Helmet Wrap

[Vegas_Style]

The owner of the company I am working for currently wants to start doing helmet wraps both in house and out at the dunes. My question is for any here who has experience with helmet wraps. Can they be done in one piece and be seamless? We (designer and installers) have told him numerous times that they will have to be seamed somewhere on the helmet. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

[Flame]

They are ridiculously hard... I would highly suggest not doing them. You'd never get the price for the amount of time they take. If you want a cool looking helmet, charge a HIGH price and do it the old fashion way.... a few ounces of House of Kolor, a sword striper and a Micron C. :)

[Vegas_Style]

They are ridiculously hard... I would highly suggest not doing them. You'd never get the price for the amount of time they take. If you want a cool looking helmet, charge a HIGH price and do it the old fashion way.... a few ounces of House of Kolor, a sword striper and a Micron C. :)


In his eyes being that we are a Sign company with the means to be able to print anything we want we should be able to do it with out painting them. That and we dont have any one here that would be able to do that.

[Flame]

In his eyes being that we are a Sign company with the means to be able to print anything we want we should be able to do it with out painting them. That and we dont have any one here that would be able to do that.

Yes, but not EVERYTHING is wrappable. A helmet is doable, but who wants to pay $250 for a helmet wrap that looks only "ok" ?

You can try it, I'm just trying to save you from headaches.

[Vegas_Style]

Yes, but not EVERYTHING is wrappable. A helmet is doable, but who wants to pay $250 for a helmet wrap that looks only "ok" ?

You can try it, I'm just trying to save you from headaches.


Understood, I am kind of playing the devils advicate on behalf of the owner. Since he thinks we can get it done in one piece, is it even doable in one piece with out seams?

[Sparky]

One piece maybe, but you might just commit suicide because it will look like a much easier option.

I do helmets in two pieces and design for that plan. A well designed theme will be easy to work in a seam into.

As far as charging, you can get allot more than $250...and can do things an airbrush artist would refuse.

Use as much patience as you can, and keep a torch nearby. I figure, if I could keep a room at 90-95º wrapping helmets would be way easier!

Check out my tips in this thread - http://www.signs101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38418

[grafxxx]

any one got pics of a helmet wrap? i would like to see that. and give your boss a good size ball and tell him to try to wrap that he see what he thinks...

[Sparky]

any one got pics of a helmet wrap? i would like to see that. and give your boss a good size ball and tell him to try to wrap that he see what he thinks...

I posted a couple in the link above your post.

I have a few more on the camera of another helmet that was way better in the end than the one in those pictures above.

[dolce05]

360wraps does a nice job on helmet wraps

[mzick]

Yes..360 Wraps - Tommy Strader - has what he calles "perfected" the helmet wrap. Check his site out he really does some good work.

[NLADigital]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post here, theres some great info thats being posted.

I'm currently giving my first attempt at a helmet wrap on a Shoei X-11 which has a lot of vents/spoilers. I'll be sure to post up info if/when I finish

[DOGraphics]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post here, theres some great info thats being posted.

I'm currently giving my first attempt at a helmet wrap on a Shoei X-11 which has a lot of vents/spoilers. I'll be sure to post up info if/when I finish

:Welcome: 2 :signs101:

[NLADigital]

Heres the final product. Came out suprisingly cool for a rough first attempt. Helmet was originally solid black.

Offsite Pic Removed

Photo Posting Rules (http://www.signs101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35000)

[Sparky]

looks pretty good - Care to share how you went about it? Back to front/front to back/2 pieces/3 pieces/etc.?

[BadAss]

Liquid Wrap....Much easier than the vinyl... Here is a couple we have done using this method and incorporating airbrush work...Mykel

[BadAss]

You guys who can actually do it in wrap vinyl are pretty awesome... The ones I've tried didn't come out to well...M*

[kustomkoncepts]

I agree Helmets are pretty tough and 360 I think has a class for doing it.

I've yet to try. though I also airbrush them that is not always easy either. lots of steps and primer, base. artwork, innercoat clears,clears ECT.

I read a trick but it was for a Half helmet motorcycle type. made the print streched it across a garbage can heated it and pushed the helmet down into it. I want to try it and see if it works.

[webguy]

Liquid Wrap....Much easier than the vinyl... Here is a couple we have done using this method and incorporating airbrush work...Mykel

That's some nice work. I'll have to find out what Liquid Wrap is now.

[kustomkoncepts]

That's some nice work. I'll have to find out what Liquid Wrap is now.


correct me if I am wrong but I am pretty sure he is saying Airbrush and paint it instead of wraping it.

Liquid Wrap= Paint

[BadAss]

No Liquid Wrap is not paint....It is wraped first, and liquid wrap has only a reputition of print (as in the first helmet with just the $100 bills) Then we did some with the print and added air brushing in order to give depth and more appeal...M*

[BadAss]

I have had a few PM's on what this is. So if you go to Yahoo, Google or whatever you prefer and type in hydro printing and you will see a lot of how this is done and its applications.. We are finding ourselves using this process in a few of our advertising projects. We have done wraps using a carbon fiber print in the design and then offering this type of process to extend that look into the interior and engine compartment..Cool but pricey investment. But it is paying off. Thanx,,,M*

[TresL]

Lots of camo items are done this way. -)

[Sparky]

Yes..360 Wraps - Tommy Strader - has what he calles "perfected" the helmet wrap. Check his site out he really does some good work.

