Author Topic: Can you paint a helmet? (Read 2912 times)

75cb550 (kyle) · « **on:** May 17, 2010, 09:02:21 AM »

okay, i've been told by a couple people that it is not safe to paint a helmet. i just got this old 3/4 open face and the label inside says, "Unless recommended by the manufacturer, no paint, chemicalsm solvents, adhesives or other substances should be used on this helmet".

so what's the deal on that? i know people paint them all the time.

i'm sure someone here knows.. but nothing came up in a search.

Jordan · « **Reply #1 on:** May 17, 2010, 09:31:21 AM »

It apparently degrades the strength of the material over time making them useless in a impact situation, same is true of hardhats used in construction at least that is the mfg. stance on it. Some say even decals will do damage.

75cb550 (kyle) · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2010, 09:32:37 AM »

is there "helmet safe" paint? or is it just the process of painting it? and that would beg the question, what paint does the manuf use?

Jordan · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2010, 09:48:20 AM »

It may be that the mfg. does not want to get sued so they put it on the helmets just like the stickers that say modifications will void the warranty on a lot of stuff. It sounds reasonable that certain solvents in modern paints may soften the plastic the helmets are made of. If it was mine I would go ahead and paint it. I think the color is put in during mfg. rather than after it is out of the mold.

Frankenkit · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2010, 09:58:05 AM »

I think I saw a thread on this somewhere else where they said the original helmet paint is an automotive grade enamel (or some such) and whether or not that has anything to do with maintaining the integrity of the helmet, who knows?

I think it's most likely that Jordan's right- the mfg wants to avoid lawsuits.

Gordon · « **Reply #5 on:** May 17, 2010, 10:30:46 AM »

I could see how using the wrong kind of paint could potentially cause problems. The outer shell is designed to crack on impact, absorbing some of the energy in the process. If you use a paint with solvents that weaken the plastic shell, it may not do its job as well.

75cb550 (kyle) · « **Reply #6 on:** May 17, 2010, 10:47:53 AM »

hmm... not sure yet...
i bet just some pinstriping couldnt hurt though...

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #7 on:** May 17, 2010, 11:20:42 AM »

If your helmet is so old you have to paint it you might as well get a new helmet.

seaweb11 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 17, 2010, 11:42:13 AM »

Quote from: Dukiedook on May 17, 2010, 11:20:42 AM

If your helmet is so old you have to paint it you might as well get a new helmet.

...and an open face helmet at that. Paint away

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #9 on:** May 17, 2010, 11:53:16 AM »

Well, if you put it that way...

scrapvalue · « **Reply #10 on:** May 17, 2010, 12:57:23 PM »

Paint it and ride.
Just don't crash

75cb550 (kyle) · « **Reply #11 on:** May 17, 2010, 01:23:19 PM »

Quote from: scrapvalue on May 17, 2010, 12:57:23 PM

Paint it and ride.
Just don't crash

tha's what im thinking

333 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 19, 2010, 02:46:48 PM »

It has to do with what the helmet is made of and the reaction with the paint. If it is a polycarbonate(plastic) helmet, the wrong paint will melt it into a blob of plastic where you once had a helmet.

Rocking-M · « **Reply #13 on:** May 19, 2010, 04:06:08 PM »

your all wrong...

actually I think it was Arai's helmet discussion which stated that paint in no way
harms the shell. That said, it would be best to make sure you have the inside of the
helmet adequately protected because the paint fumes will/may degrade the liners.

lots of google hits on painting a motorcycle helmet also.

Gordon · « **Reply #14 on:** May 19, 2010, 05:18:46 PM »

Quote from: Rocking-M on May 19, 2010, 04:06:08 PM

your all wrong...

Citation, please.

Rocking-M · « **Reply #15 on:** May 19, 2010, 05:40:21 PM »

Quote from: Gordon on May 19, 2010, 05:18:46 PM

Quote from: Rocking-M on May 19, 2010, 04:06:08 PM
your all wrong...

Citation, please.

do a goggle on motorcycle helmet painting, the internet is full of helmet painters, and many for racers.

Rocking-M · « **Reply #16 on:** May 19, 2010, 05:57:41 PM »

here is a good one Gordon! you can skip to about 2:30 left in the video for the paint question.

http://www.araiamericas.com/default.aspx?pageid=160

Gordon · « **Reply #17 on:** May 19, 2010, 08:14:55 PM »

Quote from: Gordon on May 17, 2010, 10:30:46 AM

I could see how using the wrong kind of paint could potentially cause problems.

So are you saying there is no kind of paint that someone could use that could possibly react in a bad way with the plastic shell of a helmet causing it to be weaker than it was intended to be?

Roach Carver · « **Reply #18 on:** May 19, 2010, 08:16:23 PM »

fiberglass is okay as long as you dont get thru the gel into the fiberglass. plastic helmet I would be afraid to paint.

super pasty white guy · « **Reply #19 on:** May 19, 2010, 08:20:02 PM »

Though I'd guess that a water based product would be ok...

spwg

Don R · « **Reply #20 on:** May 19, 2010, 08:40:17 PM »

If NHRA allows it it must be OK. They have a rule against almost everything. No Happy Racers Allowed.

Stev-o · « **Reply #21 on:** May 19, 2010, 08:45:17 PM »

I say paint away...and don't crash!

Jordan · « **Reply #22 on:** May 19, 2010, 10:00:46 PM »

According to Jay and his bud, as long as you don't pile on the palmaide or butch wax, you can paint the exterior all you want, lets see it when your done, skulls devils flames and babes right?

Frankenkit · « **Reply #23 on:** May 19, 2010, 11:04:13 PM »

one of the ladies on another forum paints helmets...
these are a couple she's done:

and another:

She uses createx water based paints and an Iwata airbrush...

Stev-o · « **Reply #24 on:** May 20, 2010, 06:08:46 AM »

Quote from: Kit on May 19, 2010, 11:04:13 PM

one of the ladies on another forum paints helmets...
these are a couple she's done:

and another:

She uses createx water based paints and an Iwata airbrush...

Those are beautiful!

Kyle - I think "Wonderwoman" would look good on your head, what'dya think?!?

News:

Author Topic: Can you paint a helmet? (Read 2912 times)

scrapvalue