another question on helmets

[mightslip]

just wondering if someone can tell me..is there anything i can use as a prep on helmets before painting with lacquer paint? most of them read ainting helmets kills the warranty: but i know at the least it soften's them so anything to keep it from penetrating? or is it recomended to use some other paint all together....thanks in advance

 

[rex]

I'm no expert in this area but I think the statement from the manufacturer is a CYA deal.Unless the shell is cheap plastic I don't see it being affected.I would just sand the original finish enough for adhesion and fill any nicks instead of sanding them out if it worries you.Since it's a small area use the fastest thinner you can get away with and that will help with solvent penetration.

 

[mightslip]

thanks for the info...but i've been practicing on one and its a hjc have put many coats on it so maybe that has something to do with it,repeated sanding painting ect but it got gooey and soft... anyway i'll keep my fingers crossed and hope i dont cook this guys helmet hahaha

 

[rex]

What's gooey and soft,the lower layers of paint or the helmet material itself?Lacquer is soft and gummy by nature,but if you're putting the paint on too fast the lower coats will stay soft for a long time.

 

[mightslip]

no unfortunatly it's the helmet itself...but i will keep that in mind... what are you using to fill the nicks? bondo? or ?
thanks again...this place is great and to think i stumbled on it by accident,,,

 

[sbCountry]

mightslip, I just painted a HJC helmet in basically the same method that rex indicated. However, I was using HOK paint. I did not have any promblems. The problem you are having sounds very scary

 

[rex]

I missed the HJC thing.Makes me nervous cause I think the wife's real bucket is made by them.I'm thinking the good price is because their resin is 'suseptible'.Lacquer is some pretty harsh stuff so I'd go Urethane for sure after this one.She's been raggin' since I repainted the scooter so I'll let you know how PPG does after she actually gets me to do it.

 

[kevsLX]

I've painted a couple HJC helmets with PPG DBC and they never got soft or gooey on me.
If you're not wanting to spend a bunch of money, try some Omni MBC base and Omni 161 clear.

 

[rex]

Ooooh that's scary.I'm guessing it's a cheap helmet.I use the 2part putty that's usually advertised as being brushable and sprayable.All the major companies make one.Really it's just really fine bondo.It doesn't get that slimy skin on top like the cheaper bondos too.

 

[mightslip]

thanks all for the reply's i went down to the local paint store to further this disscusion...and they also recomended ppg so im in the process of giving it a try....never used the stuff before but i think i've seen help here on other pages "just incase"