Best Spray Paint For Helmets: Magical Makeover For Your Helmets

Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover, Krylon COLORmaxx Spray Paint, and SEM Paints SEM15243 Aerosol have emerged as frontrunners in the realm of helmet customization, each boasting unique properties that cater to varied aesthetic and protective needs.

I know you are confused between the overwhelming variety and technical specifications of helmet spray paints.

I offering clear insights into top-rated spray paints, ensuring your helmet not only boasts a stellar finish but also retains its integrity and aesthetic appeal over time. So, Navigate with confidence and transform your helmet into a personalized emblem of style and quality!

What is the reason for spray painting a helmet?

Spray painting a helmet isn’t merely an aesthetic endeavor; it’s a personalized expression and a strategic visibility tool. Imagine gliding down the road with a helmet that doesn’t just protect but also speaks volumes about your personality and style. A custom-painted helmet:

• Ensures Visibility: A brightly painted helmet isn’t just stylish but also enhances visibility, ensuring you’re seen by motorists, thereby enhancing safety.
• Preservation: A fresh coat of paint can act as an additional layer of protection against weather elements, potentially extending the helmet’s lifespan.
• Identity Expression: Your helmet becomes a canvas, reflecting your personality, interests, or affiliations, making your gear uniquely yours and a moving piece of art.
• Mood Booster: Engaging colors or designs can uplift spirits, making every ride an exhilarating experience.
• Resale Value: A well-maintained and uniquely painted helmet might fetch a better resale value, appealing to enthusiasts who value distinctiveness.

8 Best Spray Paint For Helmets: Suggested by Expert

1. Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover
2. Krylon COLORmaxx Spray Paint
3. Montana BLACK 400ml Popular Colors
4. Dupli-Color Perfect Match
5. VHT SP942 Vinyl Dye
6. Liquitex Professional Spray Paint
7. Pintyplus Evolution Spray Paint
8. SEM Paints SEM15243 Aerosol

Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover

Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover is renowned for its double cover technology, providing a spectacular finish with fewer passes. It offers a variety of vibrant colors and finishes, ensuring a durable, rust-preventative coat on your helmet. The price range is approximately $4 – $15 per can, making it an affordable option for all.

Reason to Choosing this: Imagine you’re refurbishing an old, faded helmet, and you want a product that not only revamps its look but also adds a protective layer against rust and decay. Rust-Oleum, with its double cover technology, ensures that with fewer passes, your helmet gets a new, vibrant life, making every ride a stylish one and also you can use it for Chrome Paint.

Using Tips:

• Ensure the helmet is dust-free to avoid an uneven finish.
• Apply thin coats rather than a single thick one to avoid dripping.
• Use a cardboard box as a spray booth to contain the overspray.

Pros:

• Fast-drying formula.
• Available in various colors and finishes.
• Provides a protective, rust-preventative coat.
• Affordable and widely available.

Cons:

• May require multiple coats for a fully opaque finish.
• The nozzle may sometimes clog with prolonged use.

Krylon COLORmaxx Spray Paint

Krylon COLORmaxx provides brilliant, on-trend colors in a variety of sheens with long-lasting durability. It has excellent adhesion, providing a smooth and exquisite ultra-matte finish. The paint and primer duo ensures that your helmet doesn’t just look good but is also protected from wear and tear. The price is quite budget-friendly, ranging from $4 – $12.

Reason to Choosing this: Picture this: you have a helmet that’s structurally sound but aesthetically dull. Krylon COLORmaxx, with its paint and primer duo, not only revamps its appearance but also adds an additional layer of protection, ensuring that your helmet is not just a safety tool but a style accessory on the road.

Using Tips:

• Use in a well-ventilated area to ensure safe usage.
• To avoid fingerprints, hang the helmet from a wire while painting.
• For metallic finishes, consider a clear coat for added shine and protection.

Pros:

• Available in a variety of colors and finishes.
• Paint and primer in one.
• Dries quickly and has excellent durability.

Cons:

• May require multiple coats for vibrant colors.
• The spray nozzle can be prone to clogging.

Montana BLACK 400ml Popular Colors

Montana BLACK spray paint is renowned for its high-pressure output and fast-drying application, making it a favorite for swift and vibrant helmet painting projects. It offers high coverage and UV resistance, ensuring a brilliant and long-lasting finish. The price range is slightly premium, hovering around $10 – $20 per can.

