[xBhp Universal Thread]: DIY : Helmet Painting

[ripper]

Hello All,
I took one stab at painting my own helmet and it came out alright according to me, but I think it could have been better with a little practise. My lid a vemar Boomerang had a lot of scratches on it over the time and use, so wanted to make it look new my way, besides also wanted something custom. The designs are my own with a little inspiration from other lids available. The paints used were spray cans available in the market. I could post a step by step procedure if anyone's interested. Do let me know what u think. Ciao!


PS: Others Could use this thread to post their custom lids aswell.

[Aryan]

Universal Thread Approved.

@ripper: It would be beneficial if you can post a step by step guide to what you did, and the final product as well.

[addyrulz01]

Originally Posted by ripper

Hello All,
I took one stab at painting my own helmet and it came out alright according to me, but I think it could have been better with a little practise. My lid a vemar Boomerang had a lot of scratches on it over the time and use, so wanted to make it look new my way, besides also wanted something custom. The designs are my own with a little inspiration from other lids available. The paints used were spray cans available in the market. I could post a step by step procedure if anyone's interested. Do let me know what u think. Ciao!


PS: Others Could use this thread to post their custom lids aswell.

superb. even i am planning to do the same with my 2 yr old vega helmet. please provide step by step information if you can

[vas]

Originally Posted by addyrulz01

superb. even i am planning to do the same . please provide step by step information if you can

^^^+1
and some pics of the final product as well Mr.ripper

[winzeee]

Originally Posted by vas

^^^+1
and some pics of the final product as well Mr.ripper

Looks Brilliant Rohan, good work,Although i fell some finishing is required
PS: Were did u buy the spray can from

W

[ravisanjeevk]

Very nice

[vas]

you have done such a wonderful job ripper
it ain't that bad!
BTW step-by-step procedure plz

[ripper]

Material Needed: Putty for plastics, Applicator ( 3inX2in metal piece) Available at any hardware shop, rubbing Compound, Automotive polish 340 and 400 grit wet sand paper, Thinner, Spray cans-colour of your choice, Clear Lacquer,3M masking tape, Newspaper, Hair Drier (Optional), A design and a hell lot of patience.

Steps Involved:

1 Clean your helmet of anything that will come off get rid of, padding, visor, bolts etc.

2. Now we have a shell with only the straps and polystyrene inside. Here you've got to cover the insides, especially the straps with paper and some masking tape so that it remains clean.

3. Now comes the prepping, mask off areas like the vents, rubber beading at the base and anything else that does not require painting. Cut a small piece of the 340 grit sandpaper and start scraping the shell, get rid of all scratches., dings, cuts etc, use plenty of water with the sandpaper, else you'll end up scrapping too much. Make the surface as smooth as possible. Now run your hand over the entire area of the lid for any invisible depressions, identify and scrape again. Keep doing this until the lid is completely smooth. Remember what you do here will show up on the final product.

4. For places where it is not possible to scrape, ie where the paint has chipped (big spots) you've got to apply putty. Use the applicator to apply evenly.This is very tricky as the putty dries as soon as you apply so you have to apply a thin layer at a time, cover the patch an the surroundings as well. Let it dry well for an hour at least. Now start wet sanding with the same used 340 grit paper , use a lot of water. Be advised, the putty could come off if you apply too much of pressure. Once done wipe with a soft cloth and check the sanded area, if its smooth and as per desired level of finish, then proceed, else repeat step 3. Now scrape with the 400 grit paper, the same way till you have a smooth surface.

5.What you need is the smoothest surface you can, whilst maintaining a certain roughness, this is called a key, which are microscopic scratches that the paint can grip on to so it will adhere to the surface of your helmet. This is a fine line: too smooth and no key, hence the paint won’t adhere, too rough and the scratches will show through the basecoat (first paint coat) which obviously won’t do.

6: According to your choice of colour select the base coat. (Mine was black so i chose black). If you select blue or any light colour id recommend using white as it give good texture and brings out the colour .

7: When applying paint put on in very light coats, here if you apply heavy coats it will accumulate at a spot and start dripping. Keep the can atleast a foot away from the surface and keep moving it continuously from left right- up- down, side to side motion will also do. (Remember never too close). Wait atleast 5 mins between coats. A total of 4 coats should be sufficient for the base. Allow to dry for and hour, you could use a hair drier to speed up the process. The paint usually dries in 5 mins but doesnt dry completely, so the time. If you heppen to run the paint, use thinner with a cloth to remove the excess, then touch up again.

8: Once completely dry, according to your design mask of he areas with the masking tape and spray with colours of your choice. Remeber to stick the tape well , else it would run through the tape , ruining your design. Its a painstaking process so take your time and go slow with it. Dont rush things. Once done, let it dry completely, then remove the tape and wet sand the whole thing with the 400 grit paper, you could use 800 grit as well. Make the surface ultra smooth, since its going to be the final step. take your time. Paste decals etc if any Now.

9. Wipe the lid witha lint free cloth. cover the surrounding areas with paper. A dust free room would be preffered here. Now take the lacquer can and shake it really well. This could be tricky for people who dont have much exp. wit painting. Keep the can straight, Press the button and move your arm side to side, cove the entire surface. wait for 2 mins beteen coats, then go again. Repeat another 2 times and let it dry for a day atleast. Now sand again (i did not do this as i lost patience) with a 1500 grit sand paper and later 2000 grit and then maybe 3000. to get a smooth surface.

10. Wipe the lid with a damp cloth to remove the sanding dust. Now apply another coat of laquer and let it dry. You're almost done.

11. Remove all the maskings, covers etc etc and clean the lid again. Use the rubbing comound to rub the surface to a shine, dont rub too hard as it could take of the lacquer coat along with it. Wipe again and then apply polish and buff to a shine.

12. Once done, Relax, feel proud , Take some pics and post it up here.


Any Further Queries, Feel free to ask!

Materials used by me:
1: Bosny Glossy Black-- Rs 220 for 400cc
2: Botny Superior White--- Rs 140 for 400cc Chinese Make
3: Com ( T. Blue) --- RS 100 for 120ml
4: Com Clear Lacquer --- Rs 100 for 120 ml
5: 320 grit SP: Rs 10
6: 400 grit: Rs 15
7: Putty : Rs 37 for 200 gms
8: Applicator: Rs 10
9: Masking tape: Rs 20
10: Thinner: Rs 20 for 100ml

[armourofgod]

Good creativity..............

And I guess that white sticker will stand out during the night.

[ripper]

@Winzee: Picked up the paints from sagar scooters at chincholi bunder in Malad and the shop to its right.