If you want to express yourself and make dirt bike helmets different from the rest, painting a dirt bike helmet is the best way to customize its look!
We have all of the information needed for an impressive outcome on how best to paint your off-road headgear. Get ready – with our guide, you can transform yours into something unique!
Supplies You’ll Need o Painting a Dirt Bike Helmet
A dirt bike helmet painting is a fun project. It can give the helmet a personalized touch. Here are the supplies you’ll need:
You need a helmet that you would paint. Make sure it’s clean and free of any grease, dirt, or oil.
Sandpaper: You’ll need sandpaper to sand down the helmet’s surface, creating a rough texture that the paint will adhere to. For plastic helmets, use 320-grit sandpaper. For fiberglass helmets, use 800-grit sandpaper.
Masking Tape: Use masking tape to cover areas you don’t want to paint, like the helmet’s visor, interior, and any logos or decals you want to keep.
Primer: You’ll need a plastic primer if you have a plastic or a fiberglass primer helmet. The primer prepares the surface of the painting and ensures better adhesion.
Paint: Choose a paint that’s suitable for your helmet’s material. You can use acrylic enamel paint or urethane-based paint for plastic helmets, and automotive paint or epoxy paint for fiberglass helmets.
Clear Coat: You’ll need a coat to save the paint and give the helmet a glossy finish. Choose a clear coat that’s compatible with the paint you’re using.
Paint Spray Gun: You may use a paint spray gun to apply the paint, but if you don’t have one, you can use spray paint cans.
Protective Equipment: It’s important to wear protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and a mask to avoid inhaling paint fumes and protect your skin from chemicals.
Work Area: Find a well-ventilated area to paint your helmet, away from dust and dirt. A garage or a covered outdoor area works well.
With these supplies, you should be able to paint your helmet safely and effectively.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the paint and primer, and take your time to ensure a quality finish.
10 Steps To Paint a Dirt Bike Helmet
Here are 10 easy steps for painting a helmet on a dirt bike:
- Choose your design: Decide on the design you would like to paint. One possible rewrite could be: “To visualize how it will appear, you may want to begin by drawing a rough plan on paper.”
- Take the helmet apart by detaching all its components that are separable, such as the visor and any padding that can be removed.
- Make sure the helmet is clean: Use water and soap to clean it thoroughly. It will remove grease, dirt, or grime. Dry the helmet completely.
- Sand the helmet: Sand the helmet with fine-grit sandpaper to roughen the surface better. Wipe away any dust with a clean, dry cloth.
- Apply primer: Apply a coat of primer to the helmet, using a spray can or paintbrush. It will give a better look and provide a soft surface for painting.
- Coat the helmet: Use either a spray can or a paintbrush to apply the coat onto the helmet. For best results, paint thinly and evenly, ensuring that each coat dries entirely before applying the subsequent coat.
- Apply the design: If you have a design in mind, use stencils or freehand to apply it to the helmet. It is better to use masking tape to create sharp lines and shapes.
- Prior to advancing to the next phase, it is crucial to confirm that the paint has thoroughly dried. It can take several hours, depending paint type you use.
- Apply a coat: You need to apply a coat of paint to the helmet to protect the design and provide a glossy finish. Allow the clear coat to dry completely.
- After the clear coat has dried, proceed to reassemble the helmet by putting back the visor and any removable padding. Your helmet is now ready to wear!
Do And Don’ts Of Painting A Dirt Bike Helmet
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when painting a bike helmet:
Do’s:
- Do choose the paint of the right type for your helmet. Look for paints specifically designed for helmets, as they will provide better adhesion and durability.
- Do prepare the surface of the helmet properly before painting. Clean the helmet thoroughly and sand it lightly to create a surface to which the paint can adhere.
- Do wear appropriate safety gear when painting, such as gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask.
- Do paint in an open and ventilated area, away from any flammable materials or sources of heat or sparks.
- Do follow the instructions on the paint can carefully, including any recommended drying times and the number of coats.
Don’ts:
- Don’t use regular spray paint or household paint to paint your helmet. These paints are not for use on helmets and may not adhere properly or provide sufficient protection.
- Don’t rush the painting process. Do some research and apply the paint in thin, even coats to achieve the best results.
- Don’t apply too much paint at once. This can cause the paint to drip or run and ruin the finish of your helmet.
- Don’t skip the primer coat. This important step helps paint the helmet and gives a smooth surface for painting.
- Don’t paint over any safety warnings or certification labels on the helmet. These labels are important for safety and must remain visible.
FAQs on Painting a Dirt Bike Helmet
Q1. What kind of paint should I use on my dirt bike helmet?
You can use any kind of paint on your dirt bike helmet as long as it is safe to use on plastics. You should avoid using paint that is not made of plastic as it may damage the helmet.
Q2. How do I prepare my helmet for painting?
You will need to clean your helmet thoroughly before painting it. You can use mild soap and water to clean the helmet. After cleaning the helmet, it is necessary to sand it to achieve a sleek surface that can hold the paint firmly.
Q3. What type of paint should I use for my dirt bike helmet?
You can use any type of paint on your dirt bike helmet as long as it is safe to use on plastics. You should avoid using paint that is not made of plastic as it may damage the helmet.
Q4. How do I apply the paint to my dirt bike helmet?
You will need to apply a base coat of paint to your helmet before applying the main color.
To ensure uniform application of paint on the helmet, you have the option to use either a brush or an airbrush. Once the base coat has dried, proceed with applying the main paint color on the helmet.
Q5. How do I protect my painted dirt bike helmet?
After painting your helmet, it is necessary to safeguard it against scratches and UV rays. This can be achieved by applying a clear coat of paint or utilizing a UV-resistant spray.
You should also avoid storing your helmet in direct sunlight as this can fade the paint over time.
Q6. Can I remove the paint from my dirt bike helmet?
If you wish to change the color or design of your dirt bike helmet, you can remove the existing paint. Simply sand down the helmet’s surface and repaint it with your desired color or design.