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How to Paint a Motorcycle Helmet! A Comprehensive Guide from DIY Painting Procedures to Shop Prices!
How to paint a motorcycle helmet: A guide!
While many types of motorcycle helmets are available from various manufacturers, some of you may want to create your own original, one-of-a-kind helmet or one that matches the design worn by your favorite racer.
In such cases, you can either have a professional painter do the job or take the plunge and try painting it yourself.
This article explains in detail how to apply original paint to a helmet, so if you're thinking about customizing your helmet, please refer to it.
With a unique helmet, you'll stand out when riding in the city and be easily spotted by friends.
First, let's explain the steps involved in painting a helmet yourself.
Helmet painting process
If you paint your helmet yourself, the process is as follows:
- Remove and disassemble parts
- Masking
- Sanding
- Degreasing
- Surface preparation
- Primer application
- Main coat painting
- Drying and sanding
- Clear coat and finishing
- Remove masking tape and reassemble
Since it's divided into individual steps, it may seem like there are many processes, but the general flow involves removing detachable parts, masking, sanding, and then painting, so there aren't that many steps.
Let's look at each step in detail.
Remove and disassemble detachable parts
Now, let's prepare to paint the helmet.
For full-face and open-face helmets, remove all detachable parts such as the shield.
Depending on the helmet, if you remove the rubber trim around the edge, it may not fit back perfectly or gaps may form, compromising ventilation.
We'll protect it thoroughly with masking tape later, so there's no need to force the removal of hard-to-detach parts.
Once the parts are removed, proceed to the masking process.
Protect thoroughly with masking
Protect areas not to be painted thoroughly with masking tape to prevent paint from adhering.
Having both wide and narrow masking tapes will allow you to mask even fine details while leaving the painting surface exposed.
If there are air bubbles or wrinkles in the applied masking tape, paint may seep in when sprayed, so make sure to press it firmly after application to ensure a tight seal without air or wrinkles.
Old masking tape may leave adhesive residue when peeled off, so it's safer and less troublesome to use new tape.
Sanding! It's best to overdo it slightly.
Once masked, sand the surface to be painted.
It's best to start with #400 grit waterproof sandpaper and finish smoothly with around #1200 grit.
If there are any stickers, remove them first and ensure no adhesive residue remains, which will make sanding smoother.
Sand the entire surface to be painted thoroughly, making sure not to miss any spots; it's better to slightly overdo it.
If there are deep scratches that cannot be removed by sanding, apply putty to fill them, and after the putty has dried completely, sand the surface smooth.
Even a slight unevenness on the painted surface will remain after painting, so aim for a perfectly flat surface.
Degreasing should be thorough!
After sanding, degrease the surface.
If any oil from your hands or dust from sanding remains, it can cause the paint to repel, so be sure to degrease thoroughly and wash it away.
You can degrease with neutral detergent, but be careful not to get the inner lining wet.
Using a cleaner like silicone remover makes it easier.
Surface preparation
After degreasing, put on gloves to prevent oil from your hands from getting on the surface and begin the surface preparation process.
Surface preparation is the process of sanding the surface to be painted to improve paint adhesion.
Apply #600 grit sandpaper evenly over the painted surface for surface preparation.
After surface preparation, be sure to thoroughly remove any dust created by sanding.
Apply surfacer as a base coat.
After surface preparation, apply the surfacer.
Surfacer creates a base for better paint adhesion, so apply it evenly without streaks.
Instead of trying to apply it all at once, gradually build it up in several thin coats to avoid unevenness or drips.
Once the surfacer is applied evenly, let it dry completely, then perform surface preparation again.
Impatience is the enemy when it comes to painting and drying, so take your time.
When painting, allow plenty of drying time between coats.
After applying and drying the surfacer and completing the surface preparation, it's finally time to paint.
The finish of the paint depends on the base, so if you're aiming for a bright color like white, it's a good idea to apply a base color like silver first.
