Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Helmets and Gear Help - How to paint a helmet?

Anyone paint their helmet? I have a full-face silver one that looks HUGE (well, it is XL) but would like to paint it to make it look smaller...maybe the bottom half to match my bike or something like that.

So, any suggestions on what paint, prep work would work?

Sand with very fine sandpaper, just enough to give the paint somethingto grip. If you slightly dull the survace, that is all you need. Get plastic friendly paint from a hobby store that carries plastic models and supplies.

If you were to paint it to match the bike does the triumph touch up paint come in a spray can ?

I think it only comes in the little bottles with the fingernail brush. You might be able to find out on the parts page at the Triumph web site.

FYI, did find this site for how to airbrush a motorcycle helmet.

http://www.katewerk.com/stepbystep.html

If you're going with a solid color, Krylon is now making a paint designed for plastic surfaces.

Quote:

Krylon® Fusion is the world's first no-prep superbond paint for plastic. This revolutionary product makes life simple, again. With no sanding or priming, this product dries in 15 minutes or less. Fusion bonds easily to plastic, PVC, hard vinyl, resin and more creating a durable, professional-looking finish that won't chip, peel or fade.
http://www.krylon.com/main/product_template.cfm?levelid=5&content=level


I'm a little old school, and don't exactly buy their no sanding theory for glossy plastic surfaces, but I could be wrong. A light surface prep via wet sanding with some fine grit would be my choice.

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A little OT, and not for helmet painting -- Krylon makes a latex based spray paint that is a pure joy to work with. Overspray is minimal, and a can goes a very very long way. The finish is slightly nubbly, but it lays on so evenly you almost can't go wrong.