How To Repaint Motorcycle Helmet: Achieve a Pro Finish

Can I repaint my motorcycle helmet? Yes, you can repaint your motorcycle helmet. However, it’s vital to do it right to avoid damaging the helmet’s protective qualities. This comprehensive motorcycle helmet painting guide will walk you through each step to achieve a professional finish. Whether you’re looking to refresh an old helmet or create a custom helmet paint design, this DIY helmet paint job guide will help you do it safely and effectively.

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Why Repaint Your Motorcycle Helmet?

There are several reasons to consider motorcycle helmet refinishing:

• Aesthetics: A fresh coat of paint can dramatically improve your helmet’s look.
• Personalization: Create a unique, custom design to match your style.
• Restoration: Revive a scratched or faded helmet.
• Safety: While repainting primarily focuses on appearance, a new, bright color can increase visibility.

Safety First: Crucial Considerations

Before you even think about grabbing a can of spray paint, you must address safety:

• Paint Compatibility: Always use paints specifically designed for plastics and compatible with your helmet’s shell material (usually polycarbonate or fiberglass). Incorrect paints can degrade the shell, compromising its protection. Contact the helmet manufacturer if you are unsure about compatibility.
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area. Wear a respirator mask to avoid inhaling paint fumes.
• Disassembly: Remove as much of the helmet’s interior padding and visor as possible. This protects them from overspray and makes painting easier.
• Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the helmet for cracks or damage before you start. A damaged helmet should be replaced, not repainted.

Motorcycle Helmet Painting Supplies: What You’ll Need

Having the right tools and materials is essential. Here’s a comprehensive list of motorcycle helmet painting supplies:

• Sandpaper:
  • 220 grit (for initial scuffing)
  • 400 grit (for smoothing)
  • 600-800 grit (for final smoothing before paint)
  • 1000-2000 grit (for wet sanding the clear coat)
• Primer: Automotive primer designed for plastics.
• Paint: Automotive-grade acrylic lacquer or urethane paint specifically for plastics. Choose your desired colors.
• Clear Coat: Automotive-grade 2K clear coat (two-component clear coat for durability) is highly recommended.
• Masking Tape: High-quality automotive masking tape.
• Masking Paper or Plastic Sheeting: To protect surrounding areas.
• Tack Cloth: To remove dust and particles.
• Degreaser/Wax and Grease Remover: To clean the helmet surface.
• Respirator Mask: Essential for protecting your lungs from harmful fumes.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Lint-Free Cloths: For cleaning and wiping.
• Spray Gun (Optional): For a professional finish, a spray gun is recommended. Alternatively, use spray cans.
• Mixing Cups and Sticks (If using a spray gun): For mixing paint and clear coat.
• Wax and Polish: For buffing and polishing the clear coat.
• Heat Gun or Hair Dryer (Optional): To speed up drying time.

Helmet Prep For Painting: Step-by-Step Motorcycle Helmet Painting Tutorial

The secret to a great paint job lies in proper preparation. Skipping steps here will lead to a poor final result. This is the most important part of the motorcycle helmet painting tutorial.

Step 1: Disassembly and Cleaning

• Carefully remove all removable parts: visor, cheek pads, neck roll, and any other internal components.
• Thoroughly clean the helmet shell with soap and water to remove dirt, grease, and any residue.
• Use a wax and grease remover to ensure a completely clean surface.

Step 2: Sanding Motorcycle Helmet for Paint

Sanding creates a surface that the primer can properly adhere to.

• Initial Scuffing: Using 220-grit sandpaper, lightly scuff the entire surface of the helmet. The goal is not to remove the existing paint entirely but to create a “key” for the primer to grip.
• Smoothing: Follow up with 400-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough areas created by the 220-grit.
• Final Smoothing: Use 600-800 grit sandpaper for a final, smooth surface.
• Important: Sand evenly and avoid sanding too aggressively in one spot. Be especially careful around edges and raised details.
• After sanding, thoroughly clean the helmet with a tack cloth to remove all sanding dust.

Step 3: Masking

• Use high-quality automotive masking tape to carefully mask off any areas you don’t want to paint, such as rubber trim, vents, or the helmet’s interior.
• Ensure the tape is firmly pressed down to prevent paint bleed.
• Use masking paper or plastic sheeting to protect larger areas.

Step 4: Priming

• Apply 2-3 light coats of automotive primer, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.
• The primer provides a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to.
• After the primer has dried, inspect for any imperfections. If necessary, lightly sand any imperfections with 600-grit sandpaper.
• Clean the helmet again with a tack cloth after sanding.

Painting Your Helmet: Applying Color

Step 5: Applying the Base Coat

• Apply several thin, even coats of your chosen base color. Avoid applying the paint too thickly, as this can lead to runs and drips.
• Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Refer to the paint manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.
• Depending on the paint’s opacity, you may need 3-4 coats to achieve full coverage.

Step 6: Custom Designs (Optional)

• If you’re adding a custom design, now’s the time. This can involve more masking, stencils, airbrushing, or hand-painting.
• Allow any custom paintwork to dry completely before moving on.

How to Clear Coat a Motorcycle Helmet: Protecting Your Work

The clear coat protects the paint and gives it a glossy, professional finish.

