At Carolina Drumworks, we respect the materials. Most of our drum shells are made of exceptionally fine wood, and we strive to bring out its beauty.

When stains or dyes are used to lend tone or color to the shell, we employ a complex hand-applied blending technique used by fine woodworkers to enhance the grain, then multiple coats of sealer to stabilize and protect the colors.

Natural wood finishes, primarily in the solid wood shells, are given two coats of a proprietary oil sealer that penetrates, seals and protects the wood, adding to the life and beauty of the drum and highlighting the pattern of the grain.

All Carolina Drumworks drums are also sealed on the interior, for protection and durability as well as for the sonic characteristics the surface of the sealer adds to the inside of the drum. Then all drums are given a dozen or more thin coats of clear finish by hand, with progressive wet sanding, also by hand. Finally, the drum shells are thoroughly buffed and given two coats of high quality carnauba wax to protect the finish.