How to Paint Football Helmets

Painting a football helmet allows you to change the color of the helmet to correspond with changing teams without having to spend money on a new helmet. Before a helmet can be painted with new colors, however, it must first be taken apart and thoroughly cleaned in order to ensure that the paint can apply on a smooth surface.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver and wrench
  • Bucket
  • Water
  • Vinegar
  • Sponge
  • Towel
  • Sandpaper
  • Masking tape
  • Spray paint
  • Spray-on varnish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the facemask and any pads and straps from the helmet, as the painting process can damage them.

    • 2

      Mix a gallon of cold water with a cup of vinegar in a bucket.

    • 3

      Clean the outside of the helmet with a sponge and the water to remove any dirt or debris from the helmet.

    • 4

      Dry the helmet with a clean towel.

    • 5

      Sand the exterior of the helmet to remove any paint from its surface.

    • 6

      Mask off any areas you do not wish to paint, but were unable to remove, with tape.

    • 7

      Spray the helmet the color of your choosing with your can of spray paint, keeping your can approximately one foot from the helmet. Don't change directions as you spray over the helmet.

    • 8

      Allow the helmet to dry. Then mask off any areas you wish to remain the base color and apply a coat of the second color, for example to add a stripe to the helmet.

    • 9

      Spray the entire helmet with a clear varnish to give it a sheen.