Helmet Painting

[Dennis Meyers]

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone out there has done any helmet painting? I am thinking of doing mine but I'm not sure what type of paint to use. I'm considering using "Sign Painters One Shot", I'll be painting it with a Binks #15 "jamb" gun and a Paasche dual action, internal mix airbrush. I've used this enamel before, I like it, I was just wondering if it is O.K. to use on the helmet? Can this react with or weaken the shell?:think

 

[fatty_k]

Maybe ask XRP. He's done some helmet painting. Check out his photo album http://www.dirtrider.net/cgi-bin/photopost/index.pl?user=19389&cat=500&thumb=1

 

[XRpredator]

I'm no painter, but my bud does a lot of it! Most of the really trick colors are from House of Kolor, while there's some PPG and BASF stuff on there as well. There's another company out there now that he is switching to that owns HOK, but I can't remember it. One Shot works great for pinstriping, and airbrushing different stuff (I'll post a pic of my brother's Aquaman lid and you'll see), but I wouldn't do the whole helmet with it.

Good luck, man! Just make sure you start out with a clean lid in the beginning.

 

[Dennis Meyers]

Thanks XRP, You wouldn't happen to know if House of Color has a web site, would you? I'm hoping I can buy these paints in small quanties, nothing larger than pints, I've got a pretty colorful imagination, so it could get kinda pricey.:eek:

 

[XRpredator]

http://www.houseofkolor.com/
:)

 

[Dennis Meyers]

Excellent, Thanks a bunch! Someday I'll figure out how to use that "search" icon at the top of my web browser!:confused:

 

[helio]

I am an ignorant on this matter. I have a cheap helmet and I am thinking to apply some sandpaper then painting with professional ink car.
After this step I am thinking to glue a set decals from Troy Lee and finish my job with professional brilliant varnish.
- Do you think that this will work ?
Thanks for your input.

 

[XRpredator]

Helio, first off, make sure your helmet's crashworthiness won't be compromised by certain finishes. Some can break down the materials used in some helmets. Usually, most helmets with the latest Snell and DOT ratings should be able to handle it. (but I am NOT an expert!)

If all that's okay, make sure you sand the helmet well, taking off all the shiny stuff, but don't make any flat spots. Then, once you've got a nice dull finish, hit it with a good primer/sealer (or take it to a pro). It's also best to have a pro do the painting (which is what I do). Then after that cures, apply your stickers, then hit it with the clear coat.

You could probably do it all with bomb cans, it all depends on how high-quality you want it to turn out.

Good luck! I hope this translates well to Portugese!

 

[helio]

Many thanks for your feedback on this.
Just one more questions...when you means "hit it with a good primer/sealer (or take it to a pro)", how many coats should I apply before hit the decals ? in order to have a GREAT look.

BTW translate all terms on this forum to Portuguese language is not a piece of a cake...But I need to improve my skills!!! and on this forum we have a lots of great information.

Thanks again.:cool:

 

[XRpredator]

If you have it smooth, one coat of primer/sealer should work. After that, 2-3 coats of color should be plenty. (You'd be surprised how much weight that paint adds to your helmet) Then you can put the stickers on. Then 2 coats of clear should be enough.

If you don't do a lot of painting, I'd recommend having a professional shoot the paint. You can pretty much do the rest of the work yourself.

 

[helio]

Hi again.
My helmet has the following composition:
Thermoplastic resin and then painted.

Can you please take a look at ?
http://www.cms.pt/homepage.e.htm

My helmet is ref. CRI ATTACK YELLOW 02F02CR16.

- What you think about this composition ? Should I apply professional ink car ?

Thanks again.

 

[XRpredator]

That should be okay. :)