Looking for information on how to paint a motorcycle helmet? Then you have come to the right place. Before we get into the paint job, however, there’s some general information about bike helmets that you should be aware of. Read on to learn more:
How To Paint A Motorcycle Helmet Reviews:
The Effect Of Helmets
Helmets are primarily designed to protect you by reducing the risk of suffering severe head injury should you ever get into an accident. All helmets will provide you with some level of protection against the head, neck, and facial injury. Of course, you must wear yours properly, ensure that it is fixed on the head, and you have the right fit.
Types of Helmets
While choosing a helmet, you need to understand the difference between various types of motorcycle helmets. Although price, design, and color will be part of your overall decision about the bike helmet to purchase, you should first think about your personal comfort and protection.Read more about helmets.
That said following below are the most common types of helmets on the market today:
1. Full Face Helmets
These helmets are designed for maximum protection. They cover the greatest surface area on your face. Additionally, they come with moveable face shields to protect the eyes.
2. Three-Quarter Helmets
Otherwise referred to as open face helmets, the three quarter variety doesn’t offer the same level of chin and face protection of a full face helmet. Therefore, you might want to wear it in combination with a snap-on face shield or invest in riding goggles that will withstand the impact of debris and stones.
3. Modular Helmets
These types of helmets are a hybrid between the full face and the three-quarter helmets. They come with a 2-piece system featuring all the advantages of both helmet types. Modular helmets also have a mobile chin bar that will slide over to the top at the push of a button.
4. Half Helmets
Also referred to as skull caps and shorties, half helmets are best suited for wearing on a scooter or a cruiser. They are more comfortable and much lighter than the helmets described above. Additionally, shorties provide the greatest visibility. However, they protect less than their counterparts.
5. Off Road Helmets
Off Road helmets are also called Motocross helmets because are used for motocross and racing over short distances.
Why Customize A Motorcycle Helmet
Irrespective of the motorcycle helmet you buy, there are a number of reasons why you might want to customize it. These reasons include, but are not limited to:
a) Safety
You can customize any type of helmet to minimize the chances of sustaining an injury when you are on or off the road.
b) Legal Compliance
Similarly, customizing your motorcycle helmet will ensure that you do not err on the wrong side of the law. Not only will the helmet provide you with safety, it will also do this in such a way that you are complying with the various laws and regulations governing cycling.
c) Sun-Protection
A custom-made helmet will protect your head and face from the sun, especially when you are riding over a long distance.
d) Bug Protection
Similarly, the more customized your helmet, the easier it will be for you to keep the bugs out of your way. For instance, if yours is an open face motorcycle helmet, customizing it with a facemask will keep the pesky bugs out of your mouth.
e) Personal Expression
Perhaps one of the most important of reasons behind motorcycle helmet customization revolves around the ability to express your personality. Whether you have a geeky side, or you have a burly redhead personality, you can easily let this show in the custom-made helmet you adorn while on the road.
Choosing A Nice Helmet
The best helmet, of course, is one that fits. Use the tips below to find the perfect fit:
– Start by measuring your neck and head in centimeters; wrap a piece of string around your head just above the eyebrows and ears
– While shopping for a helmet, try on all the different brands you can get your hands on until you find one that perfectly suits the shape and size of your head
– The helmet you buy should have a snug fit that isn’t too tight- Always read the small type/print if you are shopping for a helmet online; if it isn’t the right fit, return it to the seller
– Your chin and mouth should not touch the chin bar on the motorcycle helmet you end up buying
– Try out a couple of helmets with different head fasteners
– If you can roll the motorcycle helmet backward or forward after you’ve fastened it, it is too big for you
– Any side movement indicates an ill-fitting helmet
– Your ideally-sized helmet should slide on your head snugly once you pull the straps to the side
How To Paint A Motorcycle Helmet
The best way to customize your motorcycle helmet is by painting it. Use the advice below as your personal guide once you decide on kick-starting a DIY helmet painting project:
What You Will Need
– A helmet
– A paint booth/workstation
– Automotive clearcoat
– Denatured alcohol
– Masking tape
– Open air sprayer
– Paint brushes
– Polyurethane top coat
– Protective gear
– Rag
– Sanding paper
– Steel wool
– Water
– White spirit
1. Preparation
After you’ve bought the old helmet, start by cleaning it thoroughly with warm water. If there are stickers, remove them with white spirit or denatured alcohol. Then, follow the steps described below:
- Find an ideal workstation/paint booth for the project free from dust
- Remove all the insides, padding, screws and any moveable part from the helmet
- Tape off the rubber parts on your helmet
- Wet sand the motorcycle helmet using 400-grit sandpaper
- Then, wet sand it using 600-grit sandpaper until the gloss comes off
- Finish the job off with steel wool
2. Painting
After you’ve protected all the parts you won’t be painting, cover the interiors of your motorcycle helmet.
- If you are painting with bombs, start by adding the first details, cover them, and paint the global color after
- While painting, ensure that you take your time
- Set a good distance between the helmet and your hand (around 20 to 30 centimeters) to ensure the paint doesn’t flow into packets
- Let the helmet dry up after you’ve applied the first coat
- Then, add the second coating of paint
- Finish off with the automotive clearcoat/polyurethane finish
- Let the helmet dry in a location free from dust
- Once dry, remove the tape and try out your newly customized helmet
Below is a video with additional tips how to paint a motorcycle helmet
Final Verdict
There’s more to motorcycle helmets than meets the eye. Every time you encounter a beautifully unique helmet, you will be left wondering where the owner bought it. In most cases, all they did was get an old helmet, prepare it, and paint it in a color and pattern of their choice.
You too can do the same. While planning the painting project, however, ensure that you choose colors, patterns, and covers that express your personality and sense of style. This is the best way to get a properly customized helmet that speaks volumes about who you truly are while adding a rare dimension to all your future riding experiences.