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.
Table of Contents
Things Needed to Paint a Welding Helmet
Products required before starting to paint a welding helmet
- Welding helmet
- Painter’s tape
- Spray can of the desired color
- Clean cloth for dust removal
- A primer that is fire-resistant
- 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.
James is a welding expert, accomplished author, and trusted guide with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With his in-depth knowledge and engaging writing style, James has become a true authority in the field, offering readers and clients invaluable expertise and insights to take their welding skills to new heights.