Surfacer often comes in darker shades, so applying a bright color directly might result in a dull finish.
For dark colors like black, you can apply it directly over the surfacer without a separate base color.
Once the base color is applied, let it dry, and then lightly perform surface preparation again.
Instead of trying to finish it all at once, gradually build up the paint in thin layers, which will prevent drips and unevenness.
Paint drips are difficult to fix, so take your time and paint carefully.
Sand after drying.
After painting and ensuring it's completely dry, sand the painted surface to achieve a smooth finish.
Use #1000 to #1200 grit sandpaper and lightly sand the surface until it's smooth.
After sanding, thoroughly remove any paint dust.
Apply clear coat.
After painting and sanding, apply the clear coat.
Similar to painting, don't try to apply it all at once; spray it in thin, overlapping layers.
Once the clear coat is evenly applied, let it dry completely, then lightly sand with #1200 grit sandpaper.
After sanding, thoroughly remove any dust and then apply another clear coat. (Apply the clear coat in two overall layers.)
The thicker the clear coat, the glossier it will be, but be careful not to apply too much, which could cause it to sag or run.
After the final clear coat application, let it dry thoroughly.
Remove masking tape.
Once the clear coat is thoroughly dry, remove the masking tape, reattach the parts you removed earlier, and you're done.
Riding your motorcycle with your newly customized helmet will give you a different kind of enjoyment.
What tools are needed for custom helmet painting?
What tools are needed for custom painting a motorcycle helmet?
Here, we've compiled a list of tools required for custom painting.
We'll also explain the role of each tool and some tips for using them, so please refer to this information.
Masking tape
Masking tape serves to protect areas where paint should not adhere.
While there are various types of masking tape by width, having both 15mm and 30mm wide tapes will be convenient for various applications.
If there are air bubbles or wrinkles in the applied masking tape, paint can seep in from those areas.
After applying the tape, press it firmly with your hand to ensure it adheres tightly to the helmet, preventing any air bubbles or wrinkles.
Waterproof sandpaper
Waterproof sandpaper is used to smooth the painted surface and prepare it for better paint adhesion.
The larger the number after the "#," the finer the grit; smaller numbers are used for initial sanding, while larger numbers are for finishing.
It's a good idea to have #400, #800, #1000, and #1200 grit waterproof sandpaper readily available.
Waterproof sandpaper is sandpaper that can be used wet; non-waterproof sandpaper tends to tear easily when wet, making it difficult to use, so prepare waterproof sandpaper.
Urethane paint
Urethane paint is recommended for painting.
Urethane paints include solid paints that display standard colors, as well as metallic paints with fine aluminum flakes, glitter paints, and pearlescent paints that change color depending on how light hits them or the viewing angle. Choose according to your preference.
Pearlescent paints, which change color depending on the viewing angle, tend to stand out more.
Other types of paint include lacquer paints, but they tend to form a harder paint film than urethane, and if applied too thickly, they can crack, making them a bit more difficult to handle.
Lacquer paints have a shorter drying time and are relatively inexpensive compared to urethane paints.
They are also readily available at hardware stores, so if you want to custom paint easily, you might choose lacquer.
Surfacer (primer)
Surfacer is used to prepare the base before painting.
It acts as a bonding agent between the helmet and the paint, and it's a primer made by liquefying putty.
Surfacer can hide minor scratches and the original color, and it also improves paint adhesion, so be sure to prepare it.
Surfacers are broadly categorized into urethane-based and lacquer-based, but urethane surfacers are thicker and easier to sand.
Finishing clear coat
The clear coat is applied as the final step after painting.
After painting, applying a clear coat creates a glossy finish on the painted surface.
Applying multiple layers of clear coat will increase the gloss, but generally, it's best to apply one overall clear coat, let it dry, lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper, and then apply another clear coat for a beautiful finish.
If you're applying stickers, place them before the clear coat, and then apply the clear coat over them to make them more durable, but this will prevent them from being replaced.
