Steel Pan Drum Painting Guide

Painting a steel pan drum is a simple and cost-effective way to finish the instrument. Steel pan drums are usually painted, chrome-plated, or powder-coated to give them a protective layer and an attractive finish. Painting a steel pan drum is a straightforward process that can be done by anyone, making it a popular choice for those who want to customise their instrument. While spray paint is the most common type of paint used for steel pan drums, it is important to note that it does not bond very strongly with the metal and can restrict the free vibration of the notes, resulting in a duller and thunkier tone.

Choosing the right oil drum

Size and Type of Oil Drum

Start by selecting the size and type of oil drum that aligns with the steel pan drum you plan to create. The standard option is a 55-gallon oil drum, which is commonly used to craft steel pan drums. However, you can also opt for smaller or larger drums depending on the desired size of your steel pan drum.

Thickness and Material

Pay close attention to the thickness of the oil drum. For lower-pitched steel pan drums, such as bass steel pans, thicker oil drums are required. Typically, an oil drum with a thickness of 1.2mm will suffice for most steel pans. Ensure that the oil drum is made of mild steel and avoid galvanized steel, as it can result in inferior tonal quality.

Condition of the Oil Drum

Inspect the oil drum for any sharp dents or deep rust. Sharp dents will hinder your ability to create a smooth playing surface, while deep rust can lead to the oil drum bursting during the shaping process. Choose an oil drum that is in good condition to ensure a successful steel pan drum-making experience.

Number of Oil Drums

Determine the number of oil drums you will need based on the type and quantity of steel pan drums you intend to create. Some steel pan drums, such as the double tenor pan and the double second pan, require two barrels, while others like the bass pan or cello pan may need more.

Source of Oil Drums

Consider the source of your oil drums. You can look for used oil drums from industrial sources or purchase new ones specifically for this purpose. If you opt for used oil drums, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and free from any contaminants that could affect the sound quality or longevity of your steel pan drum.

By carefully considering these factors, you will be able to choose the right oil drum for your steel pan drum project, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience.

Sinking the drum

Before sinking, use a hammer to smooth out any dents that may be on the rim of the oil drum, as they will adversely affect the outside notes. Next, you must find the centre of the oil drum. To do this, measure 26.6 cm from several points on the rim of the oil drum towards the centre. Use a compass and marker to draw two concentric circles with radii of 10 cm and 20 cm from the centre. You have now divided the oil drum radius into three parts, making it easier to monitor the shape of the oil drum while you are sinking it.

Using a sledgehammer, strike the oil drum along the outer circle, working your way towards the centre in a spiral pattern. Once you reach the centre, work outwards from the outer circle again, repeating the process and moving slowly around the oil drum until you reach the required depth.

The lower section of the drum is then cut off. The amount cut off determines the pitch of the steel pan. Leaving more of the 'skirt' in the drum results in a lower pitch, while removing more of it creates a higher pitch.

The hammer is then used again to smooth out the concave surface, strengthening the drum. This process is similar to removing dents from car doors (panel beating).

Marking the notes

First, locate the centre of the bottom of the oil drum. This can be done by measuring a certain distance from multiple points on the rim towards the centre and then drawing concentric circles using a compass and marker. This will help in monitoring the shape of the oil drum during the sinking process. It is important to ensure that the oil drum is of suitable thickness and does not have any sharp dents or deep rust that can affect the smoothness of the playing surface.

Next, use a flexible ruler and a pen to mark the length of the outer notes along the rim of the oil drum. Some tuners prefer to do this before sinking the oil drum. Refer to previously made pans or templates for the correct measures and positions of the outer notes. It is important to be accurate as the placement of the notes cannot be reversed once the steel pan is made.

Draw lines from the marks on the rim towards the centre of the oil drum. These lines will serve as guides for the radial grooves of the outer notes. If there are any holes in the drum, feel free to twist it to avoid them during the marking process. Use a flexible ruler or a hacksaw blade for this step.