Reason to Choosing this: Envision yourself working on a mural-themed helmet, where every second count for the paint to settle perfectly without runs. Montana BLACK, with its high-pressure and quick-drying features, ensures that your intricate designs settle perfectly, making your helmet a moving piece of art.

Using Tips:

• Shake the can well for at least 2-3 minutes before use to ensure color consistency.
• Test spray on a hidden area to ensure the color matches your expectation.
• Store cans with the nozzle facing down to prevent clogging.

Pros:

• High-pressure output for swift applications.
• Quick-drying and high coverage.
• UV-resistant, ensuring color longevity.

Cons:

• Slightly pricier than other options.
• Can be over-pressurized for smaller, detailed work.

Dupli-Color Perfect Match

Dupli-Color Perfect Match is a premium automotive paint that is easy to use and delivers a high-quality, professional finish. It comes with an adjustable EZ Touch 360-degree nozzle and a wide variety of colors to match the original factory colors of your gear. The price typically ranges from $10 – $15, offering a blend of affordability and quality.

Reason to Choosing this: Imagine wanting to restore your helmet to its original, factory-new look. Dupli-Color, with its wide array of colors matched to original factory standards, ensures that your helmet regains its original glory, making it look brand new while cruising on the road.

Using Tips:

• Ensure the helmet is at room temperature for optimal paint adherence.
• Apply light layers and allow to dry thoroughly between coats to avoid running.
• Utilize the adjustable nozzle to access hard-to-reach areas without overspray.

Pros:

• Adjustable EZ Touch 360-degree nozzle.
• Wide variety of colors.
• Durable, professional finish.

Cons:

• Color matching might slightly vary between batches.
• May take longer to dry compared to other brands.

VHT SP942 Vinyl Dye

VHT SP942 Vinyl Dye is not just a paint but a true dye that permanently changes or restores original color. It is ideal for use on soft and hard vinyl, offering a durable, steadfast color that withstands the tests of time and travel. The price is quite reasonable, ranging from $7 – $15.

Reason to Choosing this: Consider a helmet that has lost its vibrant color over years of use. VHT SP942, with its dyeing capability, doesn’t just coat the surface but permeates it, ensuring a color restoration that won’t chip or peel, making your helmet perpetually vibrant.

Using Tips:

• Ensure the helmet is thoroughly clean to allow proper dye penetration.
• Apply in light coats to ensure the dye is absorbed evenly.
• Allow a full 24 hours for the dye to set in before use.

Pros:

• Permanently changes color without chipping or peeling.
• Suitable for both soft and hard vinyl.
• Provides a smooth, consistent finish.

Cons:

• Limited color options compared to regular paint.
• Requires thorough surface cleaning for optimal results.

Liquitex Professional Spray Paint

Liquitex Professional Spray Paint offers vibrant, water-based acrylic colors that are formulated to ensure low odor while providing durable, vibrant color. It’s renowned for its professional quality and is typically priced between $10 – $20, making it a favorite among artists and professionals.

Reason to Choosing this: Imagine being an artist, wanting your helmet to reflect your artistic flair without being overwhelmed by paint fumes. Liquitex, with its low-odor, high-quality acrylics, ensures your helmet becomes a canvas, reflecting your style without compromising your comfort.

Using Tips:

• Use a wet cloth to gently clean the nozzle after use to prevent clogging.
• Apply in a crisscross pattern to ensure even coverage.
• Allow adequate drying time between color layers to prevent smudging.

Pros:

• Low odor compared to other spray paints.
• High-quality, vibrant colors.
• Suitable for detailed artistic work.

Cons:

• Slightly higher price point.
• May require multiple coats for full opacity.

Pintyplus Evolution Spray Paint

Pintyplus Evolution is known for its fast-drying, high-quality finish that adheres effortlessly to a variety of surfaces. It provides a silky, uniform finish that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects. The price is moderate, generally ranging from $9 – $16, making it a versatile option for various painting endeavors.

Reason to Choosing this: Envision a scenario where you’re working on a time-sensitive project, needing a paint that adheres quickly and uniformly. Pintyplus Evolution, with its rapid drying and smooth application, ensures your helmet project is not only completed in time but also has a sleek, professional finish.

Using Tips:

• To prevent clogging, invert the can and spray for a few seconds after use.
• Apply in a steady, sweeping motion to ensure even coverage.
• Use masking tape to create detailed designs or patterns.

