How to Design a Goalie Helmet

In the mid 1960s, NHL goalies became the first to defy tradition and wear masks, as well as the first to personalize the mask with custom artwork. Since then, goaltenders of all skill levels have enjoyed slapping a little paint on their masks (or helmets, the modern interpretation). Animals, team themes, cityscapes, flames and famous personalities have all adorned goalie helmets over the years. Professional paint jobs come with a hefty price tag, some asking up to $1,000. Airbrushing is the popular painting method. But if you don't have an airbrush and are low on funds, painting your helmet the way the pros do can be a fun experience with a satisfying outcome.

Things You'll Need

  • Goalie helmet or vintage goalie mask Sketching paper Plastic bag Masking tape Spray paint Clear coat spray Fine grit sandpaper (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sketch two or three designs ideas based on your team's theme or playing style or go with the aforementioned ideas. Keep the design simple though, as an overly busy piece will not visually stand out on the ice and will be difficult (and painstaking) to produce on your own.

    • 2

      Once you've decided on your design choice, re-sketch your idea. Draw only the actual design and no mask parts (this will make replicating the design less confusing when you paint). Sketch your design in 2D, which will show all parts of the artwork at once, a quick reference tool. Don't forget to design your backplate art as well.

    • 3

      Prep the helmet. Remove all straps, buckles, clips, the backplate (to be painted separately) and the face cage, if applicable. Sand smooth any burrs or nicks on the helmet shell, then use the masking tape to cover the vent holes, taping from the inside of the mask. Tape the plastic bag to the helmet's interior, covering the face cage opening to prevent painting the helmet's internal padding.

    • 4

      If part of your design, paint the helmet and backplate your base color of choice and allow to dry completely. Applying two to three coats is recommended to resist paint cracking from impact. Once dry, (or if you didn't need a base coat), cover the base coat or helmet shell with masking tape to match the dominant part of your artwork scheme (i.e. taping over any areas not to be painted) and spray paint the shell accordingly, then allow to dry completely. Apply additional coats if desired.

    • 5

      Repeat step 4 for each color desired in your chosen artwork, allowing each applied coat to dry completely between paint applications. Remove masking tape as you go and as your design template dictates. After the shell is fully dry, slowly remove all masking tape to prevent any paint peeling. Allow a few hours of drying time before using the clear coat, which aids in preventing dings and chips in the paint design.