Helmet help

[gfwilliams]

Hi,
I have just bought a new helmet, with the intention of respraying it.

Is it possible to do it myself, and how would I do it?

What is the cheapest company to use to get it sprayed professionally?

Thanks,
From GFWilliams

[wedg1e]

I can't tell you not to, having repainted my lids in the past. But a lot of people gibber about it (solvents attacking the shell, that kind of thing).
I guess with modern solvent-free paint it's less of a problem, but if you want to throw cellulose about then, er, on your head be it

There is a guy near me (www.clevelandbikespray.co.uk) who does some superb work. Their site is being revamped but if you click on 'Helmets' the one shown with the 'martian' mural belongs to another mate... I was that impressed I let him spray my TVR

[gfwilliams]

Thanks for your help, do you have an idea how much it will be to use the company?

[aeropilot]

gfwilliams said:

Thanks for your help, do you have an idea how much it will be to use the company?

Price will depend on what artwork or paint scheme you are having done..?

A simple single colour paint job could be in the £50-75 range, up to a full monty highly detailed air-brushed artwork costing £500+.

[black-k1]

gfwilliams said:

Hi,
I have just bought a new helmet, with the intention of respraying it.

Is it possible to do it myself, and how would I do it?

What is the cheapest company to use to get it sprayed professionally?

Thanks,
From GFWilliams

Make sure the helmet is not manufactured from polycarbonate. The easiest way to tell is that polycarbonate helmets have a ‘seam’ running along the centre of the shell. Painting a polycarbonate helmet will damage the integrity of the shell structure.

[yellowvette]

I wouldn't advise painting it yourself. Most paints available for home use aren't all that durable TBH. At the least you'd need 2-pack and this shouldn't be used at home without the right kit like a mask with seperate air-supply etc. If all you want is single colour then why not strip the lid and then get a decent car bodyshop to paint it for you. If you want fancy airbrush work then there are several who do this. Try the classifieds in MCN.
As above though - make sure it's not polycarb as you'll destroy it if it is. I don't think there are many polycarb lids out there now though ?