How To Customize a Helmet (not recommended for active helmet)

[jaxtke]

I like decoration as much as the next guy. The US military forbids stickers on it's protective helmets because it can obscure cracks.

[walterswdf2]

We race karts in Germany. You won't be surprised to hear that the Germans are sticklers for safety. (This is the only country where cadets are required to use a high-back "roll-over" seat, for example.) Plenty of the competitors have some (or lots) of vinyl on their helmets and the inspectors have no objection. That's not decisive, just another piece of evidence on the matter.

[lynda74m]

@walterswdf2 thank you VERY much for sharing this bit of information. : )

[KartingApexKing]

No problem I tend to be a truthful person. You should take my criticism and try and improve, instead of reacting like a infant.

[KartingApexKing]

looks horrible.. might as well of handed the helmet to a child with a hand full of crayons.

[lynda74m]

@KartingApexKing - thank you for your negative opinion

[umarsear]

might not be a bad idea to sell the pre-cut vinyl. The design you did is simple but very nice.

[lynda74m]

@umarsear - Thank you

[tocrank]

Dear Lynda, I wouldn't take Mr. Fucking Retard's comment too seriously. I guess the "dangerous vinyl" myth originated from the fact that some adhesives can weaken the outer shell of a helmet...

[lynda74m]

@tocrank : )

[logun94]

you do know putting stickers on helmets weakens them ??? fucking retard

[lynda74m]

@logun94 wow, "fucking retard" thanks for your opinion. that's just great. hope you have a nice day.

[snipeme101]

damn thats beautifull

[lynda74m]

@snipeme101 thank you for your comment - and for not calling me a "retard" like this last person

[EvilTwinTLR1]

Lynda, you're right. I am American, however I have dual citizenship in Canada. I have uncles in Ottawa, North Bay, Nepean, & BC. That's very nice that you've been doing vinyl graphics since 1994. You are right about the water suspended model airplane "deekals" as the proper nomenclature . Which is doubly perplexing as to why you'd refer to the vinyl graphics, as "deckles". But you go right ahead and go tomaytoe, tomahtoe, and I'll snicker at the differences in our cultural pronunciation.smile!

[lynda74m]

@EvilTwinTLR1 ok, we can agree to disgree : ) at least you did not mention. "about" "house" and "the letter Zed" I have my own pet peeve with American How to TV and the word "measure" It is meh-sure, not MAY-sure. this one wood working show in particular drives me crazy! I thought it was only that guy...but I've heard it on cooking and sewing shows too! lol!

[EvilTwinTLR1]

As an added note

It's pronounced "Dee-Kal" Not "Deckle" ;)

[lynda74m]

@EvilTwinTLR1 *sigh* let me guess... you are American? I will not even debate this issue with you. You go ahead and pronounce it however you wish. In Canada if you were to refer to a custom cut vinyl decal as a DeeKal, you would probably not get the product you intended. A "deekal" is more of a printed graphic on a water slide material, like those cheap lil hobby models you make as a kid. I have been in the Sign Business since 1994. It is Signs, Decals (deckles) and Banners.

[lynda74m]

thank you for the safety information. I never did intend to promote putting decals onto motorcycyle helmets specifically. It is more so an exercise in showing how to very economically "hand cut" your own professional vinyl material and apply yourself. so people can be creative and save money. I will change the description of this video because of all the complaints,

[TGBR50XScooter]

apparently you cant put stickers on motorcycle helmets :/ 

[LifeScarful]

I was wondering if i could use the vynall on a paintball mask? specificaly the - Proto Switch E.L. Anti Fog Single Paintball Goggle

[lynda74m]

@LifeScarful -I like to think there are no "rules" when it comes to customizing anything. As a general rule as long as it is a smooth clean surface, professional vinyl will stick quite well. It can be very difficult to go over a large curved area (sphere like) but if it is curved more like a barrel shape it will work just fine. The vinyl is also completely removable, if you don't like your design. you simply peel it off. have fun!

[andregascoigne]

Ack! Don't put alcohol on your helmet!

[lynda74m]

@andregascoigne Please expand - as I am certainly not a helmet expert, just a graphics person. This particular helmet was brand new, and almost had and oily type finish to it. I had to use ordinary alcohol to remove this filmy "whatever it was" before applying the vinyl. What has been your negative experience in using alcohol as a cleaning solution?

