be used. All of our shells and finishes are guaranteed. Please see our Lifetime Warranty page for further details.

Dyes

You may prefer color added to lighter woods such as Maple, Birch, Ash, Oak, and Beech. Our dyes do not obscure the natural grain texture, but actually enhance the beauty and figure in the wood. Many colors are available. We can custom mix colors as well. Please contact us with your particular needs.