Paint on Helmet

[valkmc]

I have a 1/2 helmet I really like. It is only 2 years or less old. I hate helmets but wear this one most of the time and it is DOT approved. I recently noticed it was sticky on the out side, I thought someone spilled beer or coke or something on it. When I tried to clean it off it got worse. I have tried everything from glass cleaner to mineral spirits and the sticky stuff just spreads around. Under the mess the paint seems fine. I use to paint Nuke Plants and have never seen anything like this. I hate to throw the helmet out but can't find anything to clean it with, any ideas. I think the mess is coming from some kind of coating on the helmet and the hot sun here in Florida. The paint job is flat black so I did not think there was a clear coat on it.

[fudgie]

Try some kinda goo/adhesive remover. I have some but cant remember the name. I had a faded Valk sticker on the truck window and when I took it off it left alot of sticky stuff and like yours just seemed to move around. I used alot of this stiff and rubbed real hard and it came off.

[39 Chev]

This might sound crazy to you, but I would try WD-40.  It's what I use to remove adhesive when I pull the stock graphics off my snowmobiles.  Spray it on and let it sit for a little while and wipe the goo off.  It doesn't exactly eliminate it, but it kind-of balls up on a rag or paper towel.

I once put duct tape on the top of the rails on a pickup bed before I installed a topper (so it would get scratched up).  I planned on leaving the topper on for a week or so during hunting season, but never got around to taking it off until spring.  The duct tape had WELDED itself to the truck.  I pulled off what I could and soaked it down with WD-40 and left it sit for 15 minutes or so.  The adhesive pretty much wiped right off and it didn't hurt the paint at all.

Might be worth a try.

[valkmc]

Thanks for the replies, I went to Home Depot and got a spry can of goo remover. It got some of it off, I'll try the wd 40 if it doesn't work, I found the same helmet on line.

[Big Rig]

 

on the WD-40....

[stormrider]

I have a 1/2 helmet I really like. It is only 2 years or less old. I hate helmets but wear this one most of the time and it is DOT approved. I recently noticed it was sticky on the out side, I thought someone spilled beer or coke or something on it. When I tried to clean it off it got worse. I have tried everything from glass cleaner to mineral spirits and the sticky stuff just spreads around. Under the mess the paint seems fine. I use to paint Nuke Plants and have never seen anything like this. I hate to throw the helmet out but can't find anything to clean it with, any ideas. I think the mess is coming from some kind of coating on the helmet and the hot sun here in Florida. The paint job is flat black so I did not think there was a clear coat on it.

sounds like one I had that did the same thing. don't know if I still have it. I think I trashed it. Looked flat black but had almost a rubber feel to it. good luck though.

[MNBill]

I have a lat black half helmet that is rubber coated instead of painted. It does get gooey, I replaced it.

[vanagon40]

I do not know about using it on a helmet (and I am sure the helmet manufacturer will cringe when I say this) but I find that lighter fluid is the most effective glue remover.  (I'm talking about Zippo or Ronson, not charcoal lighter fluid).

[Big Rig]

Nice way to add some flames to the helmet....

[Bob E.]

Just a thought, but if you are wearing that helmet for safety, you might want to get a new helmet if the outer shell is breaking down like that.  I'd be worried about it.  On the other hand, iff you only have it to wear in helmet states because you have to, then...carry on.