How to Choose a Welding Helmet – Welding Helmet Guide

How to Choose a Welding Helmet – Welding Helmet Guide

by | Nov 26, 2024 | Buying Guide

The welding helmet is imperative for welders while doing any kind of welding operation. Therefore, it is vital to choose the best welding helmet. But many welders especially beginners don’t know what factors to consider while choosing a welding helmet. There are many advantages of using a high-quality welding helmet, it not only boosts a welder’s productivity but also keeps him safe during all kinds of welding operations.

There are many advantages to using a quality welding hood. It will protect the welder from sparks and radiation. Another great benefit of a welding helmet is that it will also help you to get better weld quality. Here we discuss how to choose a welding helmet. This article is going to be very helpful for people who want to choose a new hood for welding. Before buying a welding hood, one must know how an auto-darkening welding helmet works. It will help you to make the right decision.

Welding Helmet Working

There is intense light produced during welding operations that can be damaging to the eyes of the welder. These lights can be ultraviolet, infrared or visible. There is a lens and liquid crystal material in the welding helmet when it senses the flashing light of arc welding, it automatically changes its shade and darkens. So, the welding lens protects the eyes of the welder from flashing light. Sparks and hot molten metal can also cause burns to welders. A welder’s skin and eyes are shielded by putting on a welding hood.

A nonflammable face shield is attached to the welder’s head with an adjustable strap in the most basic helmets. A lens is enclosed within this rectangle and is protected by a safety screen. To protect the welder’s eyes from the many forms of hazardous light emitted by the arc, the lens is coated and blackened. The darker the shade during welding is better for the welder. There are different kinds of shade lenses for welding, here is the best shade lens for MIG welding.

Factors to Consider While Choosing the Welding Helmet

There are many factors that you should keep in mind while choosing a welding helmet. As all the features are vital, don’t undermine anything. You should never compromise on the quality and response time of a welding helmet. Because these are vital in choosing a welding helmet. We have also covered the best welding helmet for beginners which includes all welding helmets that are best for newbies.

Welding Helmet Should be Comfortable

If you want great results then it is vital to choose a comfortable welding helmet. It helps welders to work for a long time and produce the best results. A completely manageable head harness with various adjustment points and a balanced weight distribution ensures a custom fit. The Speedglas 9100 series welding helmets are highly compatible with a variety of extra neck covers, head coverings and welding earmuffs.

Welding Helmet Should Be Versatile

Because no two jobs are alike, a welding helmet should be adaptable to a variety of conditions. Consider a welding helmet that is customized to your specific needs and job requirements. Whether you need overhead security, a flip-front visor for regular grinding and dependable respite. Here is an excellent quality versatile welding helmet for professionals.

Consider the Type of Lens

The type and quality of the lens are some of the most critical components when choosing a welding helmet. Passive lenses are typically made of polycarbonate plastic while auto-darkening lenses are typically composed of liquid crystal display glass. Auto-darkening lenses are preferred because they offer more utility and productivity than their passive equivalents.

The visual clarity of the surrounding environment is important to welders. So, they must know how to clean welding helmet lenses. A large viewing area welding hood is preferable. Therefore, welders typically choose a welding helmet with a larger viewing area.

While choosing a welding helmet there also come some questions in the mind of the buyer will the workpiece be visible to me while welding? Is it possible for me to see the welding object during and after the welding process? If you buy a good welding hood, you don’t need to worry about it.

Auto-Darkening Lens

You can resolve the visibility issues by using an auto-darkening lens. When not in use, an auto-darkening lens has a shade of #3 or #4, which is reasonably light and easy to look through. When the sensors on the helmet detect an arc, the lens immediately darkens to shades # 8 to # 13 in a fraction of a second.

Because the auto-darkening welding helmet stays in position before, during and after the weld. These are some of the benefits of auto-darkening welding helmets that’s why people love to choose such types of welding helmets. We have also covered the difference between auto-darkening and passive welding helmets.

True Color

Auto-darkening lenses enable a broader range of visible light via filter, which is a relatively new advancement in optics technology. This technique is referred to as “true color” or “real color.” The buyer should know in which state of the helmet the true-color characteristic appears. Some manufacturers emphasize genuine color in the inactive state. When the sensors in an auto-darkening helmet do not detect an arc, it enters into an inactive state.

