Quick question, painting a helmet?

[richb]

Don't know if this is a daft question but here goes... What is wrong with spraying a white crash helmet with a colour? Obviously it must be OK 'cos all race drivers have the helmets painted so what's the rules for paint type etc. Now that aerosol paints are more cuddly and green are they OK to use? Rich...

[awracing]

Nothing wrong with painting your helmet BUT you MUST use certain paint that wont react with the strutural integrety of the helmet.

[anonymous-user]

I watched a bit of a Q&A session given by a chap from Arai at the Bike show the other weekend. Apparently the problem is that the solvents will attack the polystyrene used for the inner shell of the helmet.

[richb]

So what paint can I use?

[spectatorsam]

try contactin gthe manufacturer for advise
it must come up again and again, there may be a FAQ on their website?

[awracing]

Or speak to profesional helmet painters and ask what paints they use. Non-solvent based is probably the stuff to go for

[taffyracer]

I wouldn't personally, had mine done professionally by this guy, www.graf-x.co.uk did a cracking job

[racylady]

Had mine done professionally too - cost a bit but, when it's protecting your head I wouldn't want to have a go myself and weaken the structure in any way. Not worth it IMHO.

[J1mmyD]

Do you really want to paint it?

Depending on what you want to put on there, why not go to your local signwriters and get some vinyls made?

There was a demo given when I was at school by a biker who had a collection of helmets from actual accidents - one unfortunate rider had stuck fake fur all over his helmet with the result that, when he needed it most, the helmet simply shattered. This chap further demonstrated my pouring acetate over a clear visor - this way you sould see the immediate crazing and the visor shattered when a little pressure was applied.

Just be very careful what you use.

[munter]

J1mmyD said:

Depending on what you want to put on there, why not go to your local signwriters and get some vinyls made?

And what will the glue on the vinyls do to the helmet?... You'd have t check that that was compatable as well.

[fwdracer]

Best route is don't stick anything on a helmet other than an RAC approval sticker. You just don't know what interaction the glues/adhesives/solvents have on the skid lid structurally.

If you need your ego massaging () with a custom paint job then go and see one of the helmet painting specialist that exist (who know what can and can't be used).

Course..... you'll be at least 3/10ths quicker with a painted helmet.

[richb]

fwdracer said:

If you need your ego massaging () with a custom paint job then go and see one of the helmet painting specialist that exist (who know what can and can't be used).

Course..... you'll be at least 3/10ths quicker with a painted helmet.

All very true, but then I guess it's the same with people wearing expensive racing boots which achieve nothing more than a pair of old Hi-Tec squash shoes but people still spend £100's them. Personal whim I guess.

[jacobyte]

Stand21 did a great job on my helmet. I believe it's acrylic paint that should be used.

Of course it's partly vanity, but also it's so the we can tell who is driving when looking at photos afterwards.

[richb]

Thanks...