Painting a helmet

[Timolgra]

I've searched the internet for accurate info but there's a lot of conflicting advice.

So, I want to paint a helmet but need to know what types of paint I can use without damaging the integrity of it.
I don't wish to paint the whole helmet just a design onto a white background

Does anyone here really know and I don't just mean what you've read somewhere or a mate did his 1974 Bell with a bucket of creosote etc.

Also thoughts on using vinyl stickers on helmets?

Ta

 

[araspitfire]

My understanding of it (somewhat dated)

Plastic moulded helmets (cheapies).. no paint , lables, or felt-markers..

Fibreglass helmets are painted... so as long as you don't cut through the existing paint.. what are you doing, other than making it heavier?

Al...

 

[Timolgra]

My understanding of it (somewhat dated)

Plastic moulded helmets (cheapies).. no paint , lables, or felt-markers..

Fibreglass helmets are painted... so as long as you don't cut through the existing paint.. what are you doing, other than making it heavier?

Al...

It's not quite that simple Al, I've been led to believe most paint's we'd be tempted to use can weaken the helmet, that's why I asked

As far as weight goes, it's not like I'll be using a gallon of artex

 

[bowser]

acrylic paints are fine

 

[Yonkyo]

I've Just sprayed my old Simpson helmet (fibreglass). Its the 3rd time i've sprayed it a different colour.

Just used a can of cheap Auto spray from Halfords.
I just prepped it with some wet & dry paper, then sprayed a few coats on.

From silver to satin black....

 

[Nutty]

Ouch, I'm not getting paint anywhere near my helmet

 

[bowser]

acrylic paints are fine

sorry that was a bit short.

It was never the paints that was the problem it was the solvents in the paints, Acrylic paints are water based an non-solvent so they are fine on helmets, as with the stickers it was the glue that was the problem and I wouldn't think that any of the modern glues are any issue.

 

[Timolgra]

sorry that was a bit short.

It was never the paints that was the problem it was the solvents in the paints, Acrylic paints are water based an non-solvent so they are fine on helmets, as with the stickers it was the glue that was the problem and I wouldn't think that any of the modern glues are any issue.

Ah yes thanks, think I'm understanding now that they need to be water based.

My ignorance goes a step further......can you get water based lacquers?

 

[Grey Beard]

Ah yes thanks, think I'm understanding now that they need to be water based.

My ignorance goes a step further......can you get water based lacquers?

I think the car industry moved to water based paints several years ago because they were under environmental pressure to reduce VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) Emissions. That switch was blamed for some of the corrosion/paint failures on Mercedes, etc.

There were significant health risks associated with some of the earlier solvents used for car spraying.

I would expect that there should be little problem in sourcing a water based lacquer.

Maybe best to ask a company who do customised painting of helmets. I once saw it demonstrated in Louis Motor Accessories shop in Hamburg, but that was a once off, not a regular occurrence.

Grey Beard

 

[Timolgra]

Maybe best to ask a company who do customised painting of helmets.

Grey Beard

Thanks for that Grey Beard, I think you're right I'll find out for sure that way

 

[bowser]

If it says Acrylic, then its water based, halfords do any number.

 

[big stu]

You need Auto Air paint , water based , but need to use an airbrush or detail gun to spray.
Thermoplastic lids are a no, no as are some other types with regard painting.
Bear in mind that the work needs to be cleared and at the moment these are 2 PAC solvents. Not good if you do not protect the inner shell ( the part that protects your head)
So all vents/ openings need to be sealed ( i usually took them off as they are held on with 3 M double sided tape.) Left with the hole which can be sealed.
Clean lid with a water based cleaner ( remove grease/ crap from surface)
Use red scotch pad to skuff surface to give a tooth for the paint to grip with.
Base paint, for pearls, Candy's use base coat sealer dark, also covers original paint. Gives fantastic saturation finish to paint.
Use tack rag to clean off any imperfections, Paint in colour of choice, use a transparent base ( 3- 4 very light coats ) Dry sand ( water based = no water!) 1200 grit , very gently to give tooth for 2 PAC clear .
I would warn anyone before painting a lid, to check that the lid can be painted, be very carefully not to get any paint inside the lid!!!
Use 3M double sided tape to replace vent covers.
Please note to cover my self, this is not intended as a full " how to do " but give an idea on what is entailed. I used to airbrush/ custom paint lids and bikes as a part time hobby, not done any for a year or two, keep thinking of selling my stuff , but may regret doing so.
If you are interested look on Simon Murray's web site ( SM Designs, of Northern Ireland ) the guy that taught me many, many years ago for info
Regards Stu

 

[big stu]

My stuff, that i cannot decide if i want to part with, have a think on it, one day. It may be easy, cheeper to get it done for you ?

 

[Tinytim]

My stuff, that i cannot decide if i want to part with, have a think on it, one day. It may be easy, cheeper to get it done for you ?

ya got a P.M Stu.

 

[Timolgra]

You need Auto Air paint , water based , but need to use an airbrush or detail gun to spray.
Thermoplastic lids are a no, no as are some other types with regard painting.
Bear in mind that the work needs to be cleared and at the moment these are 2 PAC solvents. Not good if you do not protect the inner shell ( the part that protects your head)
So all vents/ openings need to be sealed ( i usually took them off as they are held on with 3 M double sided tape.) Left with the hole which can be sealed.
Clean lid with a water based cleaner ( remove grease/ crap from surface)
Use red scotch pad to skuff surface to give a tooth for the paint to grip with.
Base paint, for pearls, Candy's use base coat sealer dark, also covers original paint. Gives fantastic saturation finish to paint.
Use tack rag to clean off any imperfections, Paint in colour of choice, use a transparent base ( 3- 4 very light coats ) Dry sand ( water based = no water!) 1200 grit , very gently to give tooth for 2 PAC clear .
I would warn anyone before painting a lid, to check that the lid can be painted, be very carefully not to get any paint inside the lid!!!
Use 3M double sided tape to replace vent covers.
Please note to cover my self, this is not intended as a full " how to do " but give an idea on what is entailed. I used to airbrush/ custom paint lids and bikes as a part time hobby, not done any for a year or two, keep thinking of selling my stuff , but may regret doing so.
If you are interested look on Simon Murray's web site ( SM Designs, of Northern Ireland ) the guy that taught me many, many years ago for info
Regards Stu

Good info ta.....and great Avatar

 

[big stu]

No worries, if i can help let me know.
Returned your pm Tim, the course you did, was it with a mate, Del, at custom paint shop ? Good mate, cracking source of help for paint and advice?
Stu