The auto-darkening shade is frequently a #3 or #4 in the inactive state, which is already quite transparent. The benefit of real or true color is that it is preserved throughout the process. There are a lot of resources on the internet guiding about helmets. Here are some quality helmet blogs that will help you in getting reliable knowledge.

Initial Cost and Operational Expenses

It is no surprise that adding new and enhanced features will raise the price of a helmet so, the initial cost is a major consideration when selecting a welding helmet. Therefore, it is vital to choose a helmet that is cost-effective and has all the necessary features. We have also covered the best welding helmets under $200 which includes excellent welding helmets. One thing that you should never compromise is the quality of the welding helmet. Because if you buy a cheap welding helmet you are saving money but it will cost more in the long run.

Reaction Time of the Welding Helmet

When welding begins, the lens switches frequency according to the light emitted which is known as reaction time. It relates to how fast a lens changes its state from the initial state to a shade number 3 or 4. It is measured in fractions of a second up to a millionth of a second.

If your job is to do welding for hours, a lazy switching welding helmet may cause inconvenience at the end of the day. If that’s the scenario in your case and you’re wondering how to choose an excellent welding helmet. Buying a welding helmet with intermediate or professional switching speeds is a fantastic choice.

Read More: Best Cool Welding Helmets

Battery, Solar Powered or Both

Auto-darkening helmets are available in several power sources. Some variants contain non-replaceable internal batteries and some with solar assist panels. Others feature solar aid panels and removable batteries. Some have lithium batteries, which are excellent for longer battery life. Some solar-assist helmets require charging from direct sunlight before they can be utilized.

Lithium batteries are considerably more expensive. The choice here is probably a personal one, but AAA battery-operated is the best option for wide availability and low replacement costs. Choose lithium for longer battery life.

Consider Safety Standards While Choosing a Welding Helmet

Regardless of the kind of welding procedure, welders must prioritize the use of excellent personal protection equipment and safe welding techniques. Eye, face, hand and body protection are all examples of welding PPE. Although there is no need for safety glasses under the welding helmet. Furthermore, the welding area has proper ventilation and respiratory security.

Safety and compliance are two of the most important characteristics of any helmet. Welding helmets must fulfil ANSI requirements in the United States, and CSA compliance is required in Canada. A welder can also protect his face from sunlight by wearing a helmet hood.

Conclusion

We have discussed some critical factors you should consider before choosing the best welding helmets. After reading the complete article, now you are in a strong position to choose an excellent welding helmet. A lightweight helmet puts less stress on the user’s neck, which reduces fatigue and improves comfort.

The latest auto-darkening helmets typically include features such as aluminium heat safety to secure the lens from high heat (300+ amps) applications, silver coloration to reflect heat far away from the welder, gaskets for shock intake and increased longevity. These are some features that one must consider while buying a welding helmet.

Read More: Best Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets Under $100

5 Best Lincoln Electric Welding Helmets 2025

5 Best Lincoln Electric Welding Helmets 2025

by | Nov 25, 2024 | Product Reviews

The helmet is an effective source of protection in manual work like electronic machinery work. It is the most important component in a welder’s life. When choosing a welding helmet, there are several factors that one should consider. The true purpose of a helmet is to protect the eye and skin from the hazards of the welding process.

Lincoln Electric helmets are the best portable, single-operator welding machines. These are great productions of Lincoln Electric which was started in 1911. Lincoln welding helmets are the best hoods that are designed according to the comfort and security of the person. The job of electric welding is impossible without wearing a safety helmet. Welding hoods provide the best protection while having the latest technology in them. Lincoln electric welding helmets are nice-featured, high-quality lightweight hoods that a welder may carry easily the whole day.

Features of Lincoln Electric Welding Helmet

Lincoln Electric is well known as a leader in the manufacture, and design in perspective of solutions, cutting systems, and robotic welding. It introduced a modern technology of brazing and above all soldering alloys. It also takes care of the user’s comfort while carrying it. The headgear divides weight evenly so that you may carry it easily all day.

Most of the Lincoln electric welding hoods are auto-darkening and have great features of 4C lens technology that make them prominent among other helmets. The correct shade lens made it protective for the eye. The well-constructed quality lenses have a screen that filters ultraviolet harmful rays and offers a protective welding system.

