Painting Helmets???

[ninjamunky85]

I just bought a new helmet today, picked it up from the clearance shelf.

Anyway the color is solid silver. Doesn't look bad, it's just kinda boring. I'd like to paint it but the directions say you shouldn't paint it because it will break down the plastic, blah blah blah.

So my question is, can I safely paint my helmet? Is there a certain type of paint I can use that wont harm the shell? As a second option I thought about using tape and some stickers, but was thinking that the adhesive might also be bad for the helmet.

What should I do?

[alex.s]

use the correct paint and it will be fine. people paint helmets all the time. you should be replacing your helmet about every year or three anyway. the amount that a sticker would degrade the plastic is probably so minimal that you would suffer heavier degradation simply by wearing it in the wind

[Goom]

I've been planning on getting an airbrush setup in the near future and painting my own helmets, so this is actually something I've researched a lot lately.

The unfortunate part of it is that there is no black and white answer. Helmet companies will tell you not to paint a helmet, but their riders/drivers wear custom painted helmets. Some people say water based paint is fine, while others argue that solvent are fine as long as there is no bubbling. Personally, I would think water based paints are the way to go, but as far as I know, water based clear coat hasn't been developed enough, so you'd be stuck with a solvent based clear.

I've got a buddy whose dad used to do custom paint. I'll see what I can find out what he used.

[ninjamunky85]

OK, thanks guys, let me know anything more you find out.

[ninjabrewer]

I've seen a few places that paint helmets. They are not cheap but the pics I ve seen were top notch, not sure what kind of paint they use. Try a goggle search. Sorry can't be more help.

nb

[ninjamunky85]

Not tryin to have a proffesional paint job done. Just want to do it myself on the cheap.

Goin to the hardware store to see what they got.

[alex.s]

just so you know, my first helmet i painted with krylon 'outdoor plastic' spray paint. an acrylic base. like 6 months later i crashed and the helmet was fine outside of the scratched up paint. i retired the helmet but internally it was completely fine and the shell didnt crack or break at all.

[bdavison]

Yes, you can airbrush helmets...

Use Createx airbrush paints.
The trick is using a flexible clearcoat to cover and protect the artwork.

Here is the beginnings of my TAZ helmet that I painted.
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...&highlight=taz

[foxj66]

I have my race helmet air brushed, I have never had one of my cheaper helmets painted but after a year this helmet has suffered no degrading in any way, Like any safety gear it should be replaced at reasonable intervals, I replace my race helmets every 2 to 3 years max.

[ninjamunky85]

OK, project started, I'll post pics once I've got somthin' worth seeing.

[7oxSin]

yeah, im an artist and i have painted alot of things with almost every type of paint out there. and you would have to be using paint thinner to degrade the plastic that helmets are made of, i think its a BS ploy by the helmet companies. think about it like this, company X's solid color helmet is 150$ that same helmet with a fancy design on it is 225$ so whats stopping everyone from buying the cheaper one and painting it? a pack of BS lies to make em think if they paint the helmet it will melt off their head... -_-

now all bull poop aside, if you get any aerosol paint on foam, it melts the chit outta it! so be very careful.

[ninjamunky85]

Thanks for the advice. I think it'll be fine.

It's lookin' sweet so far.

[ninjamunky85]

I'm no artist, but I think it turned out pretty good for my first try. I'll definitely paint my helmets in the future. I'll have to get an airbrush kit.

Here's what I started with, seems like a nice helmet, I like it better than my Sparx S-07. Got it for $50 new.







I was going for a look that was intimidating and gets people's attention. The neon colors are also glow in the dark.





I used reflective tape for the eyes, the number 14, and some other parts.
14 is my lucky number, and just happens to be Tony Stewart's number.









It's definitely different, but it's growing on me. Plus it's cool that I did it, and it's unique.

Peace,
Ryan

[toua70]

I like it! ::

[ninjamunky85]

Thanks, I thought the checkered flag pattern turned out good.

[Coolbpf]

Nice job! Is it already clear coated?

[ninjamunky85]

Yeah, its' got a few coats of clear, might give it a couple more.

[gwilo]

First off find out the material that your helmet is made from (Fiberglass, polycarbanite, etc)

Google to see what solvents effect that material.

Then google the paints and see what solvents they use.

Find what is safe then go have fun.

[bdavison]

Createx airbrush paint is water-based.....so it will not hurt anything. Its a airbrush paint that is normally used on textiles like t-shirts, but will paint just about anything.

What is really nice is that createx also has candies, pearlized, iridescent and metallic flake colors now. So you can get really creative.

[gwilo]

Do they also have a clear coat that is water based?

Also just saw the pictures ninjamunky85 nice work (can not see the pic's at work)

[ninjamunky85]

Thanks gwilo

and @ bdavison, thanks for the advice on paint. I'll definitely be picking up an airbrush kit for my next project.

[CZroe]

SkullSkins.net

[rabies]

i like it when people paint helmets and change them up. shows personality.
we shall call you shark on steroids

[ninjamunky85]

Ha Ha, thanks I love rockin' my custom painted helmet.