I have been at a motorsports trade show for the last 4 days and had a chance to look at what 360 produces. We clearly go about it two different ways. I use two pieces, and they use at least 7. Their way is a bit faster I am sure, but my customers use their helmets in open air (open cockpit, motorcycles, etc.) and I wouldn't want that many exposed edges from a wear and wind perspective.

Very nice work though - they did look really good.

[existenceONE]

Here are a few helmet wraps that we have done. check out existenceone.com for some more pics.

Offsite Pics Removed

Photo Posting Rules (http://www.signs101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35000)

[TresL]

Nice Work!!!!

[existenceONE]

Offsite Pics Removed

Photo Posting Rules (http://www.signs101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35000)

[TresL]

any cool tips you care to share?
Layout or install

[existenceONE]

Offsite Pics Removed

Photo Posting Rules (http://www.signs101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35000)

[jono91]

okay, i have a new idol...

[grafixemporium]

360wraps does a nice job on helmet wraps

From what I hear, 360wraps will not wrap a helmet for just anyone off the street. You pretty much have to be Donald Trump (or know him) to get one done up there.

Honestly though, it's just not worth the time. I'd do it as a favor for a friend or whatever, but there is no way in hell that wrapping helmets can be profitable.

[existenceONE]

Ill post some more pics here soon. These are all pretty old ones that were done about 6 to 8 months ago.

[Charlie J]

I wish someone would post an example template.

[existenceONE]

It is actually very profitable!!! we do between 15 and 20 helmets a week.

[existenceONE]

Here is a Welding helmet

[existenceONE]

Kurt Bush All Star Helmet

[Charlie J]

Very nice pics....but

You need to learn how to post images here because they will likely be removed

http://www.signs101.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=525

[dman0427]

WOW!
How long does that take?
What material? Is it laminated too?
Seams?

Really nice stuff ex1!

[Jace161]

I wouldn't know where to begin!

existenceONE, how much to teach me? hahah

[existenceONE]

Design takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. and install takes about an hour. we use CV3 with the 3M gloss over lam. It took us quite awhile to perfect it, but anything is possible to wrap except cloth. here are a few other helmets we have done i will post some more tomorrow when i get to the shop. These are all of the pics that i have on my laptop.

Offsite Images Deleted

[existenceONE]

It would require a check that had a figure in 9,000,000,000,000,000,000 range :) Ill show anyone for that amount!!

[rgaskins]

I wish someone would post an example template.

I was thinking the same thing....I'm trying to figure out how the heck you would design this on vinyl then after all the heating it still lines up...Darn those helmets are sweet!

[Rick]

I'm hard to impress but those helmets are sweet....

[Replicator]

Very nice work on those helmets existenceONE and Welcome to Signs 101 . . . !

[DOGraphics]

Very nice looking helmets !

:thumb:

[54warrior]

Yowzers!!!! Zoinks!!! Those things are HOT!! Very impressed, nice work!

[dman0427]

It would require a check that had a figure in 9,000,000,000,000,000,000 range :) Ill show anyone for that amount!!


I'd be happy to write you a check for that amount... + a 10% tip if you don't try to cash it until AFTER you show us how to do it! :biggrin:

[jhilldesigns]

extremely nice work

[Idea Design]

Very nice.

I can't believe these off-site pics have been left up so long.

[CheapVehicleWrap]

You da man! So they're 1 piece? What do you charge?

[Ponto]

...great work and quite humbling as well!!!

JP

[Artildawn]

I'd like to see vid of a helmet wrap... any chance of that?

[SOA]

existenceONE, Man...im in awe.they are all freakin sick.

im off to try 7 wrap a helmet..............

[SOA]

how long does the application take for 1??

[CheapVehicleWrap]

he said about an hour...

[SOA]

madness!

[GARY CULY]

JESUS GAWD! i havent seen ANYTHING for a good while as impressive as those helmets .if i knew how to do that [templete shapes/install procedure] i would have helmets stacked so high i couldnt walk in the shop....
YOU are very,very trick
i gotta go look at em agian i cant take this,im freakin out

[CheapVehicleWrap]

Interesting how the tread dies when the pics are gone. I mean this had half the views of the lowen thread but MANY more than most.

[Grafix USA]

It is actually very profitable!!! we do between 15 and 20 helmets a week.

First, incredible work! :notworthy:

What material are you using? - Nevermind I missed the message above. Again, great work!

[messmedia]

For a push maybe, in that direction, - U might wanna check this out:

http://www.rolanddg.it/newsletter/v06/starline.html

So, it seems it is VERY doable, though, I think it must be hard, because of helmets irregular shape.
How 'bout using extreme quality car wrap materials? They should be adjusting to irregular shapes very well???