4c Lens Technology

While having modern technology designed by great welding experts, Lincoln Electric’s great liquid crystal display (LCD) improves the color spectrum of the display. The 4c lens technology enhances the wide range of hues and colors that can be experienced in both light and dark. That cannot be possible with traditional auto-darkening filters. The LCD technology protects the eyes from eye strain. It also enables you not only to see clearly but also to see more. The specific large range of viewing areas provides you with a wide vision.

1/1 1/1 Optical Clarity

Optical clarity is most important in the field of welding. Lincoln Electric Welding Helmets provide the best optical clarity. The quality of the auto-darkening lens is divided into 1 to 3 in each class. The 1/1 1/1 grade makes a great performance for your research program.

External Shade and Grind Control

The shell feature of the left side has a small easy-to-use control dial that controls the operator to adjust between shades 9 – 13 or transition to the mode of grind without the effort of removing the helmet. This facilitates you to adjust hues and shades based on different welding applications and processes. The reaction time on the filter is also very fast. The sensitivity of DC TIG gets down to 3 amps. With the help of just two arc sensors, you could easily flash yourself at once by blocking both of them.

Adjustable Pivot Headgear

This great feature of the helmet eliminates pressure points with the padded front headband and two top head straps by distributing weight. It has a pivot-style connection to the rear cradle that fits inside the back of the skull. The additional quality is the adjustable headband allows the operator to set the desired tightness and fitting. Pancake welding helmets are also the best choice for adjustable headgear at a reasonable price. It also provides the flexibility of moving all around during the working process. Lincoln Welding Helmets offers professional welding gear easily available at any cost.

Easy-to-use Interface

It has a great feature of delay control to tailor a performance to your environment and for your application. Has also a great quality low battery indicator that improves safety and a convenient replaceable coin battery.

Light Weight

With the best feature of lightweight Lincoln Electric, Welding Helmets Provide you with an easy and comfortable way of welding. You may wear it all day without getting fatigued. Though it is lightweight it provides secure protection against ultraviolet rays.

Best Lincoln Electric Welding Helmet

There is a great variety of electric helmets. Every helmet has a specific feature and quality that makes it prominent from others. You may choose your best according to your desire. We are going to discuss the 5 best Lincoln Electric Welding Helmet listed below.

Lincoln Viking 1840 – Best Value

The Lincoln Viking 1840 provides a great quality 4C color technology. It has the specific feature of a 1/1 1/1 optical rating and the external grind mode facilitates you with the ability to adjust down to shade level 3.5. While the digital controls are made inside the helmet with the facility of adjustment between shades levels 9 – 13.

Lincoln Viking 1840 is the protection provided with the latest technology of 4c lens and auto-darkening. The best quality headgear distributes weight evenly so that you can easily wear it all day. The external quality of hues and shade control changes make it prominent. It has various graphics shell choices. Lincoln Viking 1840 is lightweight and easy to use and has a 3–year warranty.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Powerful protection source
  • Convenient headgear
  • 4C color lens natural
  • Solar rechargeable battery
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Just two arc sensors
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Lincoln K3419-1 Welding Helmet

With the great quality of lightweight and 6.6 square inches of viewing area, pretty big for its range price, Lincoln K3419 – 1 is the best. It has the great feature of adjustable shade level between 7 to 13 and the dial also has the shade level of 3 grind mode. You may be happy with the comfort level but some people can feel the headgear is cheap. On this helmet, reaction time is adjustable.

The sensitivity is suitable for air carbon arc cutting and plasma. It is appropriate for welding down to 5 amps. Has a facility of solar power, easy-to-find AAA batteries, that is a low battery warning light and a fast 1/25,000th second reaction time. Lincoln K 3419 – 1 has a two-year warranty. It is a lightweight helmet that you may wear the whole day easily. The best source of protection for eyes and skin.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Great 6.6 square–inch viewport
  • AAA batteries are easily available
  • Grind mode and External dial
  • Very lightweight helmet
  • Comfortable headgear
Cons
  • On the external nob reports of impact
  • Just two arc sensors
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Lincoln Eliminator K3320-2 Welding Helmet

It offers the facility of comfortable headgear with the quality of a sweatband. The specification of ADF has a quick and fast reaction time of 1/25,000th of a second and also has the quality of auto-darkening shade Level that has the quality of the adjustment from 7 to 13. The viewport is 6.6 inches square. You will be very comfortable with the great quality of the eliminators’ lightweight.

