SIDEBAR ARTICLE

Pearl Wraps Tough, To A Point

Black diamond pearl (BDP) drum finishes used during the 1950s and '60s are a beautiful mixture of black, gray, white and silver with an abalone-like luster. Though only .02- to .03-inch thick, the surface is surprisingly durable and able to withstand assaults by mild chemical strippers, and even wet/dry sandpaper down to 400 grit.
Imperfections can be removed through judicious wet sanding using progressively finer grits. The resulting surface will be very smooth, but noticeably dulled by the abrasives. The original luster can be restored by coating with a spray-on product, such as Krylon Crystal Clear, which claims to be "non-yellowing," or by polishing with a plastic polish, such as 3-M Plastic Cleaner or Novus #2.

Strippers and abrasives should be considered a last resort when it comes to reviving a vintage pearl wrap. While these processes can "bring back" a marked or painted vintage drum, they are also likely to alter the original appearance of the wrap. For example, BDP will take on a darker hue if overworked. This is because BDP wrap, unlike the oyster pearls and other drum finishes, is solid black on the back side. The pattern and highlights do not go all the way through the wrap. So, as the exterior surface is removed, the black background becomes stronger and the pearl becomes darker. Rule of thumb: Always test your agents or methods on an inconspicuous place before proceeding.

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