[andregascoigne]

@lynda74m Usually helmets are filled with a polystyrene type foam which is easily dissolved or damaged by Alcohol or other cleaners. Most of the helmets I have owned have recommended using mildly soapy water only - but i do know where you're coming from in terms of the oily film they have. Just had a look around the internet then and found one manufacturer who said it was ok to use a tiny bit - but I'd still be hesitant so that you dont destroy the integrity of your protection!

ps, great video!

[lynda74m]

@andregascoigne thanks for the specific info. I would be horrified if something as basic as customizing a helmet sacrificed the safety of the helmet. information is power - thank you

[tr0nchr0n]

the whole time i was watching this video. i was hoping to myself, man i hope i get to see lynda the sign lady's face because she just has to cutest voice. then i did!

[lynda74m]

lol!! ya I got a text message on my cell - too funny, - it was a "polytone" too! how 2008 : )

[kumpevad]

Another One Bites the DUSTaaaa

[Hateyaall]

this is just fucking ugly

[ComputersteinVasil]

wow nice

[MUKESHMIKEZ]

speak louder

[cf2830]

Too Cool Lynda!!!

[blanti]

Very cool Lynda. Almost Bumble Bee-ish of the Transformers.

[dafolbagboy]

i just love that voice of yours..hehehe nice work..

[alan838]

can you make one for me?? make a dallas cowboys helmet for me pls... i have been looking for one for a loong time,, and since my motorcycle is blue, it will match perfectly...

[lynda74m]

@alan838 did you ever get your dallas cowboys decal made?

I have the "star" for them in my design templates now. Sometimes it is simply done in white, but the one I have is white and silver, meant for a blue background, so that the blue shows through the centre star. Let me know what size decal you need, and where to ship. I would be happy to give you a price.

[bass1134]

wow that came out nice! hmmm i already have an idea for mine lol thanx for sharing.

[jagcardinals22]

would this work on a football helmet? and where woudl you buy the vinyl and how much does it cost?

[lynda74m]

if not you will find the vinyl comes off in small pieces, breaking often with much adhesive to clean off afterwards. if this is the case, household rubbing alchohol makes a good adhesive remover, as well as "Goo GONE" solution.lif not you will find the vinyl comes off in small pieces, breaking often with much adhesive to clean off afterwards. if this is the case, household rubbing alchohol makes a good adhesive remover, as well as "Goo GONE" solution.l

[winterracing88]

i have a question if i do this to my helmet and make a mistake or don't like how it comes out can i take it off no problem? Or will there be something left on the helmet

[lynda74m]

Great ? _ Yes and No.

If you leave the decals on for a while, (this can vary from one week to years - depending on temperature, sun exposure, etc...) There "CAN" be an adhesive residue left on the helmet even after you peel the vinyl striping off. It also depends on the way the vinyl is removed, Typically it is best at a bit warmer than room temperature and a low heat Hair Dryer can help too.

[JokerxTJ]

wow Nice job that is so cool you make it look so easy though lol

[lynda74m]

snipesfella, can you post a weblink, for more info on how the adhesive properties of decals actually change the integrity of a helmet? I have heard of this too...I'm sure others may like more information. Cheers, have a Happy Day!

[snipesfella]

whatever you do people, do NOT put anything adhesive on a polycarbonate helmet, as you will find that it will not perform the way it should in the event of an accident. Also never spray paint your helmet as this affects the EPS lining and melts it away!

[lynda74m]

randomassbalaclava, not too sure what you mean by "draw" fine black lines? you can use black vinyl on a helmet and have the material cut to produce very narrow "fine" pinstriping. Or if you are simply drawing lines on the helmet to use as a guideline for applying your custom vinyl design, I would recommend anything by "crayola" as it will simply wash off easily after you have applied the vinyl graphics, or pinstriping. I hope this answers your question

[randomassbalaclava]

how can u draw fine black lines on there?

[46R46]

wow!you're hot!!!

[Doom2087]

I enjoy your easy to understand tutorial style. I'll try it on one of my helmets. You are very good at how-to demonstration.