Isabella Flores
Painting a horse hide drum is a fascinating activity and a great way to express yourself. Drums have always played a significant role in Native American culture, and many people choose to personalise their drums to reflect their unique experiences and connections with them. While selecting a pre-painted drum is the easiest option, customising your own drum can be a fulfilling experience. There are various ways to paint a hide drum, and the type of paint you use will depend on the effect you want to achieve. Some people use natural pigments like Red Ochre mixed with shellac, while others opt for artist acrylics or enamel model paint. It's important to consider the thickness of the paint and the drying time, as well as the need for a finish coat or varnish to protect the artwork and enhance the colours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials used for painting | Artist acrylic, natural pigments like Red Ochre, Testor's Enamel Model Paint, linseed oil, leather dyes, India ink, permanent ink, bear oil, water-based paints, etc. |
| Surface preparation | Some sand the hide first, but it is not necessary unless there are patches of hair left on the hide. The hide should be dry, not damp, as paint won't adhere properly to wet skin. |
| Techniques | Mistakes made with acrylic paint can be scraped off, but this can leave scratches. Natural pigments mixed with shellac allow for error correction with alcohol, though it is challenging to remove every bit of pigment. |
| Finishing | Some add a finish coat of clear paint or wax to protect the artwork and make colours more vivid. Spray varnish is recommended as liquid varnish may be too heavy and affect the drum's sound. |
| Other decorations | Drums have also been decorated with feathers, beads, and natural dyes. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint
The type of paint you choose for your horse hide drum depends on the look you want to achieve, the drum's intended use, and the thickness of the hide.
If you want to create bold, colourful artwork on your drum, artist acrylics are a good option. Acrylic paint is available at any art supply or craft store and can be used to paint detailed designs on your drum. However, acrylic paint scratches off the rawhide surface easily, so it needs to be sealed after it dries with an artist's matte fixative or spray varnish. It is also important to note that acrylic paint should not be applied too thickly, as it may dull the sound of the drum and chip off with use. If you want to use water-based paints such as acrylic or latex, be mindful that the brush strokes need to be few and light, as the water in the paint will begin to soften the hide.
For a more natural look, you can use natural pigments like Red Ochre mixed with plain shellac. The amount of pigment you use will depend on the thickness of paint you desire. Shellac can be removed with alcohol, allowing for error correction. Natural pigments have been used for millennia and will wear nicely over time. Linseed oil is another natural option that has been used in Europe and the Middle East for thousands of years. It will soak into the hide and improve it as it is a natural product. However, oils will soften the drum head and make it sound dull.
If you are looking for a durable paint that is easy to correct mistakes, Testor's Enamel Model Paint is a good choice. This paint is quite durable and has the advantage of being easy to remove with Enamel Thinner if any mistakes are made.
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Preparing the hide
Firstly, it is important to remove any remaining fur or hair from the hide. One effective method is to use wood ash, which can be mixed with water until a fresh hen's egg floats upright with a disc showing. This mixture can then be used to wash and soak the hide, helping to remove the hair. Alternatively, you can try the Native American method of weighting the hide down in running water for a couple of weeks to defur it.
Once the hide is defurred, the next step is to clean and prepare the hide for painting. This involves washing the hide with water, either in a river or creek, or using a hose and clean rainwater. You can also add about a third of a cup of white vinegar to the water to help eliminate any unpleasant odours.
After washing, the hide needs to be stretched and dried. This can be done by placing the hide on a stretcher frame, allowing it to dry and tighten. At this stage, you can also cut the hide to the desired size and shape for your drum.
It is important to note that if you are using acrylic paints, the hide should be completely dry before painting. However, if you are using natural pigments, you can apply them while the hide is still wet for unique effects.
Additionally, if your hide has been treated with oils, such as bear oil, to condition and prevent cracking, you may want to consider removing any excess oil before painting. However, a light coating of oil is generally not an issue and will not interfere with the adhesion of acrylic paints.
Remember to choose the right type of paint for your horse hide drum. Acrylic paints are commonly used and provide good results, but they need to be sealed with a fixative to prevent scratching. Natural pigments, such as Red Ochre mixed with shellac, can also be used and allow for error correction with alcohol.
Finally, consider adding a finish coat of clear varnish or wax to protect your artwork and enhance the colours. However, be mindful that a heavy coat of liquid varnish may affect the sound of your drum.
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Paint application
Painting a horse hide drum is a great way to express your creativity and connect with the spirit of the drum. Here are some detailed instructions on paint application to help you get started:
- Choose the right type of paint: You can use artist acrylics, which are readily available at any art supply or craft store. Acrylic paints are flexible and work well on natural skin hides such as horsehide. However, keep in mind that acrylics can scratch off the rawhide surface easily, so consider sealing the paint with a fixative or varnish after it dries.
- Prepare the hide surface: Ensure that the hide is dry before painting. If there are patches of hair left on the hide, you may want to sand it first, although this is not necessary. You can also mix wood ash with water and soak the hide in this solution to remove any fur.
- Consider natural pigments: Natural pigments like Red Ochre mixed with plain shellac can create beautiful results. You can adjust the amount of pigment to achieve your desired paint thickness. Natural pigments can be removed with alcohol for error correction. Additionally, natural oils like linseed oil can be used as a base for the paint, improving the hide and creating a nice wear over time.
