Triumphrat

Kem770 · 05-08-2007, 01:20 AM

Is there any paint on the market that's safe to use on helmets? I have a red full face HJC CL-Max that clashes with my green America.

I'd love to just be able to paint it black, so it looks great no matter what bike I'm riding.

Kem

oldndumb · 05-08-2007, 11:59 AM

Why not follow the helmet manufacturer recommendations? They are usualy there for a reason.

soonerfan85 · 05-08-2007, 12:32 PM

Quote:

On 2007-05-08 09:59, oldndumb wrote:
Why not follow the helmet manufacturer recommendations? They are usualy there for a reason.

Which would be what, a warning to not repaint the helmet?

Can't say that I remember ever seeing any advice with regard to repainting a helmet from the manufacturer of any helmet I've ever owned. Maybe I should start reading the manufacturer's placards attached to the helmet.

I imagine using the wrong solvent on a helmet could have a negative impact on the helmet's structural integrity (softening the shell), so maybe not wanting their customers to repaint helmets is a liabilty issue for the manufacturers. Or maybe they would rather just sell you a new helmet.

I have seen somewhere a company that makes helmet skins that slip over the helmet to change its appearance, so that may be an option to repainting.

oldndumb · 05-08-2007, 12:51 PM

Yes, the warning not to paint the helmet. Isn't that what he asked about?

Kem770 · 05-08-2007, 01:10 PM

Quote:

On 2007-05-08 10:51, oldndumb wrote:
Yes, the warning not to paint the helmet. Isn't that what he asked about?

Are we a little cranky this morning? Excuse me for asking.

chefjpd · 05-08-2007, 01:27 PM

why not just contact one of the companies that does custom helmet painting and ask what they use?? I'm sure it's automotive paint.The custom shops use white hemets, do their thing then clearcoat them

if you are painting over an existing paint job, there is no way you can damage the integrity of the inner lid. I'll bet that a rattlecan paint job will work just fine. I used the HD textured black paint on a helmet a few years ago and it came out great.

I think that the helmet companies don't want paintjobs that require heat curing or oven drying.

oldndumb · 05-08-2007, 06:43 PM

Kem770,
Ok, I did a little checking on helmet painting. chefjpd's advice to ask one of the reputable shops doing helmet painting is the way to go.
The reason the mfgrs caution against painting is because, while they retain liability, they have no control over what materials are used and what processes are employed.
Reputable shops assume that liabilty.
No I was not being cranky. If you read sooner's first question, you'll see I was just answering it. And, you're excused for asking. Makes me feel good that you care. :knkknk:

Kem770 · 05-09-2007, 01:42 AM

Quote:

On 2007-05-08 16:43, oldndumb wrote:
Kem770,
Ok, I did a little checking on helmet painting. chefjpd's advice to ask one of the reputable shops doing helmet painting is the way to go.
The reason the mfgrs caution against painting is because, while they retain liability, they have no control over what materials are used and what processes are employed.
Reputable shops assume that liabilty.
No I was not being cranky. If you read sooner's first question, you'll see I was just answering it. And, you're excused for asking. Makes me feel good that you care. :knkknk:

Thanks for checking on the paint. I'll probably just sell this helmet on EBay and buy a different full face helmet. I'll just wear my half helmet until then.

One thing I really like about this site, is that it's like an extended family.

Kem

oldndumb · 05-09-2007, 08:19 PM

Kem770, there is a saying about half helmets. You can PM me if you don't know what it is. I don't know about the rest of the riders, but I wish you would use your fullface until you can replace it. Afterall, it is a piece of safety gear, not a fashion statement. Besides, the red helmet on a green America would be hard for the cagers to ignore. :-D
Oh, by the way, I had to smile at your family comment. I'll give you points for that one. :upthumb:

LITTLEJOHN · 05-12-2007, 12:42 AM

Kem770;
I have a liking for Bell helmets, and they sure don't make any with a paint job that matches a Triumph. I found two full face for my wife and I as soon as I bought the bike 5 years ago. I got the paint codes for sunset red and opal white and had paint made up at a local paint shop and put in spray cans. Made my own design, patterns and went to work. After disassembling the helmet and sanding the outer surface, I applied the new paint and about 10 coats of clear. They still look as good as the day I painted them. The best part is that they match the bike perfectly. Go for it.
John