Only a few problems are noticed related to the adjustment and fitness of the headgear. The Eliminator has the quality of full ANSI Z87.1 and CSA Z94.3 safety standards compliance. It also has a test button for the ADF filter. While wearing gloves it is very easy to use with the quality of external shade level adjustment. The feature of solar power also makes it prominent. It has also a great quality AAAE battery and low weight that you can wear all day easily.

Read More: Multi-Process Welders under $500

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • The AAA batteries are very easily available
  • The availability of 2 extra outside and inside lens covers
  • A great feature of optical clarity
  • Dial control is very easy to reach
  • High-quality big viewport
Cons
  • Headgear would not stay tight
  • Just two arc sensors
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Lincoln K2933-1 Welding Helmet

It is a high-quality auto-darkening helmet that is available at a great price. The Lincoln K2933-1 because of its lightweight, very easy to wear all day and its weight is just 17 ounces. The viewport area of 6.6 square inches is bigger than that of it. The helmet also has a quick and steady reaction of 1/25,000th – seconds, which is considered faster than that of any costly helmet. You may test the battery charge through a test button available on it.

It has a great quality solar system like other Lincoln helmets. It has also only one drawback like other helmets that it has only 2 arc sensors. So due to this drawback, you should be careful not to block them at the same time. You will find it comfortable while having the quality of a sweatband. Its great compatibility is its hard shell. Most of the welders mentioned that the graphics stand up well to the hard welding environment. To get started the helmet includes two extra lens covers. It’s so reliable that it has a two-year warranty.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • The great ability to switch speed 1/25,000th second
  • The efficiency of dial-type infinite adjustment
  • Very easy as lightweight 17 ounces
  • Easy and comfortable fit
  • Two extra outside and inside lens covers
Cons
  • Only comes with two arc sensors
  • There is no grind mode
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Lincoln Viking 3350 Welding Helmet

The Lincoln Viking 3350 helmet holds a unique industry standard. The great quality of the huge 12.5-inch viewing area points towards the wide range of areas you can see. The 4C natural color advanced technology offers a wide and clear view of your work. It has the best optical clarity rating of 1/1 1/1 that you may buy without any hesitation. Inside the helmet, steady control offers adjustable shade levels from 5 to 13 without any extra effort. TIG is highly best, down to below two amps. You will enjoy the natural comfort with its easy headgear.

Lincoln calls it X6 and it divides weight around the head at almost various levels that you can easily put on. The great quality of this helmet is that it has pads on the front and rear to make it more comfortable and convenient. You may carry on all day while working. Though in some cases users complain that sometimes light gets inside and feels uneasy, they call it some kind of slackness of coverage. But it has a more powerful positive side, there is the existence of an external grind button having an internal green light button to remind you to switch back to welding mode.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Lincoln Viking 3350 has very comfortable headgear
  • It offers a huge range of12.5 square inch viewport
  • Effective low–profile external grind button
  • Great quality lightweight
  • It provides the best optical quality
Cons
  • From behind light may get inside
  • Not all welders please with its coverage
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Conclusion

To sum up the discussion we may say that Lincoln Electric Welding Helmets fulfil all the functional needs that are necessary to provide a protective and secure way in the welding process. It has all the latest technological features that make welding work easier and more comfortable. With the help of 4C technology, you may experience a wide range of colors and hues that make your work more comprehensive and easier. It also protects you from the harmful ultra rays getting inside the helmets. Here is the list of the best welding helmets for professionals.

The optical clarity rating improves your work view. The Head shield is also made in such a way that you may fit the helmet according to your desired fitting easily. You may turn your head all around without any effort. With the great qualities of battery and solar-powered systems, the best Lincoln Electric Welding Helmets proved to be a brand among other helmets available in the market. The helmets are manufactured as lightweight so that you can use them all day and do your job in light mode. Best Lincoln Electric Helmets are easily available at an affordable cost

Read More: Top Welding Caps

A Comprehensive Guide to Cornwell Welding Helmets

A Comprehensive Guide to Cornwell Welding Helmets

by | Nov 21, 2024 | Welding

Welding is an essential skill in various industries, from construction to automotive repair. A welder’s gear is crucial for ensuring safety, precision, and comfort during the job. Among the most vital pieces of equipment is the welding helmet, and Cornwell welding helmets are renowned for their quality, durability, and user-centric design.