If you plan to remove them later, it's safer to apply them after the clear coat has thoroughly dried.
Thinner
Thinner, when mixed with paint, helps prevent the paint from clumping.
It can also be used as a paint remover, making it excellent for cleaning brushes after applying designs with them, or for cleaning airbrushes and other fine nozzles.
Some thinners can adjust the paint's curing time, making it dry slower in summer and faster in winter, so if you're using one, choose a type that suits the season you're painting in.
Spray gun, etc.
A spray gun is a tool that atomizes paint and sprays it.
As the name suggests, it has a pistol-like shape, and pulling the trigger atomizes the paint.
Since the paint particles are finely atomized, uneven painting is less likely to occur.
A spray gun requires an air compressor, so it might be quite an undertaking to acquire one just for painting a helmet, but it results in a much more beautiful finish than using spray cans.
An airbrush would be convenient for applying more intricate designs or gradients.
There are also models that allow for fine adjustment of the amount of paint sprayed, which is essential for drawing or applying detailed designs.
How to choose paint for DIY helmet painting?
Painting paints include lacquer and urethane, differing in components, and there are also special paints like matte black and metallic.
Here, we've summarized the characteristics of each paint type, so please refer to this information when choosing your paint.
Lacquer
Lacquer is a paint commonly found in spray cans and readily available at hardware stores.
Its characteristic quick-drying property offers the advantage of high workability, especially when applying multiple coats of paint.
Originally, "lacquer" referred to paints containing nitrocellulose lacquer as a component, but recently, it has increasingly become a general term for quick-drying paints.
Therefore, among products sold as lacquer paints, some may not contain actual nitrocellulose and instead include acrylic-based or water-based formulas dissolved in solvents.
Traditional nitrocellulose lacquer is a paint used in instruments like guitars, as its color changes attractively over time.
Urethane paint
Urethane paint is a paint primarily composed of urethane resin, and it produces a luxurious gloss unique to urethane systems.
Compared to lacquer paints, urethane paint remains softer after drying and is less prone to cracking, making it easier to handle.
It's widely used in various applications, including as the mainstream paint for motorcycles and for home repairs, because it's suitable for many environments.
Urethane paint has a thick and durable film, but its disadvantage is a longer curing time compared to lacquer.
It doesn't mix well with lacquer-based or acrylic-based paints, so if you're using multiple colors or a clear coat, try to stick to urethane paints for consistency.
Matte black
Matte black is a paint that has become increasingly popular in recent years, referring to a non-glossy black.
It creates a finely textured surface after painting, giving it a gritty feel to the touch.
Due to the uneven surface, light does not reflect, giving this paint a unique, impactful color that stands out more than glossy black.
The fine irregularities on the surface of the paint can lead to dirt and grime adhering easily, which is a disadvantage.
Matte finish
Matte finish refers to colors with no gloss on the surface, and they come in various shades like blue and red.
Like matte black, matte colors have also become popular in recent years.
The fine irregularities on the painted surface can cause dust and dirt to adhere easily, which is a disadvantage.
Spray paint
Spray paint comes in cans and is sold at hardware stores.
Its advantage is its ease of use; by shaking it well before use, the solution mixes, and you can start painting immediately.
Compared to spray guns, the paint particles sprayed are coarser, making it prone to unevenness and dripping. Therefore, when using spray cans, you need to apply thin layers of paint patiently.
Also, warming the can in lukewarm water (around 20 degrees Celsius) before use can prevent paint particles from separating and reduce dripping, so it's a good idea to warm it up beforehand.
If the water is too hot, the interior pressure can build up and potentially cause the can to burst, so only use lukewarm water to warm it.
How much does it cost to have a helmet painted by a shop or professional?
Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/%E3%83%98%E3%83%AB%E3%83%A1%E3%83%83%E3%83%88-%E4%BA%8C%E8%BC%AA%E8%BB%8A%E3%81%AE%E3%83%98%E3%83%AB%E3%83%A1%E3%83%83%E3%83%88-4749458/
If you're not confident in painting it yourself or want a professional finish, you can also consider entrusting a custom paint shop with the job.
