You will come across drum finishes in two basic varieties:  • Wrapped: A plastic covering wrapped and afﬁxed to the shell • Finished: Paint, oil, or lacquer applied to the wood There's a lot of speculation out there regarding the sound, with many claiming that unwrapped finishes sound better and fuller. However, unless you have a knack for minute details, it's fairly hard to tell.  Wrapped finishes are considered more durable and don't scratch easily, making them an ideal choice for drummers who move their kit a lot. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference, so go with what looks and sounds the best to you -- and don't let anyone sway you otherwise!