Can spray painting a helmet damage the shell?

[yoda731]

Hey, folks.

I have officially ridden my '81 CX500 for the first time, for all of 100 feet in a straight line in my parking lot. Just enough to verify that the clutch had to be let out, as the bike stayed somewhat in gear when the clutch was fully engaged. But, I took care of that, and the clutch action seems good now...

Helmet question-- after lots of internet research, I bought the infamous Z1R ZRP helmet that did so well on the Motorcyclist.com review. If nothing else, i am confident it is a great parking lot starter helmet.

Whatever helmet I stick with, I intend to paint it fluorescent/safety orange. I have never actually been stylish, and having already locked in a wife who is too beautfiul for a guy like me, I am not worried about starting now. Safety first, and from what I read in someone else's post a bright orange helmet can go a long way towards visibility. (I'm also looking for a road-worker reflective orange vest to wear over my leather...maybe I can get some hot pink chaps to really look like a nutjob...)

My helmet came with a note about not using solvents or abrasivies to clean it, due to the risk of compromising the shell material. Any thoughts on whether a can of aerosol spray paint would degrade or compromise a helmet?

Thanks.
JC

BTW-- Love this site, and I ponied up as a gold supporter. Just waiting for my name to be officially added to the list...

[J.R. Bob Dobbs]

My helmets all came with a warning not to paint.. But the ones I have are also all painted from the factory, with a color then a clearcoat (according to factory literature). So it's a contradiction. I'd say if it's already got factory paint on it, give it a try. If it's bare plastic, I'd be more reluctant.

[dieziege]

How will you test to make sure you haven't harmed the helmet? That's the real problem I see. It may look fine but is it?

That model is polycarbonate and ABS... both of which can be sensitive to solvents. It is probably already painted, and that paint may be sensitive to solvents in the new paint. It really sucks to put down a nice layer of paint and watch it lift and or alligator.

Mabe just get one of these instead: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/r3/safety-vest/


I bought a bright yellow helmet... closest I could come to dayglo...

[Kal]

Most helmets are supposed to be sensitive. It used to be that we werent supposed to put stickers on them.

The thing is supposed to protect your head in the event of a crash, I wouldn't be inclined to risk it.

That saidFibreglass shouldn't be reactive in the sameway and there are water based acrylics on the market for vehicles now. (I think its next year that solvent based paints become illegal here)