[slickmonster]

Ok...I realize this is probably been beat to death, but I was just curious as to what the best type of paint is to re-paint my helmet. I read somewhere that certain paints are not good b/c they can eat through the layers of the helmet (or something like that). Anybody know which brands/types of paint are safe and durable for a helmet?

 

[Lead_Teeth]

I am curious about this, as well, and surprisingly, i din't find much info on the web. I have also heard that some paints may cause damage to the shell of a helmet and some will not adhere well. I think the best way to find out what will and will not work would be to ask somebody who paints helmets/ cars/ ect for a living. It may be hard to find a person who is willing to give up the info, but who knows.

If you do learn anything, post it here, and share with the rest of us.

A side note- I called Shoei and asked them about it and the guy said they recommend having it professionally painted because only a professional would know what kind of paint to use and it "may not look good" if i do it myself. Which sort of led me to believe that the biggest risk is just not having the paint adhere correctly, or drip or something. But these are just aesthetic risks. He also said that it's completely fine to put any kind of stickers on a helmet.

 

[hogkrazy]

I have used rattlecan paint on helmets throughout the years and never detected any problems.

 

[Lead_Teeth]

A couple links that may help those who are interested in painting their helmets-

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/6546/stepbystep.html

http://home.freeuk.com/nigbuckman/DIY.html

 

[DaffeDuc]

I don't think the paint would "eat" through the helmet... certain paints might damage the clear-coat but paint is paint... the solution that the pigment is suspended in is usually the culprit in certain instances.

 

[Mark1305]

While this topic is up for discussion, would it be advisable to get clearcoat applied to a helmet to protect an autograph done in permanent marker?

Anyone know if any particular types of clearcoat would dissolve the marker and cause it to bleed into the clearcoat or otherwise damage the autograph?

 

[Lead_Teeth]

I think an acrylic clear coat would be pretty safe. Just do very light coatings.

And if you want to be safe about it, write something with permanent marker on a plastic or glass surface and test it. See if it bleeds.

 

[DaffeDuc]

use a sharpie... i have a Doug Polen autographed Suomy helmet... he used a silver sharpie on it. havent tried rubbing the signature off yet.

 

[slickmonster]

So I guess the concensus is that any paint will do??

 

[Lead_Teeth]

So I guess the concensus is that any paint will do??

No, I think the consensus is that nobody has a definitive answer for you. I know that some paints are not compatible with certain materials (some plastic, etc.). Krylon has a new paint out that is supposed to work well with all plastics.

Your best bets are to 1) call a painter and ask for help and/ or 2) find an old junker helmet and try it out!

Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

[Guest]

Any automotive polyurethane paint should work just fine.