- Apply light coats: When using acrylics or water-based paints, avoid heavy layering as it can dull the sound and chip off with use. Apply thin coats of paint with light brush strokes to avoid softening the hide.
- Seal your artwork: After painting, you can add a finish coat of clear varnish or wax to make the colours more vivid and protect your artwork. Spray varnish is recommended as it is light and won't affect the sound of the drum.
- Experiment with other mediums: Besides paint, you can decorate your drum with feathers, beads, dyes, ink, or even coloured pencils and watercolours.
Remember to trust your creativity and enjoy the process of personalising your horse hide drum!
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Sealing the paint
Allow the Paint to Dry Completely
Before sealing, ensure that the paint on your horse hide drum is completely dry. This is crucial, as sealing wet paint can affect the final outcome and durability of your artwork. The drying time may vary depending on the type of paint used. For example, oil paints tend to have a longer drying time on rawhide compared to other surfaces.
Choose a Suitable Sealer
The choice of sealer depends on the type of paint used and your desired finish. Here are some common sealers to consider:
- Artist's Matte Fixative or Spray Varnish: If you've used acrylic paint, sealing it with an artist's matte fixative or a light spray varnish is recommended. These sealers will protect your artwork without affecting the sound of the drum.
- Natural Oils: For natural pigment paints, consider using natural oils like linseed oil or other similar oils. These oils will soak into the hide, improving the quality and providing a nice wear over time. However, be cautious as oils can soften the drum head and potentially dull the sound.
- Clear Coat or Wax: Some people choose to add a finish coat of clear varnish or wax over the paint. This not only enhances the colours but also helps protect the artwork.
Apply the Sealer Evenly
When applying the sealer, use a light and even application technique. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the sealer for the best results. Be cautious not to apply thick layers, as they can affect the sound and appearance of your drum.
Consider the Environmental Conditions
Remember that rawhide is sensitive to moisture and humidity. When sealing your horse hide drum, ensure it is in a controlled environment with optimal temperature and humidity conditions. This will help prevent any adverse effects on the hide or the paint during the sealing process.
Test on a Small Area First
Before proceeding to seal the entire drum, it's advisable to test the sealer on a small, inconspicuous area of the drum. This will allow you to ensure that the sealer is compatible with the paint and the hide and that it produces the desired effect without causing any unexpected reactions or discolouration.
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Decorating the drum
Decorating a drum is a creative process that can be approached in various ways. Here are some instructions and ideas to help guide you in decorating your horse hide drum:
First, it is important to prepare the surface of the drum. While some sources suggest that sanding the hide can improve the finish, it is not necessary, especially if you are working with a thin hide. If there are patches of hair left on the hide, you may want to consider removing them. This can be done by soaking the hide in water, which will turn the hide soft, and then using techniques like de-furring with wood ash or scraping to remove the hair. Once the hide is dry, you can proceed with the painting.
When it comes to choosing the right paint, there are a few options to consider:
- Artist acrylics: Acrylic paints are commonly used for painting drums and can be found at any art supply or craft store. However, they can scratch off the rawhide surface easily, so it is recommended to apply a thin coat and seal the paint with a fixative or varnish afterward.
- Natural pigments: You can create your own paint by mixing natural pigments like Red Ochre with plain shellac. This allows for error correction as shellac can be removed with alcohol. Natural pigments have been used for millennia and can create beautiful effects when blending colours.
- Oil-based paints: Oils like linseed oil will soak into the hide and improve it as it is a natural product. However, they will soften the drum head and may dull the sound.
- Water-based paints: These include watercolours, watercolour pastels, and dyes like leather dyes or India ink. While they are flexible and suitable for natural skin hides, they tend to fade over time.
When applying the paint, it is important to work with light, thin coats to avoid sagging or dulling the sound of the drum. You can use brushes or applicators suitable for the type of paint you have chosen. Some people even decorate drums with coloured pencils or markers.
Finally, you may want to consider adding a finish coat to protect your artwork and make the colours more vivid. A clear coat of varnish, wax, or fixative can be applied, but be mindful that liquid varnish may be too heavy and affect the drum's sound. Alternatively, you can leave the finished painting as it is and embrace the natural wear and tear that comes with use.
Remember, there is no single right way to decorate your drum. The process of decorating a drum is a creative and expressive journey, so feel free to experiment, blend techniques, and let your drum be a reflection of your unique vision and connection to it.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use artist acrylics, available at any art supply or craft store. However, acrylic paint scratches off the rawhide surface easily, so it needs to be sealed after it is dry with an artist’s matte fixative or an equivalent like spray varnish. You can also use natural pigment paints, Testor’s Enamel Model Paint, or acrylic marker pens.
It is recommended to sand the hide first, especially if there are patches of hair left on the hide. The hide should be dry, not damp, as the paint won't adhere properly to a wet skin.
Remember that the texture of rawhide is different from other surfaces, so you will need to adjust your brushstrokes accordingly. Avoid using thick coats of paint as they can dull the sound and chip off with use. You can add a finish coat of clear paint or wax to make the colours more vivid and protect the artwork.
