Wish I caught this sooner-
With regard to "which side" was used. I am of the opinion that production could have possibly fixed cowls with both the dull/matte and high gloss, but it's merely a speculation. RS told me when they were able to handle a screen used helmet during their development and research that it used the dull side on the cowl, and the gloss appearance is merely a trick of lighting. I will say that although one side is obviously "duller," it doesn't mean that it doesn't appear glossy in photos or in different lighting conditions. I know how much lighting impacts photo reference in how things look, especially colors and can skew perceptions. I'm honestly not too hard headed on this particular aspect, unfortunately I have yet to see a screen used helmet in person as sad as that makes me.
To clarify this for folks who may be reading this in how to prep the kiss laminate for your helmet- when you get it, it's stupid thin and may appear to be only one single layer, however, there's 2 layers there. I usually split this at a corner.
Before you cut the material, you must adhere both sides or else you risk getting permanent creases or a "crackled" appearance (this is present on at least one helmet). You lay the entire section of the laminate on a work table (assuming it's a single square/rectangle shape), peel the top layer from left to right about half-way. Using a spray adhesive, like the 3M stuff, follow the instructions, spray the exposed side and then carefully lay that top layer back down over the bottom. Repeat this on the other half of the material and let let it all dry before you move forward with cutting and fixing to the helmet.
As I mentioned, if you do not adhere the 2 layers w/ the adhesive, you risk a crackling texture or pattern to appear that is permanent when you're handling it. I only learned this tidbit after I realized that the kiss laminate I was sent was not prepped (I assumed it was!). One the 2nd helmet, I prepped it as described above and I have had absolutely no permanent creasing or anything like the crackled texture I described.
I was fortunate that RS sent me 2 unfinished kits to let me assemble myself, so these may appear constructed a differently from their product.
On the left is the first helmet I put together w/ the "crackling" as I call it, the 2nd helmet (current trooping one) is on the right.
Screen used helmet w/ similar effect on the cowl
So yea..hope this helps someone
-TC
