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Message started by saabstory on 12/06/11 at 23:41:09

Title: Can I paint my helmet?
Post by saabstory on 12/06/11 at 23:41:09

I bought a white Bell helmet, and I want to paint it to match my car. Are you allowed to paint helmets/paint them yourself? If so, is there anything I should know, or any tips from first hand experience? Thanks guys.

Title: Re: Can I paint my helmet?
Post by gully on 12/07/11 at 11:46:13

The info below is from the CARS Rulebook NRR 1.A.6

My interpreatation of this unless the Manufacturer approves no you cannot.
There are I believe certain companies approved by Helmet Manufacturer who are approved to do painting.

Not however a DIY project

Pete g

No helmet may be modified from its specification as manufactured, except in compliance with instructions
approved by the manufacturer. Hardware may be mounted on a helmet for FIA approved HANS devices,
provided the hardware is installed in accordance with recommendations provided by the manufacturer
of the helmet and/or the devices. Competitors assume the risk of any modifications to their helmets. Any
other modification will render the helmet unacceptable.

The fitting of earplugs and microphones may be done only in respect of the paragraph above.
Paint can react with helmet shell material and affect its protective capacity, therefore, where a
manufacturer provides guidelines or restrictions on the painting or decoration of helmets, these must be
followed, using only paint specified by them (air drying acrylic, polyurethane enamel or others) and
preferably a painter having their approval. This is particularly important for injection-moulded shells which
are not usually suitable for painting. The shell being painted should be efficiently masked as paint
penetrating the interior can affect the performance of the helmet liner. Paints requiring heat curing should
not be used and any process should not exceed the maximum temperature of conditioning of the helmet
in the standard to which it is approved. The manufacturer's instructions should also be consulted for any
considerations on the use of stickers and transfers.

Title: Re: Can I paint my helmet?
Post by saabstory on 12/11/11 at 23:35:24

Cool, thanks for the info. I have to say, it wasn't what I wanted to hear, but it saves ruining a good helmet lol. Guess I'll just live with the colour. Thanks again.

Title: Re: Can I paint my helmet?
Post by overthehill on 12/12/11 at 10:19:50

How about a "helmet wrap" Mr. Blomqvist? It is tough though, because for some reason we do not have square heads, but round ones. I remember putting a big maple leaf on my off-road helmet. Even I did not know that my swear word vocabulary was so large...

Title: Re: Can I paint my helmet?
Post by gully on 01/02/12 at 08:05:48

I came across a three year old post on CASC Forum

http://www.casc.on.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=15675

I am assuming this Guy knows how to paint a helmet in the correct safe manner

Pete g

Title: Re: Can I paint my helmet?
Post by English on 01/16/12 at 12:47:17

I read the rule in such a way that you can paint, but only using Manufacturer approve paints and process to say within the FIA or SA rating of said helmet.

Researching my own new helmet, this information is not online, however have placed calls to 3M and paint shops in the UK and waiting to hear what 3M have to say officially.

The rule doesn't say anything about stickers though right, or am I missing that.

JD

Title: Re: Can I paint my helmet?
Post by gully on 01/16/12 at 14:30:36

Quote:

The rule doesn't say anything about stickers though right, or am I missing that.

James CARS have always allowed Decals at least Your name on helmet.

When I worked Tech for Targa it was a major problem as many US competitors claimed that even a piece of masking tape on the helmet would make helmet invalid for some US road race events.

Never did anyone produce a rule book that supported the claim.

Of course just wearing a helmet in competition invalidates any manufactures warranty. I have read a warranty that stated 'Not Valid for motorsport' that was on a helmet that was SA rated. What else does maker think you are going to use it for???
Pete g

Title: Re: Can I paint my helmet?
Post by English on 01/16/12 at 20:05:19

I think it will have to be stickers then....

JD

Title: Re: Can I paint my helmet?
Post by Jeff_Hagan on 01/24/12 at 11:45:27

James Drake wrote on 01/16/12 at 12:47:17:

I read the rule in such a way that you can paint, but only using Manufacturer approve paints and process to say within the FIA or SA rating of said helmet.

I recall something in the instruction book for my old Bell helmet about painting with "high quality" paints being okay. It stood out in my mind because of how vague it was.

Whatever brand you have, it might be worthwhile reading through your instruction book to see if there's language in there that addresses painting.

gully wrote on 01/16/12 at 14:30:36:

When I worked Tech for Targa it was a major problem as many US competitors claimed that even a piece of masking tape on the helmet would make helmet invalid for some US road race events.

Never did anyone produce a rule book that supported the claim.

I haven't seen anyone do this either, but just on the off chance I got an overzealous scrutineer who interpreted the rules this way, I've always put my name on my visor, not on the helmet proper.