FerrariChat.com welcomes new sponsor: Helmet Painting by Mike...

Congratulations, Mike...!!! Your helmet-painting kicks ass...!

 

That's great news, I've been a fan of his work for quite awhile.

 

Mike's the absolute best! Here's what he created for me:
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That's nice Dr. B.........are you Scottish?

 

No, Bubba. I grew up in North Carolina. Thing is, when I put this helmet on, I suddenly start speaking with a Scotch accent.

 

That's a Jackie Stewart reproduction paintjob I did on done on Barry's period-appropriate helmet.

 

As Mike said, it's a Bell Mag II 1970s helmet.

Sir Jackie Stewart, "The Flying Scot"
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If I may be permitted a bit of a testimonial here.

The helmet painting experience with Mike is a very special one indeed. He takes the time to patiently listen and confer with you about design. In my case, I sent him a bunch of pictures of Sir Jackie Stewart and a Royal Stewart Tartan scarf.

The greatest thrill is opening the box when the finished helmet arrives. When you call to thank him, expect details in the painting process. It's amazing to hear of the effort involved, and it shows in his work. With my Stewart helmet, I remember Mike telling me how his daughter noticed it on the table on her way off to school and remarked how it was one of the nicest of his creations. She's got a keen eye......and a talented dad!

 

It's done and boxed up to ship out tomorrow. Rob already has pictures of it... it's very unique, and very "Rob"!

 

Rob, have you used the helmet yet? I'd love to see pictures of it with you and your car(s).

 

Can all types of helmet materials be painted ? ie fibreglass, polycarbonate, and other types of plastic helmets ?
Are they decaled and painted over or only painted ?
what does one do about factory paint or factory decals that seem to have been painted over - like most moto cross type helmets ?

skin

 

All types of materials for helmets can be painted. Of course, for our car/track usage, most common is fiberglass and kevlar/composite. But even more flexible materials such as baseball/hockey helmets can be done, you just have to use different primer because of the flex in the material and they don't hold up quite as well over time.

"Factory Paint" like a motocross helmet is usually a pre-printed plastic shrink-wrap that goes on before clearcoat, not actual paint, or such helmets would cost you a LOT more than they do. I don't recommend trying to paint over that, though I've done it on occasion. However, if a helmet has actually been custom painted before, it can be painted again if you want to change or supplement the scheme. And simple factory decals, like "Bell" or "Arai" get sanded down and reprimed over, no problem.

 

There is one problem with Mike's work....he does too good of a job. Prime example, he paints our Ferrari club helmets and someone must have liked one because they stole it.

 

Same goes for your artwork. Congrats on your stolen pieces too!

 

I bet taping up that Stewart reproduction was a nightmare. Good thing it didn't cover the whole helmet.

 

Yes, I think I used more tape on that one than any other I've done, though this one that had a spiderweb pattern was a close second.
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did you drink the champagne first, like Kimi? Or, shower the hardworking pit crew (Jennie) first?

If #2, we'll eagerly await pictures!

 

Congratulations! Eagerly awaiting photos...

 

Wow, that is a very cool helmet Rob!

 

Mike your work never ceases to amaze me, they look MUCH better in person too !!