Pros:

• Fast-drying and adheres to various surfaces.
• Provides a smooth, uniform finish.
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Cons:

• Limited availability in some regions.
• May require a primer for optimal durability on certain surfaces.

SEM Paints SEM15243 Aerosol

SEM Paints SEM15243 Aerosol offers a satin finish that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your helmet while ensuring a smooth, durable coat. Known for its superior adhesion and flexibility, it provides a finish that looks fresh even after numerous rides. The price tends to be on the higher end, ranging from $15 – $25.

Reason to Choosing this: Picture yourself as a biker who often rides through varying terrains, needing a paint that withstands flexibility and movement without cracking. SEM Paints, with its superior flexibility and adhesion, ensures your helmet retains its fresh, satin finish, whether you’re cruising through the city or navigating rocky paths.

Using Tips:

• Ensure the helmet is free from oils or residues to ensure optimal adhesion.
• Apply in short bursts rather than a continuous spray for even application.
• Allow ample drying time between coats to prevent bubbling or running.

Pros:

• Superior flexibility and adhesion.
• Durable, satin finish.
• Resistant to cracking and peeling.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other brands.
• May be less available in some local stores.

Which brands offer durable and long-lasting helmet paint?

• Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover: Durability of approximately 5-7 years, depending on environmental and usage factors.
• VHT SP942 Vinyl Dye: Known to last for around 4-6 years, given proper care and limited exposure to harsh conditions.
• SEM Paints SEM15243 Aerosol: Can maintain a fresh appearance for about 3-5 years, subject to usage and maintenance conditions.

Which helmet spray paints have the best user ratings?

• Rust-Oleum: Widely recognized for its durability and wide range of colors.
• Dupli-Color: Known for its easy application and professional finish.
• VHT: Appreciated for its high-quality finish and durability.

Which spray paint colors are popular for helmets?

Black, white, and various shades of grey are classic and popular helmet spray paint colors due to their neutral and universally appealing nature.

Vibrant colors like red, blue, and yellow are also favored for their visibility and bold aesthetic. Metallic colors, such as silver and gold, are sought after for a sleek and premium look.

Additionally, matte finishes have gained popularity for their modern and understated appearance, while glossy finishes remain a timeless choice for a polished and reflective surface.

How do I properly spray painting a helmet?

Step 1: Gather Materials

• Helmet
• Spray paint
• Primer
• Clear coat (optional)
• Sandpaper (400 and 800 grit)
• Masking tape
• Newspaper or cloth
• Respirator mask
• Gloves

Step 2: Prepare the Helmet

• Remove any accessories and inner padding.
• Clean the helmet thoroughly to remove dirt and grease.
• Sand the helmet with 400-grit sandpaper to create a surface the paint can adhere to.

Step 3: Masking

• Use masking tape and newspaper to cover areas you don’t want to paint, such as visors, straps, or logos.

Step 4: Set Up Your Painting Area

• Choose a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
• Lay down newspapers or a cloth to protect the surrounding area from overspray.

Step 5: Apply Primer

• Wear a respirator mask and gloves for protection.
• Hold the spray can 10-12 inches away from the helmet.
• Apply a light coat of primer, using steady, even strokes.
• Allow it to dry completely (refer to the primer’s instructions for drying time).

Step 6: Sanding

• Lightly sand the primed surface with 800-grit sandpaper.
• Wipe down the helmet to remove any dust.

Step 7: Apply the Paint

• Shake the spray paint can well.
• Apply the first light coat of paint, using smooth, even strokes.
• Allow each coat to dry before applying the next (check paint can for recommended drying times).
• Repeat until you achieve the desired color and coverage.

Step 8: Apply Clear Coat (if desired)

• Once the final paint coat is dry, apply a clear coat in a similar manner to protect and enhance the paint.
• Allow it to dry thoroughly.

Step 9: Reassemble the Helmet

• Carefully remove all masking tape and newspaper.
• Reattach any accessories and replace the inner padding.

Step 10: Allow Full Curing

• Allow the helmet to cure for several days (check paint and clear coat cans for recommended curing times) before using it.

Are there any specific spray painting tips for beginners?

