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    #1

    Helmet Painting

    Has anyone ever repainted their helmet? What kind of paint would be the best for this application? The paint on my helmet seems to be fairly hard, more so than a regular automotive paint. Maybe it's the clear coat? Any information will help a lot. Thanks.
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    #2
    buy a new helmet with graphics you like. you dont want to risk painting your helmet and accidently weakening it from chemicals used.

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      #3
      I was afraid someone was going to say that. People put custom paint jobs on their helmets all the time. I see a lot of airbrushed graphics and the like. They don't seem too worried about the structural integrity of their helmets being compromised by fresh paint.

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        #4
        There are places that do it with the proper paint so as to not ruin the structural integrity of the helmet. I remember seeing it several times on Speed channel and they do talk about that so that is a good point crazyguy brings up. You don't want to just use any old paint. It should be done by someone who knows how it can be done correctly.

        I wish I could recall some names of places that do it for you but I do not.

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          #5
          Has anyone ever repainted their helmet? What kind of paint would be the best for this application? The paint on my helmet seems to be fairly hard, more so than a regular automotive paint. Maybe it's the clear coat? Any information will help a lot. Thanks.
          I have done two different helmets, one myself with spray bomb laquer and one done professionally. In both cases, I bought new solid color helmets and then added graphics over the base color. It was no problem to do, you just scuff the clear (with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper) and then paint away, then clearcoat the finished job. In both cases, I had a bodyshop spray the clear and cure it in their booth for a hard shell. Neither one was any more prone to chipping than an OEM paint job from what I could see.

          The comments about damaging the shell integrity do apply if your helmet has a plastic shell (virtually all DOT helmets and some SNELL helmets, check with the maker), but if it is fiberglass, it should be no problem.

          The toughest paints are the urethanes, but they are two-part and must be mixed and sprayed immediately. You can sometimes get spray bombs of urethane paint mixed at a body shop (phone around your area, look in the yellow pages) and then you have to use them within a fairly short time span (a few days). If you want a metallic, then it will be a base/clear system and will be harder to do a good job with at home. If you have the sprayer, the urethanes are pretty easy to work with in your garage.

          Mark

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            #6
            Thanks for the info, guys. I have an HJC, so I'd be willing to be that the shell is plastic. So, I guess it's time to start looking for a new helmet(s). It's probably time to replace them anyway.

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              #7
              I have several HJC's marcolli.
              Yes you are right, they are plastic.

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                #8
                I have an HJC, so I'd be willing to be that the shell is plastic.
                Depends on the model. Some of theirs are composite and some plastic. Which one do you have?

                Mark

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                  #9
                  CL-10

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                    #10
                    CL-10
                    Most likely plastic. I think all of the CL series are plastic. I have a CL-14 and it is definitely plastic. I believe the FG series is composite and the AC-11, as well.

                    Mark

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                      #11
                      last bunch of HJC's I looked at were painted with decals and clearcoat over them, and I am sure they were plastic. Almost purchased one for the price (very good sale), but the thought of painting a new helmet is just more than I care to do right now.

                      I have painted helmets over the years, mostly with Enamel, but I would use urethane without hesitation. Lacquer on plastice is the only one I would stay away from. If straight lacquer thinner damages the shell, it isn't worth the chance the paint could too (Actually it would be the thinner in the paint until it is dry that would do the damage). If memory serves me correct, back in the day they were most afraid of the thinners attacking the foam liners and weakening them, and if you ever poured most thinners over styrofoam, you would understand.

                      Fiberglass..paint away with anything and you should be fine.

                      Kenny

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                        #12
                        I have an HJC AC-3 and the shell is fiberglass.

                        Doesn't need repainting though, the shell is already a beautiful flat black 8)

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