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Thread: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

  1. #1

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    Default Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    So i just bought a vintage ludwig acro with the blue/olive badge, most likely from '78
    I'm going to browse spray paints at home depot tomorrow and wanted to know:
    1. What based paint should i use (i.e. oil)
    2. What sort of prep does the aluminum shell need (if any)
    3. How many layers should i apply ( i'm thinkin 2)

    Thanks guys i appreciate any input
    Ludwig Keystone in Mint Oyster GG wrap
    9x13
    16x16
    16x18
    14x24
    Pearl masters series all maple 6.5x14
    Zildjian-Sabian-ProMark-TamaIronCobras-LudwigAtlas hardware
    REMO FOR LIFE

  2. #2

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Painting is mostly prep work and patience.

    Remove all pieces
    Scuff up the shell surface. Scotch brite or coarse sandpaper (100 grit). Use a mask. Snare drum dust is slightly less then healthy.
    Clean the shell. Good ole soap and water will do. Then dry immediately
    Primer
    Drying time
    Primer
    Drying time
    Wet Sand (200 grit)
    paint a thin coat
    dry time
    paint a thin coat
    wet sand with 400 grit sand paper
    paint a thin coat
    dry time
    paint a thin coat
    wet sand with 800 grit sand paper
    If the finish looks good, go to polyurethane. If not, paint again with sanding.
    spray on polyurethane. This will protect your finish. Maybe use two light coats.
    Don't try to primer/paint all in one coat. More thin coats will look infinitely better than several thick coats. You will get highly annoyed if you have a run. If you are consistent in your spraying of paint, you will have a professional looking finish. When you are about to start spraying, start moving your arm laterally before you start shooting paint, that way you won't get that rattle can dot. I did this on a steel snare, using flat black paint. I didnt use polyurethane, and the paint has since chipped and scratched. But my saturation was even, and the drum looked totally awesome.
    Edit-I used satin black paint
    Last edited by Kazaamski; 06-16-2013 at 01:33 AM.
    "The chances of being attacked and killed by a terrorist are less than the chances of being attacked and killed by your own heart"
    Carrying the message to Garcia. Today and everyday.
    Temple Beth Snare Buzz-Head Rabbi

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    How aggressively should i sand? Is there an exterior layer im trying to eliminate or just a once over with sanding paper over the entire surface?
    Ludwig Keystone in Mint Oyster GG wrap
    9x13
    16x16
    16x18
    14x24
    Pearl masters series all maple 6.5x14
    Zildjian-Sabian-ProMark-TamaIronCobras-LudwigAtlas hardware
    REMO FOR LIFE

  4. #4

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Quote Originally Posted by Amodaff View Post
    How aggressively should i sand? Is there an exterior layer im trying to eliminate or just a once over with sanding paper over the entire surface?
    The idea is to scuff up the surface of the metal. Gives the primer something to stick too. Oddly enough, paint tends to want to stick to everything BUT the object you are trying to paint. After scuffing up the metal, it's all light sanding. You might not need a bunch of coats. I used satin black paint, so I did like 6 light coats. It's easy to mess up black. It shows every imperfection too. On my lugs, I just scuffed them up, and then hit them with high gloss red. It didn't stick very well, but I got a nice shiny, even coat with 2 coats. Here is a terrible picture of my work.
    "The chances of being attacked and killed by a terrorist are less than the chances of being attacked and killed by your own heart"
    Carrying the message to Garcia. Today and everyday.
    Temple Beth Snare Buzz-Head Rabbi

  5. #5

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Quote Originally Posted by Kazaamski View Post
    Painting is mostly prep work and patience.

    Remove all pieces
    Scuff up the shell surface. Scotch brite or coarse sandpaper (100 grit). Use a mask. Snare drum dust is slightly less then healthy.
    Clean the shell. Good ole soap and water will do. Then dry immediately
    Primer
    Drying time
    Primer
    Drying time
    Wet Sand (200 grit)
    paint a thin coat
    dry time
    paint a thin coat
    wet sand with 400 grit sand paper
    paint a thin coat
    dry time
    paint a thin coat
    wet sand with 800 grit sand paper
    If the finish looks good, go to polyurethane. If not, paint again with sanding.
    spray on polyurethane. This will protect your finish. Maybe use two light coats.
    Don't try to primer/paint all in one coat. More thin coats will look infinitely better than several thick coats. You will get highly annoyed if you have a run. If you are consistent in your spraying of paint, you will have a professional looking finish. When you are about to start spraying, start moving your arm laterally before you start shooting paint, that way you won't get that rattle can dot. I did this on a steel snare, using flat black paint. I didnt use polyurethane, and the paint has since chipped and scratched. But my saturation was even, and the drum looked totally awesome.
    Edit-I used satin black paint
    Nice Job Kazaamski.
    Keep us posted Amodaff on your progress.