1. Warm Up the Spray Can: Slightly warming the spray paint can in a bucket of warm water can help to achieve a smoother spray. Warm paint adheres and levels out better than cold paint, reducing the risk of streaks or drips.
2. The Cardboard Test: Before spraying your helmet, practice on a piece of cardboard. This helps you understand the spray pattern and flow rate of the paint, ensuring you get a feel for how to move the can to achieve an even coat.
3. Use a Lazy Susan: Place your helmet on a Lazy Susan (rotating tray) while painting. This allows you to easily rotate the helmet without touching it, ensuring you can reach all angles without leaving fingerprints or smudging the paint.
4. The Hanger Trick: Suspend your helmet from a wire hanger while painting and drying. This prevents it from touching any surfaces, ensuring the paint dries smoothly without any marks or debris sticking to it.
5. Lighter Fluid for Cleanup: If you accidentally overspray or want to clean up edges, a little lighter fluid on a microfiber cloth can help wipe away unwanted paint without damaging the underlying coat. Ensure to test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t affect the desired paint.

Can I apply clear coat over helmet spray paint for added protection?

Absolutely, applying a clear coat over spray paint on a helmet is a commendable practice and is often employed to provide an additional layer of protection.

A clear coat not only safeguards the paint beneath but also adds a layer of UV protection and enhances the paint’s appearance by providing a glossy or matte finish, depending on your choice of clear coat.

What is the drying time for helmet spray paint?

The drying time for helmet spray paint can vary significantly depending on the brand and type of paint used. Generally, it can range from anywhere between 10 minutes to 24 hours for touch-dry status.

However, full curing, which is crucial before applying a clear coat or utilizing the helmet, typically takes considerably longer – often between 7 to 30 days. Always refer to the specific instructions on the paint can for accurate drying and curing times.

Can I speed up the drying time of the paint?

While patience is pivotal in achieving a flawless finish, there are a few techniques to expedite the drying process:

• Ensure Optimal Conditions: Painting in an environment with low humidity and a temperature around 70°F (21°C) is ideal for faster drying.
• Utilize Fans: Placing fans around the painting area to circulate air can aid in reducing drying times.
• Infrared Curing Lamps: In professional settings, infrared curing lamps are sometimes used to hasten the drying process of automotive paints.
• Thin, Even Coats: Applying multiple thin, even coats instead of a single thick one ensures quicker drying between layers and a smoother finish.

Will painting a helmet affect its safety standards?

Painting a helmet can potentially impact its safety standards if not done correctly. Helmets are constructed to adhere to specific safety regulations, and altering them, even superficially, can compromise their integrity.

For instance, certain paints or solvents might degrade the helmet’s material, diminishing its protective capabilities. Always ensure to use paints that are compatible with the helmet’s material and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding customization.

Are there any helmet materials that should not be painted?

Certain helmet materials, particularly polycarbonate, can be sensitive to certain types of paint solvents, which may lead to a process known as crazing, where the material develops tiny cracks that can compromise its structural integrity.

Always conduct thorough research or consult with the helmet manufacturer to ascertain which paints are safe to use on your specific helmet model.

Should I leave the helmet in the sun to cure the paint?

While it might seem logical to use the sun to expedite the curing process of paint due to the heat and UV radiation, this method is generally not recommended.

Direct sunlight can cause the paint to dry unevenly, potentially leading to warping or bubbling. Furthermore, UV rays can adversely affect the color and longevity of the paint.

A controlled environment, away from direct sunlight, with adequate ventilation and a consistent temperature, is typically the preferred setting for paint to cure effectively and uniformly.

Is there other type of paint that works best on helmets?

Certainly, apart from spray paint, there are several other types of paint that can be effectively used on helmets, each offering unique advantages:

1. Acrylic Paint:

• Advantages: Water-based acrylic paints are easy to work with and clean up, offer vibrant colors, and tend to have low odor.
• Application: Can be applied with a brush or airbrush and is often used for detailed artwork on helmets.

2. Enamel Paint:

• Advantages: Enamel paints are known for their durability and glossy finish, providing a hard, protective layer.
• Application: Can be applied using a brush or airbrush and typically requires a longer curing time.

3. Urethane Paint:

• Advantages: Urethane paints are highly durable, UV-resistant, and can provide a high-gloss finish.
• Application: Often applied using a spray gun and requires a clear coat to seal and protect the paint.

4. Water-Based Polyurethane:

• Advantages: Offers a durable finish, is non-yellowing, and is available in various sheens.
• Application: Can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer and is often used as a topcoat over acrylic paint to enhance durability.

