Helmet Paint

[vikingcoach]

Looking for some advice. Several players need to paint old helmets black to match the rest of their new team. We would like all the girls to have same colored helmets, but would like them to be able to keep their old helmets that still fit them instead of going out and buying new ones. Anyone paint batting helmets before that can offer some advice on prepping helmets and paint used? Thanks.

 

[daboss]

I'll say it first. Most are going to bring up that manufacturers do not endorse painting their helmets in any manner. They claim the prep work and paint can weaken the shell.

Everyone does it. Be sure when preparing the surface you don't sand off the stamp in the plastic normally found along the bottom on the back. That molded stamp is what umpires look for to know the helmet is legal.

Prep work is to clean and to take the glossy finish off the shell so the new paint can stick to it. A fine sandpaper is normally used and some wet sand the helmet. Clean it thoroughly with lacquer thinner on a clean soft rag. We used a lacquer based paint because it is harder and more durable. It'll cover with less paint needed. Once dry use a couple passes of clear lacquer to get a deep shine finish, then leave to dry in a clean environment to be sure no bugs, dust, or lint compromises the finish. Lacquer dries pretty quick as long as it isn't humid and you refrain from putting it on very thick. For this reason, spraying the paint on is best. Keep the clear coat light per pass so it doesn't run.

Be sure to inspect the helmets during prep work and throw out any with cracks or soft spots. No need wasting your time on a defective helmet.

 

[slugger4]

I do them all the time if you want the correct way to do them message me and I will lay it out for you.

 

[Sbcraze]

Helmets are like hard hats. The sun causes the plastic to get weak and brittle over time. Not saying your helmets are old and brittle but why paint them and take a chance on a weak helmet. Team fees usually pay for new ones why not spend the money and not chance it. Not trying to start an argument just my thoughts.

 

[FastBat]

/\/\/\I agree. Look for cracks where the bill and helmet part join. If there are any spider cracks, time for a new helmet.

Besides, I think it looks better when all the helmets don't match, not so contrived. What would a sub where? They won't match.

 

[Pacerdad57]

What we find kind of interesting is that a hard hat shell is only good for a few years (5 I think maybe) by both OSHA and MSHA. Always kind of wondered why there apparently isn't any time limitations on batting helmet shells also since they are protective headgear, and probably takes a whole lot more shots than a hard hat does!

 

[Sbcraze]

What we find kind of interesting is that a hard hat shell is only good for a few years (5 I think maybe) by both OSHA and MSHA. Always kind of wondered why there apparently isn't any time limitations on batting helmet shells also since they are protective headgear, and probably not ale a whole lot more shots than a hard hat does!

I think they both say 3 years if im correct. My daughter plays 10u and she likes a shiny new helmet every year. So to me its worth the money to keep her happy and know the helmet has not gotten weak.

 

[Pacerdad57]

I know it is way shorter than one would think.
Nothing wrong with shiny and new every season!

 

[Pacerdad57]

I think they both say 3 years if im correct. My daughter plays 10u and she likes a shiny new helmet every year. So to me its worth the money to keep her happy and know the helmet has not gotten weak.

Don't have to be in the field much anymore on inspections, know I bought a new one 2years ago, and my old one had lapsed, just for the life of me couldn't remember 3 or 5 years. I'll have the do my MSHA refresher this summer, so I'll have the info again, then promptly forget it probably!!

 

[Sbcraze]

Yea i cant remember exactly. But its close. I forget what i did yesterday most of the time unless its softball related. Lol

 

[Pacerdad57]

Yea i cant remember exactly. But its close. I forget what i did yesterday most of the time unless its softball related. Lol

finally got energetic enough to look it up :

3M’s suggested replacement is based on service life (based on when the hard hat was placed into service, not the manufacture date)--suspension at least every 12 months, shell at least every two to five years.

 

[Dougk30]

Main reason that OSHA wants you to replace every so often is because OSHA thinks that if you just spend money it will automatically make you safe. There is no concern for true safety just worried about the facade and covering their butts. They also think the more paper work you do that you are more safe you will be. Now I am not saying that plastic from hard hats and batting helmets don't break down after the years, but I would just watch spending money on what OSHA recommendations are. They have a lot of large companies asking them to say certain things so people are forced to spend money.
In my opinion if you have a batting helmet that is just a few years old and you can make it look nice with a new paint job, and save the team money, I would run with it. I have seen a lot of really nice custom paint jobs on helmets and it can really make you team stand out.

 

[CARDS]

Seems like a lot of work just to save a couple bucks.

By the time you get the correct paint and clear them, Then all the time to prep you have to be close to $15 per helmet and when you are done, you will get to here the girls complain about the paint smell for a few weeks...
I would just spend the $20 or so bucks on a new helmet and face guard.

Now back at 12U we had a parent that did air brushing and he put the girls name on the front over the winter with new helmets. The other years we went with a plain with number or a decal and number.

We did changed helmets every year and it was added into the uniform cost. The helmets with foam inside dry out from sweat or the pads come loose then you have ladies looking through the ear-hole as they are running.
The faceguard mounting holes also become weak and start to get cracks after a full schedule of play and practice and getting tossed around and stuffed in bags. Not to mention some smell as bad as the batting gloves.

 

[Pacerdad57]

If they smell as bad as the batting gloves, there are some awfully stinking heads out there!
I make the DD put the batting gloves and cleats in the back of the truck!!

 

[CARDS]

If they smell as bad as the batting gloves, there are some awfully stinking heads out there!
I make the DD put the batting gloves and cleats in the back of the truck!!

Get the ladies with with Corn Row's, Weaves and the other various moisturizers they have to use and by mid June the helmets do get a little ripe...I had one lady at 18 that sported a very short hair style for sports and would wear a wig through the week because she was self conscious about the odor.
Imagine having a helmet for a couple years where the lady had to use hair gels/moisturizers because they cannot wash their hair daily. Those products alone would deteriorate the inner shell/padding.

 

[Long Baller]

I'm probably in the minority here, but I hate when my DD gets a new helmet every year. She has a small head, so nothing ever fits. Then factor in that they have to get a different brand every year, so the new small is actually bigger than last years medium. When you get it to fit the way it should, after going through a bunch of those fitment pads, then she complains about seeing too much of the face mask. Then next week, the coach gives you a hard time about not having the new helmet.....its so frickin' annoying. I would much rather have her wearing an old, crusty looking helmet that fit correctly than a fancy new shiny (or matte, if that is what they wanted this year ) helmet that doesn't fit right.

Back to the OP...helmets are cheap. I would just wash it down really good then rattle can it and put a new sticker on it.