[CheapVehicleWrap]

I380CV3 I presume. Has anyone confirmed these are 1 piece or not? The install time alone I think would suggest that.

[steelskinz]

Those are sick! I would think ij380 because of the conformability.

[zapblam]

I really wanna learn that......got 2 junk helmets to practice on and some checker print on controltack to play with. Not for money making but just another skill in the tool kit.

I thought about designing like a globe is made, however that makes seams. Seamless helmet wrap is my new goal...hmm...try lots I will.

[Jace161]

I'm trying to figure out how he does it with no seems or ripples....or are there seems?

[CheapVehicleWrap]

Well I've been tryin with I180 (with the suicide helpline on speakerphone) and man the ending is really hard. Ready to whip out that sample of I380 next. Should be enough for a helmet and my motorcycle tank. Remember, he hasn't responded back about the seams yet...

[zapblam]

bahh the cool pics are gone....silly nitpick rules

[steelskinz]

I was thinking and looking really good at the pictures. He might have seems at the color breaks. Example: Kurt Busch nascar helmet. If you place a seem at the gold line that would help a lot. The musik mafia helmet blows me away. The helmet with the ar-15 looks great but it appears to have a dip in the barrel. I'm thinking he starts near the crown and works forward, the relief cuts would happen where the visor is. You could then place a seem in the chin area. It also appears that the chin decal is an overlay. Other than printing some ij380 and tryin it this weekend I'm stumped. Phenomal work by any means.

:notworthy:

[kev3232]

wrap a helmet with transfer tape first, use a stabilo to show where vital points are and go from there.

[Prism1]

Ahhh...Kev...you let some secrets out of the bag...hehe.

[kev3232]

oops! my bad!

[CheapVehicleWrap]

MY first try at using transfer tape on a helmet produced a messy bowl. The wrinkles and creases got distorted upon removal.

[Gypsy]

Wrap them in three pieces. Just make sure when you design them that none of your seams are in a straight line. I have done a dozen or so this way only using IJ180 and they all look like they were painted... Design is the most important thing when wrapping helmets.

[stickasteve]

Let us know what you think. We tried it too. It can be worth it if you take the time to make templates and go slow.

Offsite Hotlinks Are Not Allowed

Click Here (http://www.signs101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34997) to read how to post pics at Signs 101.

[Pat Whatley]

So...is the "NO OFF-SITE PICTURES ALLOWED" idea just too difficult for people to grasp?

[Bradster941]

So...is the "NO OFF-SITE PICTURES ALLOWED" idea just too difficult for people to grasp?


No $hit...

Was just thinking the same thing.

Guess StickaSteve is just to lazy to follow Signs 101 rules and upload them to the FREE and PERMANENT Signs 101 database..:rolleyes:

[signmeup]

So...is the "NO OFF-SITE PICTURES ALLOWED" idea just too difficult for people to grasp?
Apparently you don't have to be too bright to wrap a helmet.:rolleyes:

[Pat Whatley]

It sucks because you get times like this. ExistenceOne's helmets were works of art....now the images are gone and probably won't be back.

[Fred Weiss]

It sucks because you get times like this. ExistenceOne's helmets were works of art....now the images are gone and probably won't be back.

T'is true t'is sad ... T'is sad t'is true.

[CheapVehicleWrap]

All those pics are on his site... I'm now a firm believer that they are NOT 1 piece, unless he chimes in and says otherwise.

[Jace161]

If he did them in one piece he is up there on my list of idols. I was thinking each side is a piece and then a third for the top? or have one seem on the nose of the helmet and the two sides and top are printed at once connecting in the back? wish I had time to mess with this. :banghead:

[stickasteve]

U can't do a helmet in one piece. I've tried. Especially with images on it that can't be distorted. No matter what you are wrapping a round surface with a flat material. Where will all the excess go?

And yes I was too lazy to follow the rules of the pics. That's what happens.

[stickasteve]

I hope I did this right.


43638

43639

43640

43641

43642

43643

43644

43645

43646

43647

[CheapVehicleWrap]

Thanks for answering that. I think some of us haven't slept since your original post! To answer your question, the excess bunches up at the end no? I'm thinking if I get it that far I can just trim the edge of the helmet itself for 1 piece! Why didn't I think of this before?

[stickasteve]

Use a lot of primer and maybe even some ProBond because if you stretch this like I think you want to, you'll have a lot of vinyl memory to deal with and it'll want to peel itself back.

[kstompaint]

existenceONE- ok, spill the goods. How the hell do you template that, how many pieces are there, what material is it, how long does it take you... and good god, what could you possibly be charging to make it worthwhile?

Oh yea, excellent work.

[CheapVehicleWrap]

Ohh and how I want to stretch it! I'm thinking a magnet could erase the memory and help it stick better.

[CheapVehicleWrap]

He said it takes 1-2 hour to design and about an hour to install. Knowing it's not 1 piece should make the templating easier. My guess is $400+

[CheapVehicleWrap