Many shops accept online orders and offer nationwide service, so it's worth inquiring.
The cost of having a professional paint your helmet can vary significantly depending on the color, the number of parts to be removed, and whether you opt for an original design.
The average price for painting a single glossy color starts from around 15,000 yen, while original designs can range from around 60,000 yen to 120,000 yen, depending on the complexity of the design and the paints used.
Even for custom designs, choosing a design pre-prepared by the shop is generally around 20,000 yen cheaper than a completely original design.
How to request helmet painting from a shop or professional
You can request helmet painting from a shop or professional either by visiting the store directly or by contacting a store that accepts online orders from anywhere in the country.
When requesting an original design, a design consultation is necessary.
If there are no helmet painting shops nearby, some online stores also handle original designs, so it's worth contacting them first.
Once the design and cost are agreed upon during the consultation, pack and ship your helmet.
Your custom-designed helmet should be returned to you in a few weeks.
Cool helmets that don't need custom paint! Recommended helmets!
While custom painting your helmet is a good option, we'd also like to introduce some recommended helmets that look great without any additional paint.
You can always wear it first and then decide to paint it if you get tired of the color.
1. NOLAN N405 Solid Metal White
Source: https://bikeman.jp/
This is a jet-type helmet from DAYTONA, famous for motorcycle aftermarket parts.
It comes in a cool metallic white color, which suits various on-road styles, from naked bikes to American cruisers and cafe racers.
The timeless white color has a high-quality finish that sparkles when it catches the light.
2. Nostalgic GT-751
Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/gt
The Nostalgic GT-751 is a popular "zoku-helmet" with a simple design.
Manufactured by VERTEX, which sells various motorcycle parts, it features a structure that makes it easy to attach and detach the chin strap even while wearing gloves.
It is available in four colors: black, white, matte black, and ivory.
3. CS-15 Sebka Full-Face Helmet Red
Source: https://bikeman.jp/
The HJC CS-15 Sebka Full-Face Helmet is a sporty full-face helmet with an aero-form and carbon-look design.
It's an entry-level model made with a polycarbonate shell, offering excellent cost performance.
The aero-form, which allows air to escape from the forehead area towards the back, is particularly striking.
4. Nostalgic GT-750
Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/gt-750
The VERTEX Nostalgic GT-750 is a full-face helmet categorized as a "zoku-helmet" with a very simple shape.
Due to its simple design, it's a helmet that won't go out of style and suits a variety of motorcycles, from naked bikes to American cruisers and cafe racers.
It is available in six colors: white, black, matte black, ivory, yellow, and red.
5. NOLAN N702 X Grandes Alpes
Source: https://bikeman.jp/
The NOLAN N702 X Grandes Alpes features NOLAN's unique design, being the world's first helmet with a detachable chin guard.
It uses ultra-high strength, lightweight polycarbonate, making it less fatiguing even after long periods of wear.
A PINLOCK anti-fog sheet is included as an accessory.
6. RPHA 11 Military White Sand
Source: https://bikeman.jp/
HJC's "RPHA 11 Military White Sand" is a stylishly designed full-face helmet featuring the logo of the globally sold energy drink, Monster.
This ultra-lightweight and highly rigid helmet incorporates HJC's racing technology, making it less fatiguing even after long periods of wear.
It also comes with a dark smoke spare shield, which is a great feature as it allows you to switch between clear and tinted shields.
7. X-LITE X-802RR Davis Sepang
Source: https://bikeman.jp/
NOLAN's X-LITE X-802RR Davis Sepang is a full-face helmet with a stylish design.
It uses an original composite fiber that mixes lightweight and highly rigid materials such as carbon and aramid fiber.
This model boasts high quality with a lightweight, rigid shell designed to prevent static electricity.
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