Painting your football helmet is a great way to customize it with your team colors and designs. While football helmets require some special considerations for painting, the process can be managed with the right preparation and techniques. This comprehensive guide covers the steps, tips, and tools needed to properly paint a football helmet.
Should You Paint Your Football Helmet?
Before diving in, consider these factors to decide if painting your helmet is recommended:
- Check manufacturer guidelines – Some warn against painting as it may void the certification. Others provide instructions.
- Helmet age – Older or heavily used helmets are better candidates for repainting versus new.
- Helmet type – Youth helmets often have thinner shells more prone to damage from chemicals.
- Use proper paint – Specifically formulated helmet paint adheres best and resists impact. Spray paint can work but may be less durable.
If permitted and done carefully, painting can be a great way to customize your helmet. But take care not to affect safety.
Prepare the Football Helmet for Painting
Proper preparation is crucial to achieve good results painting your football helmet. Follow these steps:
1. Clean the Helmet Surface
- Use warm water and mild detergent to wash the helmet exterior
- Fully rinse off any soap residue and let air dry
This removes any dirt, grease or grime so the paint adheres well.
2. Remove Existing Graphics/Decals
- Slowly peel off any existing decals, logos or graphics
- Heat gently with a hairdryer if needed to loosen glue
- Clean any adhesive residue with non-acetone nail polish remover
This leaves you with a blank canvas for the new paint job.
3. Lightly Sand the Shell
- Use 220 grit sandpaper to gently scuff the helmet’s outer shell
- Avoid sanding too aggressively near vents or seams
- Wipe away any sanding dust with a dry cloth
Sanding helps the paint bond to the shell surface.
4. Mask Off Facemask, Cage, Interior
- Tape off the facemask, cage and any interior padding
- Newspaper or plastic bags can help protect these parts too
This keeps overspray and paint off unimportant areas.
5. Apply Primer Spray
- Lightly mist 1-2 coats of primer spray paint to the shell
- Allow primer to fully dry before adding color
The primer coat gives the top paint better adhesion.
Painting the Football Helmet Shell
Once prepped, you’re ready to apply the color paint in these steps:
1. Plan the Design Scheme
- Decide on colors and major design elements
- Create templates for logos or numbers with masking tape
- Start simple if new to helmet painting
Having a plan helps the painting go smoothly.
2. Mask Off Design Areas
- Tape off any sections to remain unpainted
- Newspaper or plastic bags can assist here too
- Ensure all edges are fully sealed off
Good masking keeps paint limited to intended zones only.
3. Apply Base Color Coats
- Hold can 6-8 inches away and spray in light, even passes
- Let dry fully between coatings, around 20-30 minutes
- Add 3-5 total coats for best coverage
Patience leads to a smooth, consistent base color.
4. Unmask and Touch Up Edges
- Carefully remove all masking materials
- Gently sand and add base color along any uneven paint seams if needed
This makes transitions between painted sections clean.
5. Add Graphics and Details
- Tape templates in place and spray contrasting colors for logos/numbers
- Remove masking and recoats to build up designs smoothly
- Add any finishing touches with paint pens, brushes, etc.
Custom graphics give your helmet that unique, personal feel.
Clear Coating the Painted Helmet
Once all paint is applied, protect it by finishing with clear coat:
- Lightly sand painted exterior to help clear coat adhere
- Apply 2-3 coats of clear spray paint, allowing drying between coats
- Let cure fully 72 hours before handling helmet
The clear top layer helps seal and protect your painted design.
Tips for Painting a Football Helmet
Follow these tips for best results painting your football helmet:
- Use paint formulated specifically for helmets for durability
- Read all safety guidelines on paint products and use respirator mask
- Apply light coats and avoid runs or drips
- Allow ample drying time between coats
- Mix paints well and spray in controlled motions
- Practice first on cardboard or scrap materials
Take care and patience leads to a more professional painted helmet.
Drying and Curing the Painted Helmet
Once painting is complete, proper drying time is crucial:
- Let paint dry 24-48 hours before light handling
- Allow 72 hours minimum for paint to fully cure before use
- Keep in a ventilated area – don’t force dry helmet
- Check manufacturer cure times – some paints take longer
Rushing the curing risks damaging the painted exterior when handled.
Repairing Paint Chips on a Helmet
Over time, painted helmets may start chipping from use and impact. To touch up chips:
- Clean and lightly sand damaged area
- Mask surrounding paint so only chip exposed
- Use toothpick to fill chip with matching color paint
- Feather out edges gently with sandpaper when dry
- Reapply clear coat over repaired chip
Spot repairs help extend a painted helmet’s life.
Removing Paint from a Football Helmet
If needing to strip paint for a new look, avoid harsh paint removers. Instead:
- Lightly scuff with 220 grit sandpaper to initial damage top clear coat
- Soak #0000 steel wool in warm water and gently rub paint
- Rewet wool as needed to slowly dissolve layers of paint
- Thoroughly clean shell when paint removed before repainting
This safely removes paint without damaging the helmet shell.
Key Tools and Supplies for Painting Helmets
Painting a football helmet requires having these essential tools on hand:
- Helmet paint formulated for plastics
- Painter’s masking tape
- Sandpaper (220 and 400 grit)
- Primer spray paint
- Clear coat spray paint
- Foam brushes and paint pens
- Masking newspaper/plastic sheets
- Respirator mask or spray booth
Quality painting tools allow creating detailed, professional results.
Maintaining a Painted Helmet
Keep your painted helmet looking its best by:
- Gently cleaning with microfiber cloths and warm water
- Avoiding chemical cleaners that may interact with paints
- Storing inside away from direct sun when not in use
- Reapplying clear coat periodically for added protection
- Touching up any chips immediately to prevent spread
Proper care extends the life of your customized painted helmet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of paint works best for painting a football helmet?
Specialized helmet paint is formulated to adhere to helmet plastics and withstand impact. These provide the most durable finish, but quality spray paint may also work. Avoid brush-on enamels.
How long does it take for painted helmets to fully cure?
Expect around 72 hours minimum for paint to completely cure and harden before the helmet can be worn or see impact. Always follow the individual paint’s cure times.
Is it safe to paint over a helmet’s foam padding areas?
Never paint over foam cushioning liner areas as the chemicals can degrade the foams. Always tightly mask off interior padding or remove it entirely while painting the shell.
Can I paint a football helmet without fully removing the old paint?
It’s not recommended – old paint layers under new paint can eventually flake off, taking the new paint with it. Fully stripping the helmet first ensures best adhesion.
How do I add number decals onto a painted helmet?
Design the numbers on masking tape, stick to helmet, then paint, adding layers until defined. Peel tape off carefully before paint fully dries. Or apply vinyl number decals after painting is complete.
Conclusion
Painting your own football helmet allows for fun customization and team spirit. With proper preparation, technique and high quality painting supplies, football helmets can be transformed with colorful designs. Use a primer undercoat, limit paints to the shell exterior, and finish with a clear topcoat for durability. Allow ample curing time before use and care for the surface properly. With some patience and care, you can paint an amazing football helmet that stands out on the field.