Step 7: Applying the Clear Coat

• Apply 2-3 coats of automotive-grade 2K clear coat. This type of clear coat is more durable and provides better protection than single-stage clear coats.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and application.
• Apply thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
• A spray gun is highly recommended for applying clear coat, as it provides a more even and consistent finish. However, you can use spray cans if you don’t have a spray gun.

Step 8: Wet Sanding (Optional, but Recommended)

• After the clear coat has fully cured (usually 24-48 hours), you can wet sand it to remove any imperfections, such as orange peel or dust particles.
• Use 1000-2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Soak the sandpaper in water for several minutes before use.
• Lightly sand the clear coat, keeping the surface wet at all times.
• Rinse the helmet thoroughly after wet sanding.

Step 9: Buffing and Polishing

• After wet sanding, use a buffing compound and a polishing pad to buff the clear coat to a high shine.
• Follow the buffing compound manufacturer’s instructions.
• This step will remove any swirl marks left by the wet sanding and create a smooth, glossy finish.

Reassembly and Final Touches

Step 10: Reassembly

• Carefully reassemble all the helmet’s components: visor, cheek pads, neck roll, and any other internal parts.
• Ensure all parts are securely attached.

Step 11: Final Inspection

• Thoroughly inspect the helmet for any imperfections.
• Clean the visor and any other surfaces.

Best Paint For Motorcycle Helmet: Choosing the Right Product

Selecting the correct paint is crucial for both aesthetics and safety. Here’s what to look for in the best paint for motorcycle helmet:

• Type: Automotive-grade acrylic lacquer or urethane paints are generally recommended. These paints are durable, provide good color coverage, and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes.
• Compatibility: Ensure the paint is compatible with the helmet shell material (polycarbonate or fiberglass). Check the paint manufacturer’s specifications or consult with a paint supplier.
• Flexibility: Choose a paint that is flexible enough to withstand impacts and temperature changes without cracking or chipping.
• UV Resistance: Select a paint that is UV resistant to prevent fading over time.
• 2K Clear Coat Compatibility: If you’re using a 2K clear coat, ensure the base coat paint is compatible.
• Brands: Reputable brands like PPG, DuPont (now Axalta), House of Kolor, and Spraymax offer high-quality automotive paints that are suitable for motorcycle helmets.

Important Considerations:

• Thin Coats: Always apply thin, even coats of paint and clear coat. This will prevent runs, drips, and other imperfections.
• Drying Time: Allow each coat of paint and clear coat to dry completely before applying the next. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area. Wear a respirator mask to protect your lungs from harmful fumes.
• Test Panel: Before painting the entire helmet, test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility and color accuracy.

Fathoming Legalities and Warranties

• DOT/ECE Certification: Repainting a helmet may void its DOT/ECE certification, depending on the manufacturer and local regulations. Check with your local authorities and the helmet manufacturer for clarification.
• Warranty: Repainting a helmet will almost certainly void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Custom Helmet Paint Design: Ideas and Inspiration

Let your creativity flow! Here are some ideas for custom helmet paint designs:

• Replicas: Recreate the design of your favorite racer’s helmet.
• Graphics: Add stripes, flames, or other graphic elements.
• Airbrushing: Create intricate designs using an airbrush.
• Stencils: Use stencils to create precise shapes and patterns.
• Personalized Touches: Add your name, initials, or a meaningful symbol.
• Color Combinations: Experiment with different color combinations to create a unique look.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Runs and Drips: Apply thinner coats of paint. If runs or drips occur, allow the paint to dry completely, then sand them down with fine-grit sandpaper and reapply the paint.
• Orange Peel: Use a high-quality clear coat and apply it in thin, even coats. Wet sanding and buffing can also help to reduce orange peel.
• Paint Peeling: Ensure the helmet surface is properly prepared before painting. Sand the surface thoroughly and use a high-quality primer.
• Color Mismatch: Test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area before painting the entire helmet to ensure color accuracy.

FAQ: Repainting Your Motorcycle Helmet

• What kind of paint do I use on a motorcycle helmet? Use automotive-grade acrylic lacquer or urethane paints designed for plastics.
• How much does it cost to paint a motorcycle helmet? The cost varies depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used. A simple DIY paint job can cost as little as $50-$100, while a professional custom paint job can cost several hundred dollars.
• Can I use spray paint on a motorcycle helmet? Yes, you can use spray paint, but make sure it’s automotive-grade and compatible with the helmet’s shell material.
• Is it safe to paint a motorcycle helmet? Yes, it’s safe if you use the right materials and techniques. Always prioritize safety by using compatible paints, working in a well-ventilated area, and wearing a respirator mask.
• Will painting my helmet void the warranty? Yes, painting your helmet will almost certainly void the manufacturer’s warranty.
• How do I remove old paint from a motorcycle helmet? You can use chemical paint strippers designed for plastics. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Sanding is another option, but be careful not to damage the helmet shell.

Final Thoughts

Repainting your motorcycle helmet can be a rewarding project. By following this comprehensive motorcycle helmet painting guide and taking your time, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that enhances your helmet’s appearance and reflects your personal style. Remember to prioritize safety and use the right materials to ensure the integrity of your helmet’s protective capabilities. Happy painting!