hey


there was an article a little while back about helmet art. i know it is dangerous to paint helmets, and so i would like to know which paint i can use on my shred ready shaggy.
secondly, what can i put over the top of the paint to seal it and protect it.

CHEERS!!

I would think the best thing would be a auto paint with a clear coat \"few layers\".
If you are doing the painting by hand \"brush\" give it a few days and take it by a auto paint shop a flip the painter a few bucks to clear it on his next car!!!

Every one seems worried about damaging their helmets by painting them.
Yes it is trrue that the chemical composition if some of the paints\"may\" weaken the plastics and in sdome cases the resins.
The key is to go to your local body or composite shop and purchase paints that are for specific applications.

I would suggest that you contact the manufacturer of your helmet:
Shred Ready: www.shredready.com/
Sweet: www.sweetprotection.com/
J3: www.j3helmets.com
Predator: www.predatorhelmets.com
Greatful Heads Helmets: www.gratefulheads.com
FNA: fnaheadgear.com/

These are the guys that make them and I have no doubt that they are also the guys who can tell you what type of preparation is required, the primer, the coats and the finish that you should use for best adherence and hardness without damaging the helmet.

Best of luck with that.

(FYI: for composite helmets I have been using an epoxy primer then the base coat clear coat method with epoxy base automotive paint. Epoxy based paints are really easy to spray and finish hard. I have never painted plastic with any success. (It peels off too easilly).

How about a waterproof sticker rather than painting?

I painted my name on to my helmut using white and red car paint and a home made stencil, worked a treat no weakness in the plastic. Put laquer over the top to stop the water getting to it and also stops minor scratches.

i happen to custom paint helmets and have been doin it for about 2 years. I have lots of customers who want names. I ususlly sketch out their name and make a custom stencil. Then airbrush the name however you want. You will want clear coat to seal it. about 3-4 coats. Autopaint is what you should use

What you need to use is a multi-stage automotive paint. This is what people use to paint NHL helmets. The problem is finding a way to get it in small quantities. I have a friend who does helmets (check my pic) and that is what he uses. Surface prep is also very important.