Clearcoating matt helmet - anyone tried this? Did it turn out nice or a disaster?

[Quickdraw]

I have an HJC i30 Slight 3/4 shell helmet bought last year. The finish is matte so I bought the 2K clearcoat. Before I spray the helmet, has anyone tried this? Did it turn out nice or a disaster?

 

[Bangorbob]

I have an HJC i30 Slight 3/4 shell helmet bought last year. The finish is matte so I bought the 2K clearcoat. Before I spray the helmet, has anyone tried this? Did it turn out nice or a disaster?

I just used the 2k clear coat on my RV. Very easy to use. Just do the prep work first. BTW, I used 3-4 coats for a nice finish.

Bob

 

[Joel The Biker]

Prep is the key to a good finish. Clean with paint prep cleaner or mineral spirits, mask, scuff with grey scuff pad or lightly sand with 400-600 grit paper, clean again, tack rag dust, clearcoat light first coat, final coat should be med- heavy to aguire desired finish. At least 4 coats if you plan to sand and buff.

 

[ARtraveler]

Just a question: And it is a question because I do not know the particulars.

Will the use of "prep" materials effect the longevity or the integrity of the helmet? Many are made out of fiberglass materials. Can the prep chemicals cause "weakening" of the helmet?

 

[Piratezz]

What is the shell made off, most helmets especially the polycarbonate ones, will weaken if spraypainted, they wil NOT BE SAFE anymore, imho it's better to buy a new helmet furthermore you are modifications that will void warranty.
You only have one set of brains..... I agree that a spraypainted helmet looks great, but how about your own nugget...

just my two cents

 

[Quickdraw]

Thanks for the responses. I'm nervous about it but I've done enough woodworking finishing that this shouldn't be too bad. Nothing that a little wet sanding can't fix if I do make a mistake.

 

[Joel The Biker]

I have painted several helmets with great results. As for weakening, the helmet already has a layer of paint on it and will protect the shell underneath from additional layers of paint. The prep solvent i use is water based(TSP cleaner), but regular paint prep solvents dry extremely fast and wont penetrate thru the paint. I have used them also. I never remove the factory paint finish which could expose the polycarbonate.

 

[Quickdraw]

No plans on removing the old paint. I just want to clearcoat the helmet because I am not fond of the matte finish. Again, thanks for all your input. It's greatly appreciated.