Helmet Painting?

[mimico_polak]

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I currently have a BELL modular helmet which I like, but it’s black and hot as eff during these days.

Is it possible? Recommended? To repaint it to another lighter colour?

Thinking of going white, or the fluorescent / safety green in order to help cool it off in the hot sun.

Thoughts? Tips? Recommendations?

 

[Soulcatcher668]

Helmet manufactures will tell you no, but then pretty much every pro rider has a custom paint job.
I would bet it will void your warranty.
There are lots of helmet painters around... just look on facebook or the like.
As for DIY.... lots of stuff on youtube.

 

[Klaatu]

In the youtube video with Jay Leno talking with the guy from Arai, the guy says it's fine to paint a helmet

 

[Soulcatcher668]

In the youtube video with Jay Leno talking with the guy from Arai, the guy says it's fine to paint a helmet

Seems like Shoei doesn't mind either........

About Helmet Painting｜FAQ about Products｜Support｜HELMET SHOEI

'SHOEI' of helmet for motorcycle means a brand of premium helmet, best in its design, performance and safety.

www.shoei.com

 

[Hardwrkr13]

I have a friend that does custom painted lids (mostly hockey masks though). A custom painted lid will cost you as much as a new lid. Give it a shot your self, as stated lots of YouTube vids to help.

 

[Relax]

In the youtube video with Jay Leno talking with the guy from Arai, the guy says it's fine to paint a helmet

It's very easy to check

 

[TK4]

Not being any kind of an expert, a lot could depend on what the helmet is made of and what kind of paint you plan on using.
I'd at least consult a professional.

 

[Mad Mike]

I currently have a BELL modular helmet which I like, but it’s black and hot as eff during these days.

Is it possible? Recommended? To repaint it to another lighter colour?

Thinking of going white, or the fluorescent / safety green in order to help cool it off in the hot sun.

Thoughts? Tips? Recommendations?

You can paint a helmet.

Prep is the key.

1) Clean. Use degreased to remove road debris and wax.
2) sand. Light and even scuffing, 220 to 320 grit, nothing more, all you're doing is giving the new paint something to bite (bind).
3) clean with liberal amount of windex and clean lint free rag, then a tack cloth. Do this stem immediately before painting.
4) spray. No primer, just auto or exterior spray. You will do 3 to 5 light coats, letting each coat flash (dry to light tack) before applying the next coat.

You can continue with a clear coat if a shiny finish is desired.

I think there are about 250billion youtube videos on auto prep and paint.

 

[Jaymod]

If it’s a fibreglass helmet I wouldn’t care, but one of the plastic helmets I would be careful of the paint used. Not sure of the right one to use, or if it makes a difference..
Plastic can do some weird things when exposed to certain chemicals( not sure if it applies in this case)


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[Mad Mike]

If it’s a fibreglass helmet I wouldn’t care, but one of the plastic helmets I would be careful of the paint used. Not sure of the right one to use, or if it makes a difference..
Plastic can do some weird things when exposed to certain chemicals( not sure if it applies in this case)


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I wouldn't worry, the paint is about the thickness of a hair, its going to sit on top of existing paint - it's not going to touch the shell material.

 

[nobbie48]

How about a vinyl wrap? Peel it off if you change your mind.

 

[Mad Mike]

How about a vinyl wrap? Peel it off if you change your mind.

Painting is easier.

 

[mimico_polak]

How about a vinyl wrap? Peel it off if you change your mind.

Too much effort for an older BELL helmet. Got it free when a buddy got spooked on his bike.

He sold his bike, and I got the helmet. He's 100lbs heavier than me so the gear got sold off also. I have a large head though so the helmet fit.

 

[crankcall]

just buy a new lid, if you pay someone , for a really nice job its the price of a new lid, and you'll be grumpy when you chip it.

 

[backmarkerducati]

Buy a new lid and use this one for the cooler season...

MM had some good tips on painting in his post. How long the paint will last will depend on prep but the paint also needs to be compatible with the material to not crack, etc. over time. YMMV with rattle can if you don't have the gear to do otherwise. Also, if any kind of silicone spray/polish (aka Armor All or like products) was ever used on the surface expect problems...

 

[Jampy00]

If you have an old helmet, practice on that. It is much easier to put paint on, then to get it off...

 

[nobbie48]

Buy a new lid and use this one for the cooler season...

MM had some good tips on painting in his post. How long the paint will last will depend on prep but the paint also needs to be compatible with the material to not crack, etc. over time. YMMV with rattle can if you don't have the gear to do otherwise. Also, if any kind of silicone spray/polish (aka Armor All or like products) was ever used on the surface expect problems...

To do it right requires the right prep materials, right primer with the right reducer, the right coating with the right reducer, fish eye preventer, the right spray gun etc. You end up with more chemicals than a refinery.

 

[FullMotoJacket]

To do it right requires the right prep materials, right primer with the right reducer, the right coating with the right reducer, fish eye preventer, the right spray gun etc. You end up with more chemicals than a refinery.

Yes, but you end up with a better result. If you're going to use rattle cans, go to an actual paint shop. They have better quality paint in stock colours. Next step up, have a paint shop make you up some cans. They will make up cans with custom colours with the additives mixed in. They're more money than the off the shelf ones, but better paint and the right additives mixed in = better/tougher finish.

That said, nothing beats a good quality gun and airbrush.

 

[Baggsy]

I think the main point is to not get any on the inside.

 

[nobbie48]

Yes, but you end up with a better result. If you're going to use rattle cans, go to an actual paint shop. They have better quality paint in stock colours. Next step up, have a paint shop make you up some cans. They will make up cans with custom colours with the additives mixed in. They're more money than the off the shelf ones, but better paint and the right additives mixed in = better/tougher finish.

That said, nothing beats a good quality gun and airbrush.

When I use to make the spray cans a half century ago the propellant was Freon 12. Now it's propane. Smoking isn't agood idea.

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