The worst thing that I do in the shop for me is to replace the sand paper on the drum sander drum, I just hate it. It always takes me 4 or 5 time to get it tight and running the way you should without overlaps.
So today it was time, took the old paper off and noticed that the drum was dirty so it was time to clean it. I use Mineral Spirits to clean it and then I thought what would happen if I waxed it.
Got out the Johnson wax and went to it, wax the whole drum, let it dry and then buffed it off.
What a difference, the new paper went on really easy and tightened up very good the first time. Just reset the spring clips on each end once or twice and there it was. I ran some board though it and then checked it, running just like it should, no over laps and it look great.
So I don't know if this is normal with a waxed drum and will work every time but it sure work good this time.
Give it a try and see what you think, let us know how it comes out.