How to Repaint a Hockey Mask

Few elements in sports equipment are more unique and expressive than the masks worn by hockey goalies, who often have intricate designs airbrushed onto the shells of the masks. Whether the paint job you are looking to apply is a complex design like those of professional net minders, or simply repainting a mask with a single color to repair a scuffed paint job, the basic principles and steps to create a new look remain the same.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Wrench (optional)
  • Masking tape
  • Sandpaper
  • Airbrush
  • Primer
  • Paint
  • Blow dryer
  • Clear finish
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove any straps and padding that can be removed, as well as the grill of the mask that is secured with screws. Most straps and pads can be removed by hand; others may require a screwdriver or a wrench.

    • 2

      Cover any pieces of padding you cannot remove, and any metal pieces such as rivets that cannot be removed, using masking tape and paper.

    • 3

      Sand the entire surface of the helmet to remove the old paint. Wipe down the mask to remove any loose debris.

    • 4

      Spray the shell using an airbrush primer. The primer provides a foundation for the colors of the mask to show clearly and brightly.

    • 5

      Spray the helmet shell using the base color that the main body of the mask will be. For example, Brodeur's pictured mask contains a black base color.

    • 6

      Blow dry the helmet after applying each coat, to help the paint to dry more quickly.

    • 7

      Add details to the helmet, if desired, working "forward" by first creating the background images if using a complex design, then working up to the foreground shapes.

    • 8

      Spray the mask using a clear coat after the paint job is complete. The clear coat protects the details of the mask and creates an attractive shine.