The interior of a football helmet is what a player uses to protect their head from any form of impact.
The outside, however, is what the player uses to make a statement, represent a team, and feel good before, during, and after a game.
Whether you’re looking to restore an old team helmet or make yourself a cool decorative item, it is important to know the method of paint to the football helmet.
Spray painting a football helmet is not a difficult process but there are certain things that you should keep in mind to avoid issues.
This guide will help you spray paint a football helmet with satisfactory results.
This guide will help you out in doing so the whole process without creating any mess on the surface of the helmet.
Newbies should follow each step explained in this post to get the best results for their helmets.
How to spray paint a football helmet?
Tools you need to do the job
- Scraper for removing old paint
- Protective gear for the body
- Gloves
- Face mask
- Glasses
- Spray paint cans
- Masking tape or newspaper
Scraping the surface of helmet
Scraping is a job that cannot be avoided, especially in some painted jobs. This task is easy in scraped jobs but it is more time-consuming.
To do this task, you have to take some precautionary measures.
First of all, you have to cover the place which is around you with paper so that there will not be any paint or a splatter which spreads in the air.
Then you have to wear protective gear. After that, you put the helmet on a stand and move it around a bit so that you can understand the position in which you are going to put it.
After that, you have to put the scraper in your hand and make a curve at the top of the helmet. With this, you can easily scrape it.
It will take time in the beginning but you will get used to it and it will be more efficient.
Sand the surface
The first thing you do is to wash the helmet thoroughly, then rinse it with clean water to remove any soap residue and dirt.
Next, wet a clean cloth in an all-purpose cleaner, like Fantastik, and wipe the helmet down.
After that, you can use very fine sandpaper, like a 600-grit, to lightly sand the surface of the helmet.
This gives the helmet a rougher surface, so the paint will stay on it better. Before you paint the helmet, you should allow it to dry for at least two days.
You can speed up the drying process by setting the helmet in a well-ventilated, dry area for two days.
Apply masking tape inside and cover properly
First of all, the masking tape should be easy to stick to the helmet material. The masking tape should not leave any residue when you remove it.
To stick masking tape to the football helmet material, you need two pieces of masking tape sticky together.
First place one piece of masking tape on the football helmet. To make sure that the masking tape sticks, press it against the surface of the football helmet.
Press it with your hand for about 30 seconds. After the masking tape sticks, put another piece of tape on top of it.
Use a different color so that you can easily see where you have applied the tape. After you have applied the tape, spray paint the football helmet.
Start spray painting with spray cans
Finally, once the first layer has dried for about 15-30 minutes (depending on instructions given by your chosen brand).
One can put another coat on to level out any type of imperfection in the initial application from your first coat to avoid giving.
An uneven look overall when finished with a second application.
Use short bursts for both layers and wait overnight before re-attaching all accessories such as stickers or decals.
About three or four coats should do it. Let it dry for a couple of hours between each coat.
And for a professional finish, give the whole thing a clear coat to protect against fading and make the colors really pop.
What kind of paint do you use on football helmets?
Football helmet manufacturers typically use a special kind of paint that is specifically designed to be used on helmet shells.
This type of paint is typically a high-quality, durable acrylic or polyurethane paint that is able to withstand the rigors of the game and the wear and tear that helmet shells are subjected to.
In order to get the best results, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for applying the paint, including any necessary preparation steps, drying times, and number of coats.
Can you spray paint your helmet?
Yes, it is possible to spray-paint a football helmet.
However, it is important to use paint that is specifically designed for use on helmet shells, as other types of paint may not adhere properly.
Or may not be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of the game.
In addition, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for applying the paint, including any necessary preparation steps and drying times.
Before spray painting your helmet, you should also make sure to remove any padding or other materials from the inside of the helmet.
And cover any areas that you do not want to be painted with masking tape or newspaper.
You should also wear protective gear, such as goggles and a respirator, to protect yourself from any overspray.
Keep in mind that it may be difficult to achieve a professional-looking finish when spray painting a helmet, as it can be challenging to get an even coat over the complex shape of the helmet shell.
If you are not comfortable with spray painting your helmet or are concerned about getting the best possible finish, you may want to consider having it professionally painted.
Can a body shop paint a football helmet?
Yes, a body shop should be able to paint a football helmet.
