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what paint can i use for painting a helmet?
Hi all, i know there are some very experienced helmet painters out there and would like some advice from you if i could please.
I compete in kart racing and use a Bell K1 sport helmet in plain white original colour.
I am considering painting it, something simple, a couple of basic colours, nothing fancy but my questions are regarding the paint to use??
Apparently the helmet is made from Fibre Tech Composite material, if that helps.
Any assistance is much appreciated
Cheers
stephen -
14 Replies
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Bloody Hell. I’m in agony just reading your heading!!! :lol1:
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lol
cheers
stephen
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I haven’t seen him on the boards for a while and I may have missed a major event but Beej is probably the man to talk to.
Peter
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yeah i thought so peter.
cheers
stephen -
Be very careful when painting helmets as some helmets cannot be painted as it weakens the shell. I would check with the manufacturer before going down that route. I know way back in the 70’s I used to spray only fibreglass helmets. Anything in plastic was a no-no!
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cheers mike, that was my thought.
i have emailed the manufacturer and am awaiting a reply..wont hold my breathe tho..
cheers
stephen -
They also say not to apply decals of any kind but my kayaking helmet comes with domed manufacturer logos! Something tells me there at it, although painting may be different!
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my fear is like mike said that it may compromise the strength of the shell, so knowing what paints to use would help.
cheers
stephen -
Stephen,
The old Bell helmets from some years ago had a rubber coating under the standard paint finish to prevent any subsequent paint finishes shrinking and affecting the shell.
Given that pretty well everyone has a painted helmet these days, providing you’ve got a proper helmet, which you have, I don’t think you’ll have problems. I used Halfords paint out of the spray cans because it is acrylic based not cellulose.
If you have any real doubts try ringing Mike Fairholme Designs, I seem to remember he was helpful when I made a similar enquiry a few years ago.
01476 550630 (mod-edit)Steve
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cheers steve, much appreciated
stephen
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I can help here… As I paint helmets.
I tend to keep away from solvent paints now. And use many of the water based automotive paints available.
So… usually I prepare helmet, then base coat / seal in either white or black Auto Air paint, depending on design.
The rest is airbrushed in various manufactures water based paints. When final design is finished, A coat or two of Water based transparent base. Then ready for clearing… Here I do use a solvent product. Just make sure the inside is all masked nicely.
Hope this helps!
Jeff
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This is one I am working on now…
One i finished a while ago..
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This is a PS mock up of other side of helmet I am doing..
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Call or email Ryan Young.
This is his site:
http://www.indocilart.net/
(slow to load)
Helmets are all he does. He’s a Letterhead.
Love….Jill
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