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Preserving Helmet Art
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Preserving Helmet Art 19 years 1 month ago #7626

So I'm in the process of getting one of my friends to repaint a helmet for me. It was ugly and flat blue, and hard to see in the water, she's making in look good, and I was wondering what the best method of protecting the finished product is. I've heard mention of some sort of 'gel-coat' on some manufacturer's sites. Does anyone know what this is, why it's special, and if normal wood/plastic verathane-type finish would work just as well? And if this 'gel-coat' really is special, where could I order some? (storefront purchases don't really work for me. I live in rural BC)

Thanks

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Preserving Helmet Art 19 years 1 month ago #7632

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I wouldn't consider Gel coat if you want to appreciate your friend's art!
Gel coat is a resin based paint with good water resistance but it is a paint so your friend's artwork would become a hidden gem :ask:

Use some varnish, see what paint your friend is using and what's the material your helmet's made of to know what kind of product to use.

Have fun on the river ;-)

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Preserving Helmet Art 19 years 1 month ago #7656

I hate to tell you dude but if your helmet has already started to be painted I would throw it away and get a new one unless you have used helmet specific paints. Mosdt paints cause a chemical reaction with the resin or plastic in the helmet massivly reducing there structural srtength and increasing there brittleness (i.e. helmet may well smash without absorbing the full brunt of the blow if you take a hit).

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Denzil

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Preserving Helmet Art 19 years 1 month ago #7660

Ya, i would check out what kinda of paint it is then do some researching to make sure it hasnt screwed up the compostion of the helmet material, which would make it as said before very brital.

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Preserving Helmet Art 19 years 1 month ago #7662

suggest you find out if she can use hockey helmet paint (not sure the correct names, but it doesn't erode the plastic as previously mentioned)...

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Preserving Helmet Art 19 years 1 month ago #7694

whichever paint is used, there is a comparable clear coat to be used as a protective varnish. Find out what type of paint is being used (and the safety issues brought up above are a concern), then you can find the matching clear coat.

for example: if the paint is oil based, you need an compatable clear coat
if it's an acrylic, use an acrylic clear coat. if it's some other type of resin, then use that matching resin clear coat....

The reality is that you cannot protect the paint from scratches while you are wearing it. (it's supposed to get scratched, thus protecting your skull from the damage). But, buy some kind of bag to store the helmet in and the art should last a long time. Most of my little scratches are from bouncing around on the floor of my van on the way to the river.

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Preserving Helmet Art 19 years 1 month ago #7929

Gel coat is meant to be sprayed inside a mold. It looks like cottage cheese if it does not have a smooth surface to adhere to. It is very tough (if done right) and looks amazing if you have the right artist build it. I know the guy to makes FNA helmets is am amazing artist. His helmets are 150.00 Cad. custom paint job is no problem. You can order an FNA helmet from www.westerncanoekayak.com if you don't have a local dealer. He makes them out of the shop at that store.

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