Many body shops have experience painting a wide variety of items, including automotive and motorcycle parts, and should be able to apply the same techniques to paint a football helmet.
Before bringing your helmet to a body shop, you should discuss your specific needs and preferences with the shop to ensure that they are able to meet your requirements.
For example, you should let them know what type of paint you want to use and provide them with any specific design instructions or color swatches that you have in mind.
You should also make sure to remove any padding or other materials from the inside of the helmet and cover any areas that you do not want to be painted with masking tape or newspaper.
Keep in mind that the cost of having a football helmet painted at a body shop will depend on a variety of factors.
Including the complexity of the design, the type of paint being used, and the shop’s hourly rate.
You should get a quote from the shop before having the work done to ensure that it fits within your budget.
Can I spray paint my football helmet?
It is generally not recommended to spray paint a football helmet, as doing so can compromise the safety and integrity of the helmet.
But You can follow this blog post from start if you want to paint your football helmets and give them a new and fresh look.
The outer layer of a football helmet is designed to protect the player’s head by absorbing and dissipating the force of impact during a collision.
This outer layer is typically made from materials such as polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or a composite of the two.
Any alterations to the outer layer, including painting, can weaken the structural integrity of the helmet and potentially reduce its effectiveness in protecting the player.
Additionally, painting a helmet with certain types of spray paint can also release harmful chemicals that can be harmful to breathe in.
This can pose a risk to the person spraying the paint, as well as to others who may be in the area.
If you want to customize your helmet, there are other ways to do so without compromising its safety.
Some football helmet manufacturers offer customized decals that can be applied to the helmet without damaging it.
Alternatively, you could look into purchasing a helmet with a different color or design that matches your desired aesthetic.
What paint do you use for football helmets?
The specific type of paint used for football helmets may vary depending on the materials used in the helmet’s construction and the specific requirements of the team or league.
In general, a high-quality paint designed for use on plastic or other non-porous surfaces is typically used for football helmet painting.
Some common options for football helmet paint include:
- Acrylic enamel paint – This type of paint dries quickly, is durable, and resists fading.
- Polyurethane paint – Polyurethane paint provides a hard, durable finish and is resistant to abrasions, impacts, and weathering.
- Vinyl-based paint – Vinyl-based paint is commonly used for painting vinyl-coated football helmets, as it adheres well to the surface and provides a flexible finish that can withstand the rigors of football.
It is important to note that not all paints are safe for use on football helmets, as certain types of paint may contain chemicals that can weaken or damage the helmet’s materials.
It is best to consult with a professional helmet painter or helmet manufacturer to determine the best type of paint to use for a specific helmet.
What is the best way to paint a football helmet?
Painting a football helmet requires careful preparation and attention to detail to ensure a high-quality, long-lasting finish. Here are some general steps to follow for painting a football helmet:
- Clean the helmet: Before painting, clean the helmet thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or residue that may be on the surface. Use a mild soap and water, and then rinse the helmet thoroughly and let it dry completely.
- Sand the helmet: Sand the helmet with fine-grit sandpaper to create a rough surface that the paint can adhere to. Be careful not to sand too much and damage the helmet.
- Apply a primer: Apply a primer to the helmet to create a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to. Use a plastic primer designed for use on football helmets and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
- Paint the helmet: Once the primer is dry, apply the paint to the helmet in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat. Depending on the type of paint used, you may need to apply multiple coats for the desired coverage.
- Apply a clear coat: After the paint is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and create a shiny, polished finish. Use a clear coat designed for use on plastic and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
It is important to note that painting a football helmet is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and expertise.
It is best to consult with a professional helmet painter or helmet manufacturer to ensure that the paint is applied correctly and does not compromise the helmet’s safety or performance.
FAQ’s of How to spray paint a football helmet
Conclusion on How to spray paint a football helmet
This post was for especially those newbies who were scared that they will mess up the surface of the helmet but don’t worry just follow each step explained in this guide and you will get fabulous results out of it.
If you have any confusion regarding this post then let me know in the comments section and I will clear it out soon.
In the end, you’ll have a helmet that looks like it’s straight out of the mold, whether you’re using a football helmet or something else.
You can also paint your football helmet in your favorite team’s colors or choose a custom color.
Once you have your finished helmet, you can wear it during your next game or show it off during an upcoming tailgate party.
Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.