This article thoroughly explores Cornwell welding helmets, covering their features, benefits, and why they are a top choice for welders.

Read More: Welding Helmets for Industrial Electricians

About Cornwell Welding Helmets

Cornwell Quality Tools, a trusted name in the industry since 1919, is well-known for its high-quality tools and equipment. Their welding helmets are no exception, combining advanced technology with practical design to meet the needs of both professional welders and hobbyists.

Cornwell helmets are built to protect welders from harmful UV/IR rays, flying sparks, and intense light, all while ensuring visibility and comfort during welding tasks.

Key Features of Cornwell Welding Helmets

1. Auto-Darkening Filters (ADF)

Cornwell welding helmets feature advanced auto-darkening filters that adjust the lens shade instantly when exposed to welding arcs.

  • Variable Shade Options: Typically ranging from 9 to 13, providing flexibility for different welding applications.
  • Reaction Time: Fast switching speeds (often within 1/25,000 of a second) ensure optimal eye protection.

2. High Optical Clarity

Cornwell helmets offer excellent optical clarity, often rated with top scores in clarity standards (1/1/1/1 ratings). This ensures:

  • Clear visibility of the weld pool and surroundings.
  • Reduced eye strain during prolonged use.

3. Lightweight and Durable Design

Constructed from lightweight, durable materials, these helmets protect without adding excessive weight. This minimizes neck strain and enhances user comfort.

4. Comfortable Headgear

Cornwell helmets feature adjustable headgear for a secure and comfortable fit. Key elements include:

  • Padded Headbands: Reduce pressure points.
  • Customizable Fit: Multiple adjustment points to fit various head sizes and preferences.

5. Versatility for Various Welding Processes

These helmets are suitable for multiple welding techniques, including:

  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG).
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG).
  • Plasma cutting and grinding modes (on select models).

6. UV/IR Protection

Cornwell helmets provide continuous protection from harmful UV and IR rays, regardless of the lens shade. This feature ensures complete safety for the welder’s eyes.

7. Solar-powered and Battery Backup Systems

Many models combine solar panels with replaceable batteries, ensuring long-lasting and reliable performance.

Read More: Anime Welding Helmets

Popular Cornwell Welding Helmet Models

While Cornwell offers a variety of helmets, some of their standout models include:

1. Cornwell ADF Digital Welding Helmet

  • Features: Digital controls for shade, sensitivity, and delay adjustments.
  • Applications: Ideal for high-precision welding tasks.
  • Notable Benefit: Wide viewing area for better visibility.

2. Cornwell Lightweight Helmet with Grind Mode

  • Features: Dedicated grind mode for switching between welding and grinding tasks.
  • Applications: Perfect for welders who multitask.
  • Notable Benefit: Lightweight construction for extended use.

3. Cornwell Panoramic View Helmet

  • Features: Offers a wide field of view with side windows.
  • Applications: Great for jobs requiring awareness of surroundings.
  • Notable Benefit: Enhanced peripheral visibility.

Benefits of Using Cornwell Welding Helmets

1. Enhanced Safety

Cornwell helmets exceed industry safety standards, protecting users from harmful light emissions and flying debris.

2. Improved Productivity

With features like auto-darkening filters and comfortable designs, welders can focus on their work without frequent helmet adjustments or visibility issues.

3. Cost-Effective Durability

Cornwell helmets are built to last, providing reliable performance over the years. This makes them a cost-effective investment for professionals.

4. Versatility Across Projects

From heavy-duty industrial tasks to delicate TIG welding, Cornwell helmets are versatile tools suitable for various applications.

Tips for Choosing the Right Cornwell Welding Helmet

  1. Consider the Application: Determine the type of welding you’ll perform most often to select a model with appropriate features.
  2. Check for Comfort: Look for helmets with adjustable headgear and lightweight construction, especially if you’ll wear them for extended periods.
  3. Evaluate Optical Clarity: Opt for models with high optical clarity ratings for precise and comfortable welding.
  4. Explore Advanced Features: If you need additional functionalities like grind mode or panoramic views, prioritize models with these options.
  5. Budget Wisely: While Cornwell helmets are an investment, they offer excellent value for money in terms of durability and performance.

