How to Decorate a Hockey Helmet

Hockey helmets, especially goalie masks, benefit from enhanced decoration. Goaltenders play an individual position in a team sport, making customization of their mask all the more appropriate. For decades in the National Hockey League, goalies have found ways to differentiate themselves at a glance, just by looking at their mask. You can do the same with paint and the proper preparation.

Things You'll Need

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • 400-grit sandpaper
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Clean cloth
  • Automotive-grade spray primer
  • Masking tape
  • Automotive-grade spray paint
  • Automotive-grade clear coat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pop off the five harness clips snapped onto the mask, holding on the back plate.

    • 2

      Unscrew the harness snap screws, using the Phillips screwdriver. Set them aside; you will not be painting these.

    • 3

      Unscrew the Phillips screws securing the cage to the mask. Set the hardware aside.

    • 4

      Tape over the vent holes from the inside of the mask to prevent paint spray from entering the inside of the mask. Tape over the cage opening with the tape from the inside as well.

    • 5

      Scuff the outside of the mask lightly with 400-grit sandpaper, creating a superior surface for the paint to adhere to.

    • 6

      Clean the mask off thoroughly with the alcohol and clean cloth. This reveals any spots on the mask you may have missed during the sanding process.

    • 7

      Lightly coat the mask with the primer. Do not attempt to completely coat the mask the first time. Follow the manufacturer's directions for re-coat time, applying subsequent light coats until you no longer see the previous base color of the mask.

    • 8

      Lightly sand the mask with the sandpaper, removing any bumps, runs or high spots. You want a smooth, perfect primer coat.

    • 9

      Paint your base coat color, using the same techniques used with the primer. The goal is a smooth and even coat; glossy perfection is not required, since the clear coat will handle that.

    • 10

      Allow the base coat color to completely dry, following the manufacturer's directions. Mask off any lines you want on the helmet, using the masking tape. Ensure there are no bumps or wrinkles along the edges for paint to seep under.

    • 11

      Apply the paint once again, following the same steps as before. Slowly remove the masking tape from all surfaces once the paint is completely dry.

    • 12

      Apply the clear coat, using light passes in sequence as before. Allow the clear coat to fully harden per manufacturer's specifications prior to taking it out on the ice.

    • 13

      Remove the masking tape from the inside of the mask. Re-attach all the hardware and cage.