How Bell Helmets are Painted
Have you ever wondered how and why Bell helmets are painted? Many reasons may push an individual to consider painting a bike or motorcycle helmet.
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Top of the reasons include:
Urge to give your helmet a unique look or appearance
Hiding minor scratches
Award it a brand-new look
Need for your bike and helmet to have the same color
Precautions Before Painting a Bell Helmet
Before you rush to paint your bell helmet consider the following precautions:
What the local authorities say about repainting a bike helmet
Identify and confirm that you have picked the right paint that won’t corrode the helmet shell
Contacting your manufacturer or manual to ensure that painting won’t affect your warranty
Assembling the right tools for the task
If the shell has cracks or holes, it isn’t advisable not to paint the helmet, the paint may seep and damage the inner layers
Some helmet brands discourage painting of helmets since you are likely to mess up and interfere with the effectiveness of the helmet. In most cases, motorcyclist prefer painting bell helmets that have either reached or near their expiry period
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What Kind of Paint Should You Use on the Bell Helmet?
Choosing the right paint is a crucial factor in its success. The best paint for helmets is either spray or acrylic-based paint. However, remember it’s easy to paint a carbon or fiberglass. But a helmet with a plastic shell isn’t easy to paint.
How to Paint Bell Helmet
Having considered the precautions of painting a helmet follow the steps below to paint your bell helmet:
Sanding out the previous paint from the helmet isn’t a wise idea. You are more likely to cause harm to the shell. Instead choose a black matte or white shelled helmet, that way you won’t need any sanding.
Clean any dirt or grease from the shell using warm water, soap detergent, and a lint-free rag. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
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Peel off each to remove stickers, and mask what you shouldn’t remove but don’t want to paint.
Also, use masking tape and plastic to shield off paint from reaching the helmet’s inner side. Don’t try to remove the accessories or inner liner.
Create the unique design you want on the helmet. You can sketch it with pencil, or stencil, or arrange cutting masking tape to make out your pattern. You need to exercise caution and take your time so that the final art comes out perfect.
First, apply the primer to hide away any imperfections and give the base layer paint a nice foundation.
Then move on to apply the base, first second, and finally layer of paint as your situation demands. However, before applying each successive layer, ensure the previous coat has dried for the best result.
Hold the spray can about 15 cm from the shell to get optimum results. Ideally, airbrush spray gives better performance than aerosol can.
Once the paint is dry, remove the masking tapes you had used to bring out the desired design on the helmet.
Finally applying 3 or 4 clear coats as the final paint will add extra to the glowing paint. However, ensure the paint or clear coat doesn’t seep into the inner helmet layer.
Once the clear coat has dried properly (say overnight) you are free to use your helmet.
Painting a bell bike helmet requires thorough preparations to reap the best results. But you have to first consult your helmet manual or manufacturer for advice on the right paint to choose. Also, know what the authorities in your area say about painting a bike helmet.