If you’re a football fan, there’s a good chance you’ve thought about painting your team’s logo on your helmet. It’s a great way to show your support for your favorite team, and it can also make your helmet look a lot cooler. In this article, we’ll show you how to paint a football helmet using the traditional method.
Before You Start
Painting your helmet may seem easy, but it’s really hard to do without getting paint on your skin. If you’ve ever painted anything before, then you know what we’re talking about! The best way to avoid touching the paint is to wear gloves. You can buy disposable plastic gloves at any home improvement or paint store.
How to paint a football helmet
There are a few things that you will need to have before you begin painting your football helmet.
These items include:
- Paint (of the desired color)
- Primer
- Paint brush(es)
- Rag/towel
- Helmet
Procedure
Step 1
The first step is to take your helmet and remove the face mask. Usually, you’ll have to twist it counter clockwise until it pops out of the helmet. Be careful because it has been known to fly off at high speeds.
Place your football helmet upside down on a flat surface with the front facing up. Make sure that helmet is in a well ventilated area. In a well ventilated area, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and not worry about inhaling fumes.
Step 2
The next step is to clean your helmet. If you just give it a quick wipe down with a dry or slightly damp cloth, than most of the dirt and grime will come off without any effort. However, if there is still some dirt left on your helmet, then spray soap onto the dirty areas, let it soak for about 10 minutes, and then wipe away with water.
Step 3
The next step is to take your masking tape and cover the face-mask slot on the helmet. Make sure that you go all the way up to the top of the helmet. This will ensure that no paint gets on the face mask.
Step 4
The next step is to sand down the surface of the helmet. You’ll want to use medium grit sandpaper. This will help the paint adhere to the helmet better. Sand in a circular motion, and make sure that you cover the entire surface of the helmet.
Step 5
Now it’s time to start painting the helmet! The first step is to apply a coat of primer to the entire helmet. This will help the paint to stick better and will also help to make the colors brighter. Make sure that you are wearing gloves while you are painting, because the primer is going to be very sticky.
Step 6
After the primer has dried, it’s time to start painting the logo. We recommend that you use a stencil for this step. If you don’t have a stencil, you can freehand it, but it will be a lot harder to do.
Start by mixing your paint according to the directions on the label. Make sure that you have a lot of paint, because you may have to do several coats before it’s completely covered.
Step 7
Paint each section of the helmet with two or three thin coats. This will make sure that no details are missed and it will also make the colors brighter.
Step 8
After the paint has dried, it’s time to remove the masking tape. If you have any trouble removing the tape, you can use a little bit of Goo Gone or WD-40.
Step 9
Finally, take a clean rag and polish the helmet until it’s shiny. This will give it a nice finishing touch and it will also make it look a lot better.
That’s all there is to it! If you follow these steps, then you should have no trouble painting your football helmet. Make sure that you have plenty of space to work, because the entire process can take up to two days depending on how many coats of paint you use.
Tips and Instructions
- If you are not happy with the results, you can always paint over the top of it. However, be sure to allow the paint to dry completely before doing so.
- You can also use different colors to create a two-toned effect.
- Don’t forget to personalize your helmet by adding your favorite team’s logo over the paint. This makes it unique to you, and will show your support for your favorite team.
- If you are painting on a smooth surface, then stencils will be of great help. These can be bought online or at any home improvement store for between 5 and 10 dollars.
- Always wear gloves to avoid getting paint on your skin.
- Use a blow dryer to speed up the drying process if you are in a hurry.
- If you make a mistake while painting, you can always use paint thinner to wipe it away and start over again. Just be sure to clean off any leftover residue before painting again.
- When painting your helmet, be sure to use even strokes and keep the motion consistent. Don’t stop in the middle of a stroke, or else you will end up with a visible line. You may even want to mark the helmet into sections with a marker before painting, this way you’ll know where each color begins and ends.
What paint is best paint for a football helmet?
When it comes to paint, there are quite a few options available to you – water based acrylic paint is going to be your best option for this project. It is easy to work with, and it dries quickly. You can find it at any craft store.
If you are looking for a more professional finish, then you may want to consider using spray paint. However, keep in mind that it can be difficult to get an even coat with this type of paint, so be patient and take your time.
And that’s it! With these simple tips, you will be able to create a one-of-a-kind football helmet that is sure to turn heads. Have fun with it, and most importantly, enjoy the game!
FAQs
Q: How can I make my helmet stand out more?
A: You can add different designs, logos, or even team colors to make your helmet unique.
Q: I missed a spot – what should I do?
A: You can always use paint thinner to wipe off the mistake and re-paint it. Just be sure to let the paint dry completely before using your helmet again.
Q: I don’t want to use a stencil – can I freehand it?
A: Absolutely! Though you should take your time and be patient while doing so.
Q: What other kinds of things can I paint on my helmet?
A: You can add logos, team colors, or put any designs on it that you want. Keep in mind that the larger the design, the harder it will be to paint.
Q: How long does it take for my helmet to dry?
A: It should take at least 24 hours for your paint to dry completely. Don’t try to use the helmet before this time has passed, or else you risk permanent damage to the helmet.
Q: How can I make my helmet lighter?
A: You can sand down the inside of the helmet after you have painted it. This will knock off any excess paint, and make the helmet lighter.
Final words about painting helmet
Now that you know how to paint a football helmet, get creative and have some fun with it! Be sure to follow the tips and instructions closely, and you will be able to achieve professional results in no time. Enjoy the game – and your new, one-of-a-kind helmet!
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