Calling all paint experts! Help an idiot clear coat a helmet!

[Jayell]

I've recently acquired a new HJC RPHA 11. What a nice helmet, and a smoking good deal on clear out.

It's a matt finish. The red already looks a bit pink to me, and I think this will become worse as it fades.

I've come up with the brilliant idea to give it a glossy clear coat. I'm very confident in my ability to mask everything off, but that's where my talent runs out.

This will be a low budget job, rattle cans will do. But what type? Laquer or enamel? I've no idea. What is this stuff?

What about surface prep? Is a wet sand required before application? When spraying small metal parts, I always wipe down with laquer thinner first, but I'm hesitant to do that here. How best to clean the surface before spraying?

Perhaps this is not such a good idea? Just thinking out loud, I suppose. Any experts out there?

 

[timtune]

Do some homework first. Many helmet makers say not to paint the helmet in case your paint solvents attack and weaken the plastic used.

 

[Scuba Steve]

Not a good idea could compromise the shell.

Sent from my KFONWI using Tapatalk

 

[Mad Mike]

Generally not a good idea to paint a lid. If you want to do it, try a small body shop. They run automotive clear all day, if you prep and tape it shouldn't cost too much.

If you DIY, that clear won't work, sunlight will yellow it quickly, the black areas might blister.

Stuff used outside requires automotive clear that has uv protection.

 

[GreyGhost]

Nice lid. I wouldnt paint it. I think that will cause more problems than it might fix.

 

[Mad Mike]

Or buy some good quality wrap vinyl to cover the pinky red.

 

[LePhillou]

Or even get reflective red.

 

[timtune]

I have a RPHA. I use the same lid for riding and sledding. That anti fog inner lens worked amazing. I could ride with the visor down and not fog the shield or my sunglasses

 

[Jayell]

Whoah, tough crowd here. 'smatter with you guys? Never been to the track before? Helmets are painted everyday, albeit by professionals with more knowledge, skill, and experience than I'll ever have.

A 2K urethane clear is readily available.

In any case, you've talked me out if it, for the time being, though the challenge is very appealing.

Mad Mike, I'd already thought of using vinyl. Will give further consideration.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[TK4]

Whoah, tough crowd here. 'smatter with you guys? Never been to the track before? Helmets are painted everyday, albeit by professionals with more knowledge, skill, and experience than I'll ever have.

Painting fiberglass or carbon fibre is a lot different than painting plastic. Virtually all plastic helmets are colour impregnated and wrapped or decalled.

 

[jdmsteR]

You're going to end up with a lot of orange peel by spraying with that I would think