What is the Best Way to REPAINT a Vader Helmet?

[SirJediKnightTim]

Should I just prime over the old paint? Then paint it.

There are a few chips on the bottom of the dome. What is the best way to repair them? It is made of fiberglass.

I have experience paint, but not an already painted helmet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

I would say if the helmet has a well applied paint job (paint to primer), just lightly sand down all the painted surfaces, clean and prep, and paint without adding a primer. Light sanding will give the new paint a tooth to grab on if the first paint job was done right.

On the chips, I would say use Bondo being on the edge of the dome. A lesser filler like a model putty might not have the stregnth to hold and be easily dammaged again.

 

[SirJediKnightTim]

I would say if the helmet has a well applied paint job (paint to primer), just lightly sand down all the painted surfaces, clean and prep, and paint without adding a primer. Light sanding will give the new paint a tooth to grab on if the first paint job was done right.

On the chips, I would say use Bondo being on the edge of the dome. A lesser filler like a model putty might not have the stregnth to hold and be easily dammaged again.

Where would I buy "Bondo", an autoparts store?

 

[kursosawa]

You can also get Bondo at home depot or any other hardware store for that matter, which would probably cost a bit less.

 

[SirJediKnightTim]

You can also get Bondo at home depot or any other hardware store for that matter, which would probably cost a bit less.

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Strip it. It's the only way you are gonna get nice sharp details when repainting.

 

[SirJediKnightTim]

Strip it. It's the only way you are gonna get nice sharp details when repainting.

What is the best/easiest thing to use to strip the paint?

 

[Smiling Demon]

What is the best/easiest thing to use to strip the paint?

If it is fiberglass then strip it with a paint stripper.
If it is plastic then do a paint over!

To strip the paint get a paint stripper from Home Depot or where ever you get the bondo and a little patience and scrapper and scrub brushes you will have it stripped in no time!

Just take you time and use the stripper in moderation!!

 

[CSMacLaren]

Tim, what make/brand is your helmet? Got pics?

 

[Too Much Garlic]

What is the best/easiest thing to use to strip the paint?

Yes, helluva good question, mate. I used to recommend brake fluid, but after I damaged an expensive helmet... NO WAY.

Heard others use oven cleaner (I tried that, but the Danish brands must be weak lame-ass tame compared to US brands) and a few I know have used acetone.

 

[vader71]

I agree if you add more paint you will tone down all the details, stripping it is the bast way to go to do it right but it depends on have accurate you want to be. A little prep and repaint is alot less work.
Test the stripper before you go crazy with it some of them will eat the gel coat and others work great, but you will not know until you try it as most vaders are garage made it is not simply fiberglass like it would be from a factory environment. Go slow and keep the excess chemical off the clean areas to keep it from eating into the gelcoat.
(I have been there)

If the chip is only the depth of the paint you will not need the bondo if you strip it.

 

[SirJediKnightTim]

I agree if you add more paint you will tone down all the details, stripping it is the bast way to go to do it right but it depends on have accurate you want to be. A little prep and repaint is alot less work.
Test the stripper before you go crazy with it some of them will eat the gel coat and others work great, but you will not know until you try it as most vaders are garage made it is not simply fiberglass like it would be from a factory environment. Go slow and keep the excess chemical off the clean areas to keep it from eating into the gelcoat.
(I have been there)

If the chip is only the depth of the paint you will not need the bondo if you strip it.

All very good advice. I will have to look closer at the chips. I won't have the helmet in my hands until early next week.

 

[vader71]

I have done new ones and repaints so if you have specific questions ask here or send me a note.
Inside the dome behind the widdows peak is the best flat test pot as you will never see it if you damage the gelcoat.