  6. #6

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Quote Originally Posted by Kazaamski View Post
    The idea is to scuff up the surface of the metal. Gives the primer something to stick too. Oddly enough, paint tends to want to stick to everything BUT the object you are trying to paint. After scuffing up the metal, it's all light sanding. You might not need a bunch of coats. I used satin black paint, so I did like 6 light coats. It's easy to mess up black. It shows every imperfection too. On my lugs, I just scuffed them up, and then hit them with high gloss red. It didn't stick very well, but I got a nice shiny, even coat with 2 coats. Here is a terrible picture of my work.
    I think you did a good job, Kaz. That looks close to factory.
    Signature here

  7. #7

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Thanks kazaamski you've laid it out perfectly
    I'm goin to get my supplies now and will post before and afters soon enough!!
    Ludwig Keystone in Mint Oyster GG wrap
    9x13
    16x16
    16x18
    14x24
    Pearl masters series all maple 6.5x14
    Zildjian-Sabian-ProMark-TamaIronCobras-LudwigAtlas hardware
    REMO FOR LIFE

  8. #8

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Pro tip; don't paint your snare strainer. ��
    "The chances of being attacked and killed by a terrorist are less than the chances of being attacked and killed by your own heart"
    Carrying the message to Garcia. Today and everyday.
    Temple Beth Snare Buzz-Head Rabbi

  9. #9

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Ok ive got the finish how i want it just one last thing
    How thick should i lay on the poly? I got it in clear gloss so i want enough for the gloss effect and good protection
    Ludwig Keystone in Mint Oyster GG wrap
    9x13
    16x16
    16x18
    14x24
    Pearl masters series all maple 6.5x14
    Zildjian-Sabian-ProMark-TamaIronCobras-LudwigAtlas hardware
    REMO FOR LIFE

  10. #10

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    This is the really tricky part. Gloss runs easy. Stay far away when you spray. Good luck
    "The chances of being attacked and killed by a terrorist are less than the chances of being attacked and killed by your own heart"
    Carrying the message to Garcia. Today and everyday.
    Temple Beth Snare Buzz-Head Rabbi

  11. #11

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Ok thank you again really you helped me out big time
    I have to order a new throw off and hoops they were in horrible shape past the point of no return so complete before and after wont be available for the next week of so depending in how quickly ludwig ships but don't worry they will come!!
    Ludwig Keystone in Mint Oyster GG wrap
    9x13
    16x16
    16x18
    14x24
    Pearl masters series all maple 6.5x14
    Zildjian-Sabian-ProMark-TamaIronCobras-LudwigAtlas hardware
    REMO FOR LIFE

  12. #12

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Amodaff,

    Here's a couple of different ideas for your acro......


    This one I had "duracoated".............it's kind of like powdercoating, but is sprayed on...........it is used on weapons and holds up well.




    This one had some bad hardware, so I used some Trick hardware I had laying around............turned out pretty nice IMO




    Good luck..........an acro is a great drum.

  13. #13

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Those look great longgun!

  14. #14

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Looks great guys!

  15. #15

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Quote Originally Posted by longgun View Post
    Amodaff,

    Here's a couple of different ideas for your acro......


    This one I had "duracoated".............it's kind of like powdercoating, but is sprayed on...........it is used on weapons and holds up well.




    This one had some bad hardware, so I used some Trick hardware I had laying around............turned out pretty nice IMO




    Good luck..........an acro is a great drum.
    These look Sweet man, i decided to go with a hammered black
    I'm doing my two coats of poly in the morningand will post pics of the shell tomorrow!!
    Last edited by Amodaff; 06-17-2013 at 11:09 PM. Reason: Typo
    Ludwig Keystone in Mint Oyster GG wrap
    9x13
    16x16
    16x18
    14x24
    Pearl masters series all maple 6.5x14
    Zildjian-Sabian-ProMark-TamaIronCobras-LudwigAtlas hardware
    REMO FOR LIFE

  16. #16

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Quote Originally Posted by Amodaff View Post
    These look Sweet man, i decided to go with a hammered black
    I'm doing my two coats of poly in the morningand will post pics of the shell tomorrow!!
    Thanks, I thought about those "hammered" finishes........maybe on the next one, I'll wait to see how yours looks.

  17. #17

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Quote Originally Posted by Doubleb21 View Post
    Those look great longgun!
    Quote Originally Posted by late8 View Post
    Looks great guys!
    Thanks, an acro is the perfect snare to mess around with............cheap, plentiful and sound great.

  18. #18

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Still awaiting pics...
    "The chances of being attacked and killed by a terrorist are less than the chances of being attacked and killed by your own heart"
    Carrying the message to Garcia. Today and everyday.
    Temple Beth Snare Buzz-Head Rabbi

  19. #19

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Im still waiting for my new snare side hoop and throw off should be in by the weekend
    Ludwig Keystone in Mint Oyster GG wrap
    9x13
    16x16
    16x18
    14x24
    Pearl masters series all maple 6.5x14
    Zildjian-Sabian-ProMark-TamaIronCobras-LudwigAtlas hardware
    REMO FOR LIFE

  20. #20

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    Default Re: Refinishing ludwig acrolite

    Ok guys i have everything put together it looks and sounds beautiful the only problem is when i get the snares tight enough after about 30 seconds of playing the loosen and the knob on the strainer hasnt moved i have no idea whats goin on
    Ludwig Keystone in Mint Oyster GG wrap
    9x13
    16x16
    16x18
    14x24
    Pearl masters series all maple 6.5x14
    Zildjian-Sabian-ProMark-TamaIronCobras-LudwigAtlas hardware
    REMO FOR LIFE

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