Maintaining Your Cornwell Welding Helmet

Proper maintenance ensures your helmet remains functional and safe:

  • Clean the Lens: Use a soft cloth and lens cleaner to remove dirt and debris.
  • Check Batteries: Regularly replace or recharge batteries to maintain auto-darkening functionality.
  • Inspect for Damage: Check the shell and headgear for cracks or wear and replace parts as needed.
  • Store Properly: Keep the helmet in a protective bag or case to prevent scratches and damage.

Conclusion

Cornwell welding helmets are a trusted choice for welders seeking safety, comfort, and precision. With their advanced features, durable construction, and versatility, these helmets cater to a wide range of welding tasks and environments.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, investing in a Cornwell welding helmet ensures you’re well-equipped for the job, allowing you to work efficiently and safely.

Read More: Safeguarding Workplaces with Funny Welding Helmets

Which is the Best Way to Clean Welding Helmet Lens

Which is the Best Way to Clean Welding Helmet Lens

by | Nov 8, 2024 | Buying Guide

No safety gear is more important than the welding helmet. Either you weld by hobby or by profession. You must use a welding helmet or welding goggles. It is imperative from a safety perspective. Let it also admit that the welding workshop and any other place where welding operations are carried out is not a clean place. So, the environment, as well as the welding operation, makes your welding lens dirty.

Therefore, many questions arise in this perspective like how to keep welding lenses clean and what is the best way to clean welding helmet lenses. Because no one wants to leave his expensive or cheap welding lens before the expected life span. Therefore, you should be careful while choosing the welding helmet. There are many ways to answer the question of how to clean a welding lens. Here we will discuss the best ways of cleaning welding helmet lenses.

Material Required to Clean Welding Helmet Lens

It depends upon the type of welding helmets. But usually, the following materials are used for the cleaning of the welding helmet lens.

Soft cloth or tissues:

It’s not every type of cloth but a special type of soft cloth or tissue.

Room temperature water:

It is required for the cleaning of a clear lens. Don’t use it for the auto-darkening lens. Otherwise, it will damage the lens.

Smooth bristled brush:

Use the smooth bristled brush to remove debris and dirt before applying any kind of non-stick cleaning material like cream. The special cleaning solution that’s safe for lenses

You have to require some other accessories along with the recommended material. These accessories are screws, screwdrivers, and manuals. Manual describes special requirements for cleaning the lens.

Which is the Best Way to Clean Welding Helmet Lens

The lens is very sensitive. To keep it away from scratches use a special type of very soft-bristled brush. This brush helps to remove the abrasive material from the lens surface without producing any kind of scratches on your lens. When you once remove the abrasive dirt from the welding helmet lens. Then go through the condition of the lens. If it is clear then it is fine. Otherwise, it requires some kind of special cleaning process.

After review, if you find that there is more dirt and it is required to clean the welding helmet lens. There is a special type of non-adhering cream, suitable for the welding helmet lens. Apply this cream on your welding helmet lens. Take a UV protectant fiber cloth. Gently clean the surface of the welding helmet lens. If it is an ordinary lens then use mild hot water to clean the surface. Otherwise, just dry the lens. Try to dry it properly. If there remains any kind of wet place on the lens. It will obstruct the vision of the welder.

Things to Avoid While Cleaning Your Lens

There are some common mistakes that prove very dangerous for your welding helmet lens. Otherwise, there will end your welding helmet lens life. Then there is no option other than to change the welding helmet lens.

Using a Scrub Brush

Scrub brush creates scratches on the lens. Instead of using a scrub brush, use a soft-bristled brush to remove the initial layer of dust. This brush wipes away the initial layer of dust without any kind of scratches. After this removal, you are able to see how much the lens is cleaned.

Using Brushes to Scrub

You must use the soft-bristled brush for the removal of the initial layer of grime. If you use it further on the lens then it will ruin your welding helmet lens. For the further removal of grime, the layer must use a special type of cloth.

Using Big Strokes

While cleaning avoids form jerky and large moments. Instead of large and jerky movements, use small strokes to clean the lens. Large and jerky movements can scratch the lens. This leads to shortening the life span of your welding helmet lens. Due to scratches, there will be more dust accumulation next time and while using the helmet you will get a blurry view.

How to Clean Scratches from Lenses?

With the passage of time even with too much care, scratches are there on the welding helmet lens. Then buffing is a great option to clean scratches on the welding helmet.

