How to Airbrush Names on Helmets

The longhorns design on this helmet was airbrushed.

Airbrushing names on to helmets creates a personalized look that many people enjoy. By airbrushing on a name, the helmet becomes unique and everyone will know it belongs to you. Airbrushing names on helmets is not difficult but may have to be repeated every few years with the more use the helmet sees.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Tape
• Spray-on clear coat paint
• Airbrush gun
• Helmet
• Thick card stock paper
• Acrylic paint in your choice of color

Instructions

Create a Stencil

1. Draw out the name that you wish to stencil onto your helmet using the thick cardstock paper and a pencil. If you can draw this is that the letters all connect, it will look better than block letters that are disconnected from each other.

2. Cut out the stencil you have created with your scissors once you are done.

3. Tape the stencil where you want it on the helmet. Make sure that you tape all sides so that it does not come loose or pull up while you are airbrushing.

Applying the Design

1. Fill your airbrush gun with a couple of drops of acrylic paint color of your choice.

2. Test spray your airbrush gun to make sure that there are no clogs in the tube. Use the scrap cardstock paper from your stencil you created.

3. Press the button on your airbrush gun gently. You do not want paint to spray out too quickly. Evenly apply the acrylic paint from left to right. Try not to go beyond the tape on the outside of your stencil.

4. Remove the tape and stencil from the helmet. Be careful not to touch the letters you just painted as they will not be dry yet. Allow the letters you airbrushed to dry for at least one hour.

5. Spray on the spray-on clear coat paint. Apply to the entire helmet, not just the area that you airbrushed. This will look tacky and you will not be pleased with how it looks.

Tips & Warnings

• If your airbrush gun clogs, clean it out with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol.

• If you spray acrylic paint on the helmet beyond the stencil and tape, it can be easily taken off with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. Do not allow the paint to dry completely before attempting to take off the excess paint.

References

• Interview: Tessa Kelly, Airbrush Artist, Vancouver, WA