Starting my first helmut

[burnett]

Hi! I'm another beginner. I have a Helmut that has flat black paint on it. I wondered how much prep I need to do. Do I need to scuff it and do I need to put a base coat before I paint it? I am using auto air chameleon colors. Any help would be appreciated!!

[OzDesigns]

Welcome to the forum

This is the best place to start out. If you have access to the videos I highly recommend them. I have learned a whooooole lot from them. The tutorials are awesome too. Most importantly just because there are some amazing artists here don't be afraid to post your work. It can be a little intimidating but this forum is chalked full of talent and cool peeps.

Oz

[burnett]

[i]t is intimidating, but everyone seems to be very helpful, so when I get it done I will post some pics. I also do engraving and sandblasting, so it may be a week or so!

[OzDesigns]

Originally Posted by burnett

[i]t is intimidating, but everyone seems to be very helpful, so when I get it done I will post some pics. I also do engraving and sandblasting, so it may be a week or so!

No problem, take your time and enjoy!

One of the most important things that I have learned since I started, is taking the time to ensure that you aren't painting on top of as much of a perfect surface as possible. Since I joined this forum I have ironically started doing more base coat and HVLP stuff. Although this stuff isn't directly realted to this forum, it has increased my confidence in airbrushing and designs. I have recently taken up ABing again and I have noticed a massive difference than once I started. It is great getting back because ABing what I love to do most anyway

One step at a time, and don't forget to post pics.

Oz

[LRMzx636]

Rules I live by

Never trust other peoples prep work.

I recently painted a bike and matching helmet... the helmet he said was factory flat red... well I have seen a lot of helmets and nothing that was factory flat red with no clear. I scuffed it, base coat, graphics, clear... 2 days later... total paint failure. The helmet got a minute scratch that should not have affected it at all. It went down through my primer to the flat red. Once attempted to touch up I realized the problem. The 2k urethane and whatever was on that helmet were no match. The clear could not harden and at 10pm day before delivery there I was scraping paint off with a razor blade. Always prep it yourself, primer, seal, base, clear. Then you know if there is a problem, its something you did

[burnett]

Thank you!! I did just what you said and it turned out pretty good. I have had a lot of good comments on it. I am going to try to paint in realistic colors this time. The ones I did were one chameleon color for the graphics and another for the background. I want to take a course, but there is nothing close to me here in central NY, so I am starting slow and working my way up to the hard ones!!

[LRMzx636]

I'm a self taught painter myself. Learn the hard way. My savior has been my supplier. They are great people up there, always helpful when I need something. Watch online videos and just enjoy it.

[burnett]

The videos are good, but I still wouldn't mind a real live instructor for about a day!!

[OzDesigns]

Originally Posted by burnett

The videos are good, but I still wouldn't mind a real live instructor for about a day!!

Me too, I use the crap outta this site and other itrawebz then I'll go and hang out at some local custom shops to just chat about recent projects. I have gained a lot of great advice and ideas doing that.

[KDSilverBrush]

welcome burnett. Hope ya post a pic of that helmet.

[burnett]

I will when I get good! I am working on doing more than two colors!!