How to prep a helmet

[@theboneclover]

Hey man, I've been airbrushing RC bodies for years but recently I had been asked to do some helmets for some folks. I searched to make sure I wasn't missing any details and found you. Great video. I really appreciate the time you took to do this for everyone and I learned what I needed to know. Thanks again.

[@johnbobbitt6470]

I see some haters below, so I guess I’ll step up in defense. First of all, the man starts out with “there was only 1 other video, so I thought I’d make one”. I see there a work ethic, self motivation, and a desire to do something right the first time. Those three things alone made this worth watching, and they’ll make him financially secure while the rest of you are still trying to bond your kids out of jail. Or yourselves, for that matter. Well done, Lorenzo.

[@timmedhurst]

I'm very new to airbrushing and would love to custom my race lid, your video has been a good base to start, Thanks bud! I do a lot of prep and detail work on sportscars and when I'm preping bumpers etc I find that if you soak the paper you get the same results as you found, but if I just dip the paper occasionally while I'm working it tends to keep the paper lubricated and not soaked, as soon as it starts to dry it leaves tracer scratches. Many thanks for your video matey!

[@RenegadeLulu]

This is utterly brilliant, all the other videos I've seen arent as in depth as this one. I can't thank you enough for putting this up it's really pointed me in the right direction =3

[@theDuckeh]

This video was super helpful! I'm custom painting a helmet for the first time, and I couldn't find any good videos on how to prep the helmet. Your method worked perfectly for me :) Thanks for making such a straight forward, easy to understand video!

[@e60power1]

By the way thanks for the great video, i dont see why people dislike it, so far is the best one on the youtube channel. Thanks a lot.

[@АндрейЖуравлев-т9н]

You know,respect from Uzbekistan bro,helpful vid👽

[@whitelx50]

Nice video, I wouldn't do anything different except use wet/ dry sandpaper that use can soak in water. Then use a little dish soap for lubrication for the sandpaper. Keep up the good work.

[@alexandralesnick5128]

Is the purpose of sanding wet to avoid the mess?

[@whitelx50]

@@alexandralesnick5128 No, actually it's messy! Water helps lubricate and it helps keep the sandpaper from clogging up. Overall it's a better process. Maybe watch some other videos on this subject to confirm it. Otherwise this guy is doing a good job.

[@DJGUGUMIX]

The clear sandpaper you use it are for wood and by that reason they dissolve in the soap... Only the black sandpaper, could be soap.... the best thing to use its a 3m 2000 grid sponge, only to remove the clear and the brights.(very fast and without garbish) then if the original paint its without scuffs you clean and paint... If they're scuffs you can cover them, next aply a soft primer and sand with with soap 600/800 sandpaper...if you see sanding marks, finish with 1000/1200 until they disappear... (If you will paint a white or any soft base coat, it will be easy to aply a light grey primer instead of a black primer)

[@quickvenom0]

Thanks for the video man! I was really adamant about trying something like this. You made it feasible for a novice like myself to try.

[@Lorenzopphotography]

Happy to know that this was of service to you my friend : )

[@dray10talents]

thanks bro, i had da same problem looking 4 helmet tutorials n i didn see any. even urs didn pop up i was jus watchin wut ppl was doin n happen 2 come across dis video. i havent watched it all yet, i jus had 2 comment cuz u said da same thing im going thru n i thout bout making a video once i learn so otha ppl wont have 2 go thru dis

[@myrx2]

when i prep all my helmets i use wet and dry sand paper with dish washing liquid in the water. start with 400 grit then finish with 800 grit. wipe it with a damp cloth then i use tack cloth. looks like paper towel but its sticky and picks up anything you missed with the damp towel.

[@hossonahog2881]

im about to do this tomorrow. I'll be trying different things, but thanks for the vid mate

[@Lorenzopphotography]

+Squid Squad I wish you much success I hope this video helped!!

[@marcer7]

koo man, thanks for posting this, i'm doin this step by step it helps alot, i just got done sanding down the helmet.

[@Starryeyedcathy]

So informative. Are the steps the same with helmets that is matte black already? I was given a Shoei TZ-1 matte helmet. It has a few tiny scratches and I just would like to change the color. I just wasn't sure if the steps are the same for this helmet that is matte black an has a "soft texture"to it. Thanks!

