First Helmet Help

[Elvis]

I know this is kind of a repost, but I really need help with starting my first helmet. If someone could give me a step by step that would be great. What kind of paint, do I need a respirator, how to prep the helmet, what kind of mask to use. Basically eveything.

I just don't want to ruin my first job.

Thanks for the help.

[Primo Customs]

What type of helmet are you doing...

[blinddog 99]

Wow, lotta ground to cover. As Rick asked, what kind of helmet to start? Can you remove the lining and replace it? If not, you need to mask it in such a way as to be able to clear it after airbrushing without "bridging" the clear to your tape. What type of paint to you plan to use? Two main choices are Waterbased, such as Etac, AA, and Urethanes such as PPG, HOK, etc. Its really your choice, just need to be clearcoat compatible, same sysem to the extent possible.

Shall I go on? Rick (Primo) is an expert, if he advises you, you can't go wrong. If he tires, I will try to help.

I use Urethanes (HOK, now some X-Otic) I just like the flow and transparency, etc.

This was my first helmet in many years, done with HOK, for my wifey, her riding helmet.....if it would help, I can walk you through what I did, but Rick is far more experienced than me, so I will defer for now....

[Elvis]

Thanks for the help guys, I'm doing two motorcycle helmets with full face shields. I don't think the lining comes out. I found a paint shop down the street from where I work that sells AA paint, so that's what I'll be using. I'm really new to this so I'm a little nervous. Do I need to wear a respirator? What clearcoats can I use. I know this is asking a lot, but a walk through would be wonderful.

Thanks

[colourshift]

Respirator with AA? Well, it is non-toxic.... but for hosing something down, I would recommend it. That's a lot of stuff to inhale. But for general graphics, as in, you're not spraying heavy...nah.
Clear coating... Clinton, Dog, and the others...take it away. Dude, this stuff is super toxic. It can get to you through your eyes, lungs, skin... nasty. I would recommend that if you don't have the proper set up, get someone to do it. Or work with a local shop and do it in their set up...a respirator aint the half of it.

[Elvis]

Thanks a lot everybody, I'll probably just have the local paint shop do my clearcoating for now. Better safe than sorry. I'll be sure and post pictures when I'm done.

[Primo Customs]

First Off, You have to prep the helmet. Mask off the rubber and pull apart what can be pulled off.. Remember the vents go through so a dab of tape on the inside.. Wipe down with a pre-cleaner.. Acamahal (isopropyl alcohol) will work also.. Little bit of water in a spray bottle works great for the next step. Spray a little water on the helmet and use 1000 grit wet sand paper (Gray scotch brite pad will work also). Scuff till there is no more shine.. Dull the whole surface. Now you are ready to get it on. Do your airbrushing, use a tack cloth like it is going out of style.... Tack often just don't push hard you can and will scratch your art. When you are done, take it to your clear shop.. and tell them not to prep it. It is ready for clear.. With Urathanes bodyshops want to wipe with pre-cleaner before they clear, a must on cars and stuff, but when there is airbrushing you can't.. it will wipe the details away.. Let them clear it.. Hopefully they can colorsand and polish it for you too. If you are going to get into it fulltime then I would work out a pricing with the shop, It will turn more work your way.. I do all my own clearing but I will take stuff to other shops just to get a bite on some new work.. Works everytime.. I hope that this will help, If I forgot anything let me know.. Any Questions just post...

[Elvis]

Thanks a lot Primo, That's going to be a huge help. I can't wait to get started.