Now, mark the length of the radial grooves for the outer notes. This can be done by making a mark a certain distance down from the rim towards the centre. The exact distance will depend on the type of steel pan being made.

To create a smooth inner ending for the outer note regions, you will need the help of another person. One person should hold a ruler that is bent to extend inward from the end marks on the radial lines, while the other person draws the inner border of the outer notes. This will result in a curved line that smoothly connects the outer notes.

For the inner notes, templates are usually used. Create templates by copying the shapes and measures provided in the appendix or instructions. Cut out the shapes from a sturdy material such as linoleum, and then cut them to the right shape with a knife. Spread out the templates for the inner notes to check their positioning and adjust as needed to optimise space.

The elliptical inner notes should be oriented with their length axis pointing towards the centre. Place each inner note as close as possible to its lower octave counterpart, but maintain a minimum distance of 1 cm between them. This will make it easier to find the octave intervals while playing, and it will also allow the notes to vibrate together. Additionally, try to maximise the distance between adjacent inner notes, with a minimum distance of 1.5 cm between them.

Once all the notes have been marked, carefully review your work. Incorrect placement of notes cannot be easily corrected once the steel pan is made, so it is crucial to be as accurate as possible during the marking process.

Applying a finish

Once your steel pan is tuned, you can apply a finish to add a protective layer and enhance its appearance. Here are the steps to achieve a smooth and durable finish:

Start by lightly sanding the surface of the steel pan with fine-grit sandpaper. This step will help remove any small imperfections, such as scratches or residue, ensuring a smooth base for the paint or coating. After sanding, wipe down the surface with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust or debris.

If you plan to paint your steel pan, it is recommended to use a primer designed for metal surfaces. Apply a thin, even coat of primer and allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This step will help the paint adhere better and create a more durable finish.

For the final finish, you can choose between painting, chrome plating, or powder coating. Each option has its advantages and will impact the sound and appearance of your steel pan differently.

If you choose to paint your steel pan, use a high-quality spray paint designed for metal surfaces. Apply light, even coats, and allow sufficient drying time between coats. Multiple thin coats are better than one heavy coat, as it reduces the risk of dripping and ensures a smoother finish.

Chrome plating is another option that will give your steel pan a mirror-like finish. Chrome plating can be done by sending your steel pan to a professional plating service. Keep in mind that chrome plating is an expensive and environmentally unfriendly process. Additionally, it will detune your steel pan, so you will need to retune it after plating.

Powder coating is a more recent option that provides a glossy appearance. Similar to chrome plating, powder coating may also affect the sound quality of your steel pan, resulting in duller and thunkier tones with poor sustain.

Remember, the finish you choose will not only impact the aesthetics of your steel pan but also its sound quality. Consider the unique characteristics of each finish and select the one that best suits your preferences for sound and appearance.

Final tuning

Step 1: Understand the Complexity of Final Tuning

Step 2: Use the Correct Tools

Special tuning hammers are required for the final tuning process. These hammers are used to tap both the underside and the tops of the notes until the desired pitch and timbre are achieved. Strobe tuners are also essential to ensure the accuracy of the tuning process.

Step 3: Achieve the Correct Pitch

To lower the pitch of a note, strike the middle of the note from above or along its perimeter from below. To raise the pitch, strike from above around the perimeter or in the middle from below. Repeat this process for each note, making small adjustments until the correct pitch is reached.

Step 4: Blend with Other Pans

If you are playing in a steel band, it is crucial to blend the individual steel pans together. This means matching the tonal quality and pitches of each pan to create a harmonious sound. The pans should complement each other and produce sympathetic harmonics for that signature mellow steel band vibe.

Step 5: Repeat Tuning Over Time

Keep in mind that steel pans will inevitably go out of tune with frequent use. Therefore, the final tuning and blending process is not a one-time event but rather an ongoing maintenance task. Steel pans may need to be retuned and blended multiple times over their lifespan.

Step 6: Seek Professional Help

Frequently asked questions