What are the different finish options and what do they mean?

Think of it this way: the drumhead is the canvas.  The finish is the paint.  It is how your artwork gets onto the head. Every option prints the same artwork — they just get there differently which changes the look, the feel, and how the head behaves over time.

That said, remember this -- DrumART is a company founded by a drummer FOR drummers and we have operated with a single concept as our North Star for nearly 30 years: if it doesnt sound good, it's not good. Every single one of our finish options and print processes have been selected, tested and validated against that one bedrock principle.

We have invested heavily in our equipment, materials and print processes over the years so we can offer the widest, most diverse and best sounding print options in the industry.  PERIOD.  There is not one print process we would choose over the others for sound.  This frees you to make the decision on finish based on the look you're going for.

Only DrumART has done the research, only DrumART has made the investment and only DrumART offers every possible print option so you can get both the look and the sound you want.

• DrumART Recommended — let us choose. We pick the finish that suits your artwork and your head. This is what most people should do -- taking advantage of our decades of experience and over 100,000 heads printed -- and it costs nothing.
• Glossy — your artwork printed on vinyl and laminated to the head with a gloss finish. Deep, wet-looking color and the highest shine. Our classic look.
• Satin — the same laminated construction with a .0satin finish. A softer sheen that kills stage-light glare, which cameras and lighting crews appreciate.
• Direct Print — your artwork printed directly onto the drumhead, with no lamination at all. The thinnest, most natural-feeling option but not always right for every design.  Full color, full coverage prints or anything with shades or gradients MUST print on a white head, artwork with sharp edges can print on black.
• HeadLIGHTS (Translucent) — printed onto a translucent head so it glows evenly when lit from behind, and still looks great unlit. (See "Do you have heads designed for use on illuminated bass drums?")

Which should I pick?

• Maximum visual impact and shine → Glossy
• Heavy stage lighting, you get photographed a lot or your artwork has a more "hand drawn" or "natural" vibe → Satin
• Artwork with sharp lines and defined edges where you want the most "integrated" look on the head → Direct Print
• Illuminated kick drum → HeadLIGHTS
• Not sure → DrumART Recommended. That's what it's for.

One thing worth knowing: laminated finishes (Glossy and Satin) can be removed later if you want the head back. Direct-printed artwork cannot be removed.