5. Automotive Paint:

• Advantages: Specifically designed for vehicles and helmets, automotive paint is durable, weather-resistant, and available in various finishes.
• Application: Typically applied using a spray gun in multiple layers, including primer, base coat, and clear coat.

6. Pinstriping Enamel:

• Advantages: Ideal for creating detailed, linear designs on helmets due to its high viscosity and vibrant colors.
• Application: Applied using a pinstriping brush, allowing for intricate, hand-painted designs.

Are there any specialty paints for motorcycle helmets?

Yes, there are specialty paints designed specifically for motorcycle helmets, ensuring durability, aesthetic appeal, and compatibility with helmet materials. Here are some specialty paints and finishes that are popular in the customization of motorcycle helmets:

1. Reflective Paint:

• Purpose: Enhances visibility and safety by reflecting light.
• Brands/Options: Albedo100, Rust-Oleum Reflective Finish.

2. Temperature-Sensitive Paint (Thermochromic):

• Purpose: Changes color based on temperature, creating a dynamic visual effect.
• Brands/Options: LCR Hallcrest, Paint With Pearl.

3. Glow-in-the-Dark Paint:

• Purpose: Absorbs light and glows in the dark, enhancing visibility and adding a unique aesthetic.
• Brands/Options: Rust-Oleum, Montana Cans.

4. Metallic and Flake Paint:

• Purpose: Provides a shimmering, sparkling effect to the helmet.
• Brands/Options: Dupli-Color, House of Kolor.

5. Hydrographic (Water Transfer) Paint:

• Purpose: Allows for complex patterns and designs to be applied seamlessly to the helmet.
• Brands/Options: MyDipKit, Hydro Dip.

6. Rubber Paint (Peelable):

• Purpose: Provides a rubberized coating that can be peeled off, allowing for temporary color changes without affecting the original paint.
• Brands/Options: Plasti Dip, Rust-Oleum Peel Coat.

7. Candy Paint:

• Purpose: Offers a deep, glossy, and translucent finish that appears to be lit from within.
• Brands/Options: House of Kolor, UreKem.

8. Matte Finish Paint:

• Purpose: Provides a flat, non-reflective finish for a modern and understated look.
• Brands/Options: Rust-Oleum, Krylon.

9. Chrome and Mirror Effect Paint:

• Purpose: Gives a reflective, mirror-like finish to the helmet.
• Brands/Options: Spaz Stix, Montana Cans.

10. Pinstriping Paint:

• Purpose: Specifically formulated for creating detailed, linear designs.
• Brands/Options: One Shot, Custom Creative.

Are there stencils or templates available for helmet painting?

Yes, there are various stencils and templates available that can assist in creating intricate designs and patterns on helmets during the painting process. Here are five types:

1. Flame Stencils:

• Description: Flame stencils help in creating classic flame designs on helmets, which can be customized in terms of size and pattern.
• Availability: Online retailers, automotive paint stores, and specialty shops.

2. Skull Stencils:

• Description: Skull stencils are popular among bikers and can be used to create various skull designs, from realistic to stylized.
• Availability: Online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, and specialty paint shops.

3. Racing Stripe Stencils:

• Description: These stencils assist in creating precise and symmetrical racing stripes, which can be customized in width and curvature.
• Availability: Automotive accessory stores, online retailers, and specialty paint shops.

4. Logo and Emblem Stencils:

• Description: Logo stencils can be used to paint specific brand logos, emblems, or other symbolic designs onto helmets.
• Availability: Custom-made through online platforms that create personalized stencils, or available as generic brand logos online.

5. Geometric and Pattern Stencils:

• Description: These stencils offer various geometric shapes and patterns, such as checks, grids, or abstract designs, providing a wide array of customization options.
• Availability: Craft stores, online marketplaces, and specialty paint shops.

FAQs

Conclusion

In the vibrant world of helmet customization, choosing the right spray paint is paramount to achieving a stunning, durable finish. From the glossy allure of Rust-Oleum to the steadfast vibrancy of Krylon, and the flexible durability of SEM Paints, your pathway to a personalized, professional-looking helmet is now demystified. May your helmet not only be a guardian of safety but also a canvas that mirrors your individuality and style on every journey.

Jane Ansems

Author at Easy Spray Paint | Website

Jane Ansems is a highly talented and accomplished spray can artist, known for her intricate, detailed, and thought-provoking works of art. She began her career as a street artist in the early 2010s, quickly gaining recognition for her unique and innovative style.

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