How to Airbrush Flames on Motorcycle Helmets
Flames are one of the most popular designs used in airbrushing. While airbrushing flames or any design on a motorcycle helmet can be difficult, knowing what materials are needed and the basic steps will help accomplish this task with relative ease. Using an airbrush to paint flames gives a realistic appearance to the flames over those painted using a brush. If you're airbrushing your first motorcycle helmet, consider that the more practice you have, the better the results.
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Things You'll Need
- Helmet
- Medium and fine grade sandpaper
- Rag
- Paint thinner
- Airbrush
- Primer
- Paint
- Clear coat
- Acetate
- Exacto knife
- Masking tape
Instructions
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1
Use medium grade sandpaper to sand the helmet, removing previous paint and blemishes.
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2
Sand the helmet again using a fine grade sandpaper to achieve a smooth, even surface.
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3
Pour a small amount of paint thinner on a rag and wipe the helmet down to remove any fine debris and dust.
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4
Use the airbrush to cover the helmet evenly with a layer of primer. This will prepare a good base for the paint.
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5
Draw the basic pattern of a flame onto a piece of acetate with a pencil. The base of the flame should be wide while the flames themselves should be wavy and tapered.
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6
Lay the acetate onto a piece of cardboard or thick magazine and cut out the pattern with an exacto knife.
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7
Tape off the area around the flame using masking tape. Be sure that the primer is completely dry before applying tape to the helmet.
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8
Spray the basic colors to create the base of the flame. Spray red as a base to create mid-tones for the flame then lightly spray orange over it.
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9
Add yellow to the flames beginning in the middle and going upward to the tips of the flames. Angle the airbrush somewhat as you move toward the tip of the flame.
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10
Allow colors to come together by spraying a thin coat of orange and yellow where colors within the flame change.
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Allow the helmet to dry completely.
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12
Tape the cut-out of acetate over the dried flames and spray the background a solid color to complete painting the helmet.
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13
Finish by spraying a quality clear coat on the helmet for superior protection of the new paint.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Allow the helmet to dry overnight, before taping the acetate cut-out, to create the background color for the helmet.