[@treyweatherspoon7966]

Just what I was looking for! Appreciate it!

[@otpowell]

Hi Lafayette. Lol just kiddin. You have to use sandpaper that is made to be soaked and is for wet sanding. You can get this type of sandpaper in the automotive section at auto zone or any auto store even Walmart

[@LanceMetal]

theres special sand paper for wet sanding you should try that stuff out thats what happened to me aswell when i used regular sandpaper was kinda ng. anyway awesome video man

[@manoomunicnent1773]

How do you know that paint is compatible with the material the helmet is constructed from?

[@Fuktupratbag]

Good idea to make one yourself. I have a helmet I want to paint too but I can only guess and fumble around trying to prep it for paint.

[@r.powell2351]

Very helpful video. Thx for posting. Do you have another video of it after you painted over the black?

[@Lorenzopphotography]

Unfortunately I do not, it sucks!!

[@gho5tr1d3r]

You know...thank you for the video and all the information!!!

[@Lorenzopphotography]

gh05tr1d3r Thanks for watching my friend!!! : )

[@JonasDeman]

can sandblasting be a good alternative for the sandpaper? I recon it will go a lot faster no? Great video, thanks!

[@tlawesome4455]

I have a matte black helmet and I'm planning on painting it a bright, neon, yellow so I stand out more in the traffic (and as result of that, won't get hit by a car). The helmet is made out of ABS, what kind of primer and paint do you recommend?

[@LanceMetal]

@lp22hot its called wet sandpaper theres many brands one brand i can think up is 3M IMPERIAL WET OR DRY PAPER hope this helps

[@8505angel]

Great video!! Do you have any tips on the paint? types and mixing? I would really appreciate it! Thanks man!

[@Lorenzopphotography]

thanks!! I made a correction in the description bar!!

[@israelisnumberone]

after using primer are u going to do a clear coat or go straight to airbrush

[@Hash619mhd]

good video bro .. reallly helpful.. appreciate ur effort man . keep up the good work. cheers

[@tlawesome4455]

@tas9195 I'm aware of that, but riding around like a funfair ride instead of a shade will improve my chances of being seen

[@RepsoI]

Quick question, does the sanding down of the helmet impact the strength of the helmet in a crash?

[@ETOEstate]

I want to see what it looks like after you are done painting! The before and after.

[@Danielv344]

u should have used sand paper for wet sanding,great video

[@Almostazn12]

Awesome video! Really informative

[@Lorenzopphotography]

+Kyle wong Thanks brother glad I was able to help!!!

[@wpgcelica]

The reason your sandpaper didn't like the water is it wasn't meant for it, you need wet/dry sandpaper :)

[@roadshowautosports]

Well, it’s been ten years since you made this video and i hope you’ve learned more about it. A few points of constructive criticism to help others coming here just now: - first and foremost you must make sure you remove any sticker or any painted details that have a ridge with a more aggressive sandpaper, a 240/320/400 sequence would be more likely. - make sure you get WET/DRY AUTOMOTIVE sandpaper and, if possible, 3M or similar quality and you’ll thank me you did so. I have a feeling you used wood sanding paper and that’s why you’ve got the bald spots as it isn’t proper for wet sanding. - I don’t recommend sandpaper below 240 unless you’re removing filler like bondo. It’s too aggressive and will force you to go too deep to remove its scratches, exposing more of the helmet’s shell what can open o whole different can of worms (mood releasing compounds and other nasty contaminants). Never start sanding before going through the cleaning process!!! - the wash with the detergent is right but you still gotta get some surface cleaner and use it properly with two rag procedure to ensure it’s free of contaminants; - You don’t need etching primer unless it’s a metal helmet. You need an automotive plastic primer to stick, 2K if available. - nowadays most paint manufacturers have moved to water based paint and it came a long way in these last ten years. It’s more like solvent based paint and it dries out quick so you can rely on it; - don’t skimp in making tape and get some masking paper and plastic too. Plastic is cheaper than paper that’s cheaper than tape. - use a fine line tape all over the borders of your maskings it turns corners, on top of a 1/4-1/2” marking tape leaving the inner bigger parts to be covered by paper or plastic or wider tape (1”-2”) this way when you’re done painting you can remove the liner around before your bad color or clearcoat dries out, that’ll reduce the risk of peeling your work when trying to unmask from under dried paint or clear; - Always pull tape away from the wet paint and never towards it! Doing it slow and in a controlled manner will save you a lot of grieving and money; - You can use spray primer on helmets but still recommend an automotive guaranteed kind, not the rust plain or kez types s they’re made for stationary stuff not a flyings bullet exposed to small debris etc at 100 mph helmet; - on plastic helmets, use an adhesion promoter before start painting, right after the primer; - Always interclear in top of any artwork you do before starting a new color or more artwork on top of it. You can sand off mistakes on interclear but not on paint as it will mess up what you’ve already done. Well, what’s left is to thank the video creator for his kindness and good heart to share his experience at an early “age” showing his character and professionalism will take him to a great career! Good luck you all.