Buffing

Removal of scratches will be a wonder and this wonder easily happens with a buffing wheel and dab of buffing compound. Apply light buffing compound of the buffing wheel. Then turn it on until it gains its steady motion in sense spinning. Move your lens gently across the spinning wheel. Apply pressure that is enough for welding helmet lenses. This procedure takes a few minutes of precious time. After buffing there will be a polished and scratch-free lens. Buffing can be done up to a certain point. After that point, the only option remains to change your lens.

Rubbing Compound

To get a scratch-free lens, the second option is to use a rubbing compound. There are many rubbing compounds like 3M Rubbing Compound 05973 for the removal of scratches. They remove the scratches along with stains, surface marks, and oxidation. These compounds vary the type of lens material. Like the above-discussed compound is suitable for Polycarbonate surfaces.

These compounds are mostly a bit pricey. But no need to worry about this because it requires only a few drops for cleaning your lens. So, they will last for a long time. Apply a few drops of rubbing compound on the lens and rub it with a microfiber cloth or with a terry cloth. There is quick removal of surface junk within a short time. Apply a little more compound and then rub the cloth again against the lens. Small scratches also will come out.

To avoid smudged and bleary views, completely dry the lens after using such a compound. Take a piece of a soft cloth and move it in a small and circular motion. This will increase the life of the lens more than the estimated lifespan of welding helmet lenses.

How to Keep Lenses Clean

The answer of how to keep welding lenses clean is also a trick for the best way to clean welding helmet lenses. Use some polish like furniture polish along with wax and car polish with wax. Polish helps to remove the layer of dirt and leave a film behind which prevents it from scratches as well. This also helps to keep from blurry and smudged views. Polish also fill the fine scratch places. But be very careful while applying it. Don’t leave any spot behind it can cause the reflection of the light and blur the view while welding operation.

How a Welding Lens Gets Dirty

A welding helmet is directly exposed in front of this intense environment. It is hit by slag, fire, and metal pieces. Along with this, the environment of any workshop or workplace is not so clean. All of these things make its lens dirty. This may be in the form of dust or in kind of scratches. Other than this heated environment improper cleaning like sometimes workers cleaning its lens with their dirty shirts leads to scratches on the lens.

How Can You Increase the Life of a Welding Helmet Lens?

You can increase the lifespan of your welding helmet lens by following little hacks.

Clean Daily

You may be surprised by reading clean daily! Yes, after every time you use your welding helmet you must clean it properly.

It takes less time to clean your welding helmet as compared to cleaning it off and on. Other than this will increase the lifespan of your welding helmet lens.

Store Properly

After using the welding helmet, store it in the proper space.  While storing, use its bag to store it.

Improper storage and without bag storage can cause the chance of falling and dirty its lens very soon. Falling leads to losing your money.

Can we use any kind of cloth or tissue for cleaning of welding helmet lens?

You can’t use any kind of cloth or tissue for cleaning the welding helmet lens. There is a special type of UV protectant lens cleaning microfiber towel.

What happens when the welding helmet is not cleaned properly?

If you don’t adopt the best way to clean welding helmet lenses, then the life of welding helmets will decrease. Along with life, it will be economically burdened on the welding helmet owner. It also affects the efficiency of the welding operations. If you read this article till the end then you will come to know the best way to clean welding helmet lenses.

When should you get a new welding lens?

It depends on the situation. If you have tried all three discussed methods but there is still a blurry and smudged view then it is time to change the welding helmet lens. We have also covered the best welding helmets. So, read our list of top welding helmets.

 

6 Steps to Paint a Welding Helmet – Tips for Welders

6 Steps to Paint a Welding Helmet – Tips for Welders

by | Oct 25, 2024 | Welding

Some welders especially welding students, want to see their welding helmets in different colors rather than the standard black. Because they want to show off their welding helmets and like to buy the best welding helmets. If you have some creativity and proper guidance on how to paint a welding helmet, then it’s not a big task. This blog post will show you how to paint your old welding helmet with a glossy finish. It’s quick and easy; follow some of these simple steps.

The average lifespan of a welding helmet is around five years. After that time, the paint begins to disintegrate. Therefore, it is good to repaint your welding helmet every few years to keep it new and good-looking. Painting any object is fun and satisfying, but it becomes exciting when it’s something as important as protecting your eyes from sparks. So go ahead and get started by reading through these instructions to get an excellent result.

