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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Painting a Helmet
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Message started by Susan on 08/19/04 at 19:07:47

Title: Painting a Helmet
Post by Susan on 08/19/04 at 19:07:47

Anyone out there painted a helmet before? Any words of advice before I try it?

I don't want to do anything real fancy -- just change the color...

Title: Re: Painting a Helmet
Post by Greg_650 on 08/20/04 at 10:39:15

I don't know. Never done that...I would do this if I wanted to paint it.

Rough it up with some 200 grit paper. You don't have to remove color or anything but give the paint something good to stick to. Tape the helmet around the openings real good and maybe stuff newspaper inside it, too. If your helmet has a removable liner, that's even better.

Get a good grade of primer, clean the helmet good and spray it evenly. Let dry completely

Buy a lacquer paint if possible. It dries so much faster and is less touchy about contact with oils etc or high humidity when painting.. Do your painting at around 75-80 degrees and use light coats. Maybe do a little wet sanding if you need to.

Hmmm, what else would I do? Oh yeah, consider a clear coat...must also be lacquer to be compatible.

You can also go to an auto parts store....they have some neat kits for a metal flake finish or some of those reflective paints that change colors with the angle of light.

That's all that I know.

Title: Re: Painting a Helmet
Post by gitarzan on 08/20/04 at 10:58:10

Research it for sure, it may not be the case today, but years ago in my first riding life, painting with the wrong stuff would severely weaken the plastics used in a helmet.

Helmets may be better now in that respect, but I'd still check with the manufacturer for advice.

You don't want your helmet to let you down when you need it.

Title: Re: Painting a Helmet
Post by Greg_650 on 08/20/04 at 11:13:22

I remember those days....solid color helmets in a choice of white or black (maybe red too). Basic ugly style, too. I thought that those helmets were simply molded plastic shells, though, and what you mention might be a consideration in that case.

But aren't modern helmets a fiberglas molded shell that is eventually painted anyway? If so, paint on paint would be just fine. I think that it is a lot cheaper for the manufacturer to mold the same shell and apply different paints. I could be wrong....I just know how I'd attempt to paint it if I wanted to ???

Title: Re: Painting a Helmet
Post by Susan on 08/20/04 at 12:25:15

Greg and Gitarzan -- Thanks for the ideas and words of advice. I definitely don't want to weaken the helmet so I will check into it but I imagine Greg is probably right that it is ok with today's helmets. Can't hurt to check though. Will let you know what I found out.

Title: Re: Painting a Helmet
Post by Susan on 08/23/04 at 12:43:34

gitarzan wrote:

Thanks again for the advice. I did check with HJC and they said it was o.k. Even told me how to do it! Their note is pasted below.
-------------------------------------
Susan,

The correct and safest way to paint our helmets is by using a two stage eurethane automotive paint (base coat / clear coat combination). Automotive type paint is what's used at our factory in Korea. In preparing your helmets, do not remove any of the rubber trim or vents, rather, mask them with a high grade 3M painters masking tape. Scuff all the shiny surface with a high grade wet / dry 3M automotive sanding paper (320 grit - 400 grit). Wipe your helmet down with some wax / grease remover to clean off all the excess sanding powder. Then spray your base coat - let dry - spray your clear coat.

Please make note that any modifications made to your helmet are subject to possibly having the warranty void at our determination.

If you have any other question feel free to email me back or you can get in touch with me @ 562 741-1152. Hope this helps!

Isac
Paint Tech
HJC America

Title: Re: Painting a Helmet
Post by Greg_650 on 08/23/04 at 13:14:26

Funny....I think that I like that way that HJC guy thinks 8)

As I said go to an auto parts store. Now you've got me thinking about painting my own too. Getting tired of black. Maybe 2000 Savage Green would be good.

BTW- I forget which topic but HJC also makes a flip-up full face helmet like my Nolan. I have a friend with one.

Title: Re: Painting a Helmet
Post by domino on 08/23/04 at 17:41:50

Hey greg...I also have a 2000 metalic green savage. I looked for weeks and could not find a Helmet to match. Seems Green is not a desired color, unless you want Kawasaki Lime Green.......(puke).....If ya paint it let me know....Might just do that myself.....cheers

Title: Re: Painting a Helmet
Post by Greg_650 on 08/24/04 at 01:56:09

I found a metallic green touch up paint in a parts store that is a close match...but not perfect.

Title: Re: Painting a Helmet
Post by Susan on 08/24/04 at 06:28:20

Greg_650 wrote:

I found a metallic green touch up paint in a parts store that is a close match...but not perfect.

You can get an exact match at http://www.color-rite.com if you want. They carry the green for the 2000. They're not cheap but it would be an exact match. To find the paint, just choose motorcycle, then your year, bike manufacturer and model.

Title: Re: Painting a Helmet
Post by Greg_650 on 08/24/04 at 08:43:41

Susan wrote:

Oh now you're teasing me with all kinds of options. $31 for a spray can. The color is British Racing Green Y7G. Cool. :o