Repainting a helmet in a plain colour

[Dobbin]

A mate has given me his old helmet (not very old, never been crashed, I trust him) but it has graphics on it that I greatly dislike. What are my options for painting/spraying it a solid colour. I'm happy to pay someone to do it but this is supposed to be a cheap helmet for me and there's no point in paying close to the price of a new one.

[JimO]

dont think its a good idea to paint them

[Dobbin]

dont think its a good idea to paint them

I believe some paints will ruin the polycarbonate shell, so I'm probably best going to a professional. Who in Auckland would do such a job? I assume people who turn helmets into works of art would not be interested in such a humdrum job.

[Jonno.]

Plasti dip. Mechanical bond, doesn't damage the shell. Cheap as and easy to touch up.

[Dobbin]

Plasti dip. Mechanical bond, doesn't damage the shell. Cheap as and easy to touch up.

Great, thanks!

[AllanB]

People tattoo their knobs and don't die. Just saying.

[WristTwister]

"Rattle can" Plasti-Dip contains a strong solvent (Xylene) which is the same type of solvent used to strip clear-coat.

Does the helmet coincidently fit you and your friend properly? If he's giving it away it can't be that great - what brand is it, how old? FYI The life of the internals of a helmet is about 5 years as this is when its absorption abilities decline (less efficacious at protecting your brain).

If you do repaint it be extremely careful. My vote is you put the money you'd spend on paint towards a helmet for you.

[F5 Dave]

Open the lining up and there will be a date, if not printed on the back of the shell that is.

Should be replaced after 5 yes so if its getting anywhere near that don't waste your time.
The styrene inside breaks down, its not the shell so much. Unless of course the shell has been damaged.

Have you checked out deals on helmets? They can be cheap for something decent.

As someone who's had a head injury with a new fairly well rated helmet, things got better after a few weeks. . , but if my helmet was any worse. Or degraded. I'd be cursing my choice to save a few bucks.

[Madness]

Have you checked out deals on helmets? They can be cheap for something decent.

Less money than a decent rear tyre for a TNAB even.

[awayatc]

New helmets innards compress according to the shape of your head....
So after a wee while wearing they fit you.

Therefor bad idea to get a second hand one....

[Maha]

Is it worse than this graphic? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/helmets-clothing-footwear/helmets/auction-1187653901.htm
If not then you don't really have an issue.

[Dobbin]

The helmet is about three years old and is HJC brand. My mate wore it for about 18 months, then bought a new one because he changed from touring to adventure riding and wanted a different style of helmet. I expect I will buy a new helmet. I had a flip up helmet for the last three and a half years. It did its job last month and I discarded it. The HJC is a fixed full face helmet, and I want to see if that style suits me over a few months before I decide what to buy.

[Big Dog]

The helmet is about three years old and is HJC brand. My mate wore it for about 18 months, then bought a new one because he changed from touring to adventure riding and wanted a different style of helmet. I expect I will buy a new helmet. I had a flip up helmet for the last three and a half years. It did its job last month and I discarded it. The HJC is a fixed full face helmet, and I want to see if that style suits me over a few months before I decide what to buy.
If it's only for a few months just don't look at it.

The accelerants in most paints disolve or harden polystyrene. Even just the fumes will affect the polystyrene. The shock absorbing part.
If you must paint it use a waterborne paint with a water based primer. Air brushes work well.

Another alternative if you are deperate / careful enough is a vinyl wrap.

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[Maha]

I bought an HJC specifically for it's graphics. It suited the bike/gear combo at the time, not so much my eyes but that didn't bother me a sit had an internal drop visor.
Still got it, I used to change lids when I changed bikes which was often but I have had this helmet since 2012, four bikes ago.

[JimO]

People tattoo their knobs and don't die. Just saying.
pics or it didnt happen

[Owl]

Don'tyoufuckinghateitwhenyouhavenospacebargrrrrrr. :mad:

[Maha]

Don'tyoufuckinghateitwhenyouhavenospacebargrrrrrr. :mad:
Ohthatswellbadinnit ;)

[Hemi Makutu]

Check, since there are compatible coatings..

Or simply get some wax-based shoe polish, & cover the graphics.

You could maybe stretch a ski-type balaclava over the top, & trim it to fit the visor.

[Dobbin]

As it turns out, my helmet is plastic, not fibreglass. Apparently it's illegal to repaint a plastic helmet.

[scumdog]

Is it worse than this graphic? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/helmets-clothing-footwear/helmets/auction-1187653901.htm
If not then you don't really have an issue.


Me want.

My old skull-masks are worn out.:weep:

[pritch]

As it turns out, my helmet is plastic, not fibreglass. Apparently it's illegal to repaint a plastic helmet.

I don't know it it's actually illegal but it could qualify you for a Darwin Award. Posthumously of course.

There's a lot written about fibreglass helmets v plastic, both have advantages, but you don't put anything containing solvents on a plastic hat. So it's not just paint some stickers can also affect the plastic. Best to leave it well alone. Use it whie saving for a new one in a colour you like.

[Big Dog]

Me want.

My old skull-masks are worn out.:weep:
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11749454326216

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