[@KudzuBeatz]

OH shit when the video started I thought you were Lafayette, good video and thanks for the tutorial

[@christianhillegass]

thanks for the video! im making my second helmet its a HTC helmet for motocross

[@mikedegrazia]

thats not wet sand paper, thats why your having problems. go to an autoparts store and you are all good. dont forget wax and grease remover before you paint, could use acetone if you want. but looks good man,

[@TheEliDiaries]

Nice video mate... Very informative

[@greenmarine5]

The trick to useing wet/dry sand paper is is to use just enough water to keep the product off the paper, so the paper can constantly cut/sand...to much water and the sand paper will fall apart...NEVER EVER soak your sand paper...unless it is in some type of shop cleaners that won't degrade the paper backing

[@vitormangraviti]

You forgot something REALLY important: You MUST check what formula is in the paint you use. The reason being is that because solvents WILL compromise the safety. It changes the molecular structure of the thermoplastic. I thought that it was silly until I saw a "custom painted" helmet vs a normal helmet (same model) being smashed by a guy onto the floor. The painted one broke in half and the other one got scratched. Check if the paint you use is compatible with the thermoplastic of your helmet.

[@ZamboniePastroni]

Thanks so Much for this vid, I was wanting to paint mine but I was lost at even where to start

[@GoProGoalieUzi]

whats up man. I have a new goalie mask. Its all white with a shine. My 1st step in painting it red/white/silver would be to: 1. lightly sand it with 600grit to get rid of the shine. 2: hand draw design using pencil. 3: use posca paint pens to paintin 3:let dry 48hrs, 4:aplly 4-8 coats of clear coat. Does this sound right? thx man

[@christopherthrailkill5563]

GoPro Goalie Uzi how did it work out? Painting my flight helmet design in.

[@Bevo_Baker]

I am thinking about painting my helmet. There are a few stickers on there that I woul dlike to remove. Do you have any suggestions?

[@BR00k5yb0i1]

Because u have to use wet and dry , if u wet normal sand paper ithe sand comes off , theres a certain type of paper to wet

Soaking will actually not harm sand paper if it is meant for wet sanding. The lighter coloured paper in this video clearly wasn't wet sanding paper.

[@Ightbet123]

Was the helmet sticky with the paint? How do you prevent that? What spray paint?

[@Lorenzopphotography]

+Agustine Rodriguez No it was not sticky!!!

[@adan39565]

3M do the best wet&dry sand paper I have used, their masking tape is also incredibly good quality.

[@abrahama3945]

well, this is new :| do you have a link for that video? i would like to see that. I used a $4 spray paint from a hardware store :(

[@tlawesome4455]

@lp22hot Doesn't the primer affect the material of the helmet? Since I'll be using it in everyday traffic I can't afford to crack my skull the first time I kiss the pavement.

[@dsmithwc04]

Yeah, you know... this is a pretty good, you know..... video that helped me.... you know, get the hang of prepping a... uhmm... helmet.

[@Deepwaterjew]

what did it look like before you painted it after sanding

[@Lorenzopphotography]

Thank you so so much for watching my friend!!

[@airbrushgoddess]

thanks you explained it well now im ready to do a helmet lol!

[@kieranharrington6566]

i found this so helpful... thanks so much :D

[@gmboy100]

when you wear the helmet. does it smell like paint?

[@Jay789520]

Good video Thanks for posting it.

[@Lorenzopphotography]

You are certainly right about that, easier said than done!! I would like to check out your work do you have a website or a blog, if so inbox it to me and I will check it out!!

