People who ride a motorcycle always love the freedom and fun that comes with it. It allows them to express who they are as a person. It is said that customizing your motorcycle is an easy job to do to make it look more appealing.
But what about painting your helmet? You wouldn’t want to stick with the same design and color, right? Can you paint a motorcycle helmet? To do that, you need to learn about what paint you should be using, along with some of the legal and safety concerns that you must know about.
Keep reading this article to find out how you can paint your motorcycle helmet the right way and more information related to your helmet that will help you in the long run.
Is It Illegal To Paint A Motorcycle Helmet?
It is said that painting the helmet is legal in most countries, so you should be worried about nothing. But you should be careful when it comes to painting.
As I have mentioned earlier, you want your helmet to be safe to protect you in case of an accident.
If the helmet is not safe, then it is necessarily illegal everywhere. You must keep in mind that in some places, certain safety standard stickers are mainly issued by the local government, which are placed on the motorcycle helmet.
For example, DOT stickers are used in the United States, ECE stickers are used in Europe, and local helmet standards are used in your country. It is said that you must not remove or paint over them at all.
Other than that, in some countries, they use reflective stickers for visibility at nighttime. You can check if this also applies in your state or country. Just to be on the safe side, be sure to check your country’s laws.
What Type Of Paint Should You Use For Helmet?
Now that you have made up your mind about painting the motorcycle helmet, you must purchase the right type of paint and other tools that can make it easier for you. The best type of paint that works well with helmets has to be spray paints and acrylic paints.
1. Spray Paints
You need to know that spray paints are mainly used for obtaining more graffiti and urban touch on the motorcycle helmet.
It is also worth mentioning that they are pretty easy to use as spray paints can easily cover a large helmet area in just one try.
They are also said to be quite affordable and are easily available at most hardware stores and painting supply stores.
Keep in mind that spray paints can be quite difficult to use when it comes to intricate designs that must be done more precisely.
2. Acrylic Paints
When it comes to acrylic paints, they are the complete opposite of spray paints. The great thing about this type of paint is that you can easily work on detailed designs and write words on the helmet.
The only thing you must keep in mind is that it can be pretty time-consuming to get the job done. You will require a brush to get the job done.
If you want to paint all over the helmets with acrylic, then be sure to get a larger brush so it can be done quickly.
Is Painting The Motorcycle Helmet Safe?
It is said that painting the motorcycle helmet can simultaneously increase or decrease a rider’s safety on the road.
It is said that if you paint the helmet in more noticeable colors, that can increase the visibility on the road while riding the motorcycle.
This means that other people riding on the road will notice you riding on the road and maneuver around you safely so there can be fewer chances of accidents.
Besides that, when you paint your helmet with darker colors, it can be difficult for other people to see you around on the road. But that’s not all.
When it comes to the helmet’s safety, you want to make sure that you use fewer chemicals. If you use paint that isn’t of good quality, it can eventually weaken the helmet’s structural integrity. This can increase the chances of head injuries in the case of a road accident.
For your safety, be sure to choose the right color scheme, mainly lighter shades, and avoid all dark colors as well as the right patterns.
Plus, when it comes to the safety of you on the road and the structural integrity, make sure to ask the manufacturer or consult an expert to determine whether you can paint or not and what type of paint you should be using.
How To Paint A Motorcycle Helmet
As I said earlier, the process of painting is not difficult, and anyone can easily get the job done. But there are certain things you will need and follow to get the job right.
Here are the tools you will need:
- Airbrush or spray gun
- 400 grit sandpaper
- Matte spray paint or acrylic paint
- Clearcoat
- Primer as well as flat black quick coat
- Masking tape
- Scotch Brite abrasive pad
- Latex gloves
With that being said, here is how you can paint your motorcycle helmet.
1. Disassemble the Helmet
Before you start painting, you need to disassemble the helmet first, mainly the easily removable parts, such as the screws, the lens, and the strap placed under the rider’s chin.
Other than that, you can also remove the helmet’s inner lining so the paint does not ruin the inside of the helmet.
2. Preparations
Once you have removed the parts, it is important that you clean and wash the helmet carefully to give all the grease. You should wear latex gloves to not get paint on your hands.
Be sure to inspect the helmet properly to check there aren’t any damages. If your helmet has safety stickers on it, then be sure to cover them as you cannot paint over them.
Other than that, if there is any old paint and sticker glue on top of the helmet, you can smooth and clear the surface by using 400-grade sandpaper. This is an important step because it will give a nice and clean finish when you paint.
Moreover, be sure to use the 400 grit sandpaper and Scotch Brite abrasive pad to remove the shine of the old paint. This is a necessary step because the new paint would not stick on top of it if not done right.
3. Helmet Masking
This is mainly used if you cannot remove the inner lining on the helmet. The masking tape is required to cover all the parts you do not wish to paint.
You can do this process easily by scrunching up some newspaper and placing it inside the helmet, and securing it in place, be sure to use the masking tape so that it does not come out.
4. Primer Undercoat
You will now start by applying the undercoat to the helmet’s surface. After this is done, make sure to wait patiently because you want the undercoat to dry completely. You cannot paint over the undercoat because it will ruin the whole process.
Also, be sure to apply at least 2 to 3 layers and coats of primer. You should let the primer dry overnight. If you are using spray paint, then be sure to avoid the masking tape area as paper can easily absorb the paint.
5. Guide Coating
Now you can easily apply and use the spray can of the flat black quick coat. This is mainly used to lightly mist the outside surface of the helmet.
After doing so, be sure to wait and let it dry completely. After that, you can use the 400 grit wet and dry sandpaper and a block inside the warm and soapy water.
Be sure to sand your helmet carefully so the surface can be as smooth as possible. It is worth mentioning that when you are sanding, the black guide coat should not remain black, and if it is, you will have to continue sanding it until it vanishes altogether but be sure the primer is still visible.
After that, you will need to wash the helmet very well. Now you will need a wax and a grease remover on a dry cloth. Wipe off the helmet with this until all the dust is removed.
6. Painting
If you are using a spray, be sure to shake it well. You want to be quick with the process.
If you are using acrylic paint, then make sure that you are taking your time to make sure you are precisely painting every area.
If the colors are light, you might have to go for 3 to 4 coats. But be sure to let the first coat dry and then continue.
7. Clear Coat Application
After the paint dries, you will have to clear coat the surface, so there is no need for buffing. Apply it like you are applying the paint.
Wait for the coat to dry. The next day you can use the 1500 grade sandpaper for a smooth surface and a nice finish.
8. Finishing Off
Now that the process is done, you will have to remove the masking tape and the scrunched-up newspaper from the inside.
Be sure the helmet is completely dry, and then start reassembling all the parts you removed. Be sure to tighten everything in place and check everything at the end.
Conclusion
I expect that now you got the answer you were searching for associated with the question; can you paint a motorcycle helmet? The answer is a big yes! You can paint it in any pattern and design that you like using your favorite colors.
It is always fun when it comes to customizing your motorcycle. This way, you are making it stand out even more than others.
Plus, it also makes it more fun to cruise on. All you need to do is follow the steps very carefully and enjoy the process. So have fun painting.
I am a passionate blogger who wants to spread my interest in motorcycles. Fueled by my love for motorcycles, I provide readers with valuable insights and updates on motorcycles’ informative and engaging topics and document the latest happenings in the biking community. Despite my hectic schedule, I can provide these blogs, which involve regular trips to the gym and sports like mountain biking and BMX. I am usually available most of the time, so be sure to join me on my journey of motorcycles and bikes! I appreciate a quiet and simple life and am always eager to interact with my readers to provide helpful information on my blog site.