Things Needed to Paint a Welding Helmet

Products required before starting to paint a welding helmet

  1. Welding helmet
  2. Painter’s tape
  3. Spray can of the desired color
  4. Clean cloth for dust removal
  5. A primer that is fire-resistant
  6. Brush for paint

Don’t worry if you’re not a pro painter – we’ve got everything covered in our step-by-step guide!

Remove Lens and Headgear

Prepare the work area by covering it with newspaper or plastic wrap to save. When your work area is ready, it’s time to start masking off the areas of the welding helmet you don’t want to paint. So, remove the welding lens and headgear from the welding helmet and set them aside. The lens is sensitive and can be damaged by paint. Some people tape the lens and headgear, but it is good to remove them to ensure the helmet has a flat surface and avoid worry while painting a welding helmet.

Clean Welding Helmet and Lens

People who don’t give importance to cleaning before painting a welding helmet never get the expected result. Because by painting an unclear surface, you can’t get the desired results. Before painting a welding helmet, you must know how to clean a welding helmet lens. If the lens is clean, you will get a clear view of the working object. Before painting, you should have all washing materials like sandpaper or steel wool to clean the welding helmet before starting the job.

No one can deny the value of cleaning. It is an essential step if anyone wants to get an excellent painting result. Cleaning helps the paint stick to the surface and gives a glossy finish. You can also use water and a degreaser to get outstanding results. It will help the paint adhere to the surface.

Apply Primer to the Welding Helmet

Now your welding helmet is clean and ready for painting. The next step is to apply a coat of primer to the helmet. It will help the paint adhere better and give it a nice, even surface. People who don’t give much importance to this step never get the expected result.

Primer helps the undercoat adhere to the surface, and it also fills any tiny scratches or imperfections on the helmet. Therefore, a painter needs to apply primer before starting to paint a welding helmet. Always choose a primer that is fire resistant; otherwise, there are chances of catching fire to the welding helmet. 

Apply the Filler Paint

The use of filler paint is essential for an even finish. Filler paints are made from a mixture of pigments and resin. It is spread over the surface of the primer on the helmet. When it dries up, it leaves behind tiny pores that act as another layer of protection against heat, fire and rust. If you are looking for excellent long-term painting results, give importance to this step. 

Choose the Color of the Paint

Once the primer has dried, it’s time to paint the welding helmet. There are two options available for painters, whether using a paintbrush or spray. But we recommend spraying the welding helmet to get outstanding results. As you know it is the final step of the painting job, so it is vital to use good-quality paint.

Choose a color that you love and start painting in even strokes. The more coats of paint you apply, the glossier the helmet will be. However, make sure to allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next one. So, the result will be a good finish. Here you can also read the guide on why people love tattoo design welding helmets.

Let it Desiccate

After spraying or brush painting, it is crucial to let the welding helmet dry for some hours. It will ensure that the paint cures properly and the helmet is ready for use. Please do not use the helmet until it has fully dried. A welding helmet is an essential safety gear for welders, so it should be treated carefully.

Don’t forget the lens and headgear; they should also be dry. When all parts have dried, reattach them and your newly painted welding helmet is ready to shield your eyes from dangerous sparks and other debris while working.

Conclusion of How to Paint a Welding Helmet

After reading this complete guide, you should be well aware of how to paint a welding helmet. This is the best way to paint a welding helmet and is also very useful for beginners. You will get great results and your welding helmet will give you a new look. So, follow this guide and give a new color to your old welding helmet. Also, check some valuable insights about funny welding helmets.

FAQs

Do you have to sand a helmet before painting?

The sanding of a welding helmet reduces its ability to protect. It weakens the outer shell of the helmet. Therefore, we don’t recommend such practices. You must choose such a paint color that you don’t need to remove the previous paint.

Is it safe to spray a welding helmet?

If you have removed the lens and headgear from the welding helmet then it is fine. But if there is only tape on the lens and headgear then, we don’t recommend spray paint because it can leak and cause harm to the lens.

Can you paint a plastic helmet?

Yes, you can paint the plastic welding helmet but make sure that the outer shell is clear, smooth and compatible with the paint. Always choose a type of paint that matches the helmet’s outer surface.

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