[@randy1ization]

next time just use a scotch brite pad. a new green one will work. if its old and worn out it wont scratch it enough. go in a circular motion. wipe it down with alchohol after wards then put some latex gloves on and paint it.

[@uCithowitis]

you got any vid of the finished result after airbrushing

[@kartuso]

haha nah i dont think so i just said it coz everyone else was hahaha. did you do anything else to the helmet or just leave it that color?

[@Lorenzopphotography]

I am glad to know that this video was of assitance, let me know how you make out with the results!!!

[@PUNKYMEFISTO]

You know-You know-You know-You know-You know-You know-You know-You know-You know-You know-You know-You know how many times you say You know? nice video, add to favs

[@Lorenzopphotography]

lmaooooo haha thats funny man!!! thanks for the love and why the hell people keep asking me that question, do I really look like him?

[@tommygarrison2968]

You can soak your paper but you have to use 800 wet sand paper... it has a different adhesive... I like 600 my self You can soak it all day and it will stay intact Good Video though...

[@adamesubarashisabertooth]

thanks, helps a lot.

[@pepik87]

thanks my friend!!

[@Lorenzopphotography]

Thanks for the love my friend : )

[@Lorenzopphotography]

Lol too funny!! I actually did but I gave the helmet back to the client before I was able to get photos unfortunately!!

[@richieponce6492]

Would this process work in a football helmet?

[@Lorenzopphotography]

+Richie Ponce Yes it most certainly would.

[@on4now4]

You need to get some wet/dry sand paper that will not fall apart in water. That will eliminate the problem you were having at 3:05

[@LarryStallings-dk4rr]

nice info thanks

[@Redacted.135]

Thank You

[@Lorenzopphotography]

Sir Astronutty : )

[@ToBadOnYou]

Ur a legend bro

[@Lorenzopphotography]

Haha, no you are a legend bro lol I appreciate the love it is kind of you to say! Be sure to check out some of my new work! lorenzopphotography.com/artoriginal

[@Freakazoid30xxx]

Loved your video dude very informative. No disrespect at all but has anybody ever told you, you resemble the character Lafayette from the HBO series True Blood. I noticed it and laughed a lil bit. Again not baggin on ya just sayin. :)

[@Lorenzopphotography]

lmfaoooo haha people crack me up with this Lafayette jokes man lol.. I discovered that after making this video, I updated that information in my description bar up above!! thanks for watching my friend!!!

[@russellsmalls318]

thanks.. finally

[@KetsyP13]

i like.. thanks for talking on it...

[@Deepwaterjew]

@lp22hot after sanding?

[@88elbron88]

Thanks alot man !!

[@Lorenzopphotography]

Its all love my friend no harm taking!!

[@joseluis1304]

How many times does he sa

[@JorgeRodiles]

are you the actor of in True Blood?

[@Dvdog007]

What was that noise at 6:26 ?

[@OFFICIALBDMEDIA]

Skip to 08:12 for a quick easy tut lol

[@Silver4904]

THANK--------YOU!!!!! JEEEEEZZZZ!

[@kartuso]

good video man! p.s are you the actor from true blood? haha jokes

[@spawktacular]

you cant wet regular sandpaper.lol you have to use norton wetsand sanding paper. or any off brand. good video tho..

[@Lorenzopphotography]

Sure not a problem : )

[@chiefgrizzly]

good job ! :) have a nice 1

[@Lorenzopphotography]

I am trying bro!!!!

[@russellsmalls318]

trying it

[@armyofplastic]

@lp22hot no prob.........

[@RickyChristensenAirbrush-dk]

nice sharing mate;-)

[@MickNJ1979]

Use automotive wet send paper it won't disolve I use maguire sand paper same as the company that makes auto detail stuff it won't disolve for days

[@poisonforlunch]

thats a wood sandpaper hes using. waterproof sandpaper has a red backing paper

[@vitormangraviti]

It wasn't a video... I was watching a guy doing this before my eyes. He owns a bike shop and told me this and I was skeptical like you... then he did it just to prove his point.

[@streetbikergirl]

inst is better to use plastic primer since the surface is plastic..

[@scootertrash70]

use 800 grit wet dry sandpaper

[@xBrohemothx]

after you get the primer on and you want the actual color what do you do. im a beginner so im guessing the black spray paint and then a clear gloss spray? like i said i have no fucking clue haha