Hey Crew,
Good--another post that makes me feel less weird for experimenting around with my drum stuff. (from a General Contractor's POV)
I usually use nylon tipped sticks, but there's something to be said about the sound of wood tips on drums and cymbals. That said-- hear me out, as I've done modern to antique furniture building and restoration, have (literally) laid, stained, and finished over 1/5 of a square mile of hardwood flooring in my lifetime.
Someone's gonna owe me a cold beer after this...!
OK, on hardwood floors, I use polyurethane, urethane, or (best choice) Low VOC Varathane (for extreme/commercial/etc., application), built up in 2-5 coats, light sanding in between coats.
Its WAY harder than clear nail polish (which is usually acrylic, at best) and can be artificially cured, as in heat lamp or blow dryer. Buy a quart of Minwax, Spar, or similar grade at Home Depot, build up 2-5 THIN, (repeat- THIN) coats (light sanding and heat applied between coats), see how good that works, and then buy me a beer!
I suggest you use "flat" or "satin" finish--"gloss" finish is usually denser, may chip/spall if applied too heavy, and using the flat on the WHOLE drum stick may increase grip, as well as strength.
Cheers,
C. P.