How do I paint my helmet?

My first thought would be - DON'T.

Often, even with the new materiel used for helmet shells, paints can act as a solvent, softening the shell. Not a good thing for something that's supposed to protect your noggin. Many times, colors and graphics are molded into the resins prior to the clearcoat layer being applied.

It wouldn't hurt to contact a local custom paint shop and see what they have to say or sell (products, not services, per se). There might be workarounds as far as newer paint and pigmenting stuff, that won't compromise the integrity of the helmet.

White makes a great looking helment in my opinion. It won't look right with a home paint job. If you don't like it trade it for a black one or use it as a spare. I personally prefer white myself.

White is alot safer as it can be seen much further away. Stick with white.

From Shoei Safety Helmet Corp.

We at Shoei North America recommend professional painters and it is always important to get the advice of a professional painter before painting your helmet, but this is what is recommended. You do not want to remove any lower vents or rubber beading on the helmet though they should be taped off to avoid getting unwanted paint on them. The helmet should also be lightly sanded just to remove the clear coat on the outer layer of the helmet. The only paint recommended on a Shoei helmet is acrylic enamel based paint. When drying the helmet do not use a high heat drying method as it may damage the protective quality of the Polystyrene liner on the inside of your helmet. Please feel free to reply with any questions-

Patrick Houlihan
Technical Advisor
Shoei Safety Helmet Corp.

You see what you have done now. If you paint that defenseless helmet the
DOT Cops will be at your house before the paint dries Just remember
They are always watching

Painting your helmet is illegal in many states.

JimmyAcorn said:

Painting your helmet is illegal in many states.

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1st time i ever heard that i have seen hundreds of custom painted helmets over the years..

Why not just get some cool stickers or something.If the white isnt cool with you , then you could sell it and use the money to buy one that you want.

jdog109socal said:

1st time i ever heard that i have seen hundreds of custom painted helmets over the years..

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Sounds silly to me too but I recall that I can't recall where I saw that. But I also saw where stickers are illegal on helmets as well in some states.

Yeah, they probably are illegal in NJ.We cant even pump gas!

bsporty said:

Yeah, they probably are illegal in NJ.We cant even pump gas!

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Or turn left.

interesting...Acrylic Enamal paint...hmmm..

Gotta love the jug handles!!!!

I say go with stickers or decals.

Cory

I agree with WACB650 I would suggest going for retro reflective stickers. You could actually cover your entire helm in a black that would then make you extremely visible at night. For example......http://www.streetglo.net/reflective.motorcycle.frame.kit.html

I found this on ebay ,what do you think
ebay item no :250331537963

Uesque said:

Or turn left.

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seriously?

i vote stay with stickers or as a spare and just save up for the one you want