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SoCal, CA
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JohnCharlesC
10/16/2019 9:43am
10/16/2019 9:43am
Edited Date/Time
12/1/2019 2:30am
I was going to custom paint my helmet but I’ve never done it before. I’ve been reading up and watching videos and I feel like I am up to the task. Because I am not a painter I was planning to use good ole spray paint. Anyone here with experience on this? What are the “best” brands to use for; masking tape, primer, base coat, clear coat etc..?? When prepping the helmet what grit to use?? Any tips and help appreciated!
Valspar makes a decent spray can IMO. But rattle cans are rattle cans. Always proud of myself when I do good work with a rattle can!
Good luck!
The Shop
Here’s what I have so far.
Also, sorry if this post is not in the correct section, if there is one.. just thought it was a fun project I would share!
I've painted a few helmets, a trick to that green tape, you can place a piece on your shirt before you apply to knock down the adhesion a bit.
For the logos, such as your Fox logo, contact your local sign shop and have them make you a stencil out of paint mask vinyl. Will save you a lot of time and headache, plus it is typically cheap.
As far as taping off a design I would recommend using, FBS ProBand (the green one) or K-tape fineline.
http://www.fbs-online.com/Centre/Framesets/P_Masks.html
If you have access to the proper equipment to spray an automotive grade clear coat, that is the best way to go. I was lucky, as my Dad works at a RV manufacturing facility, so I'd pay his co-workers to clear the helmet for me.
You can get away with clear coat out of an aerosol can, but the quality won't be nearly as good. Might be best to contact a local auto body shop for a quote.
One last thing, I can't tell from the pictures but make sure to tape off the underside of the helmet and stuff some old t-shirts or rags in there. If you have any questions I'm glad to lend any advice. Here's the last two I painted.
Am I wrong in thinking the tape should be extra sticky? I would think it helps keep the lines cleaner and no bleed through?
Pit Row
Agree on the vinyl. Tracing, cutting and taping the Fox logo was such a big task. And in the end it doesn’t even look perfect. Haha
Your helmets came out really nice. Mine are nowhere near that lol.
As for the clear coat, I was trying to keep everything “in house” and I also wanted to try every step. In the end, I think it came out pretty good.
Also, I read somewhere that you need to clear coat within 24hrs of painting? I waiting days in between each new colors.. don’t know if that’s right or wrong and how it affects the overall curing?
Thanks!
Some close ups. Not perfect but it’ll do. Haha
The drip
Don’t mind the stars on the visor. My girlfriend wanted some input in the design
Getting the foam pieces back in was a feat in itself! haha
As far as clear coating within 24 hours I wouldn't worry too much about that. I've never cleared one within 24 hours and they all turned out fine. I definitely agree with you note on time between colors. Let it air dry a few days.
How long do you wait to paint over existing layers? Only reason I wait a day or so is because I am afraid the tape will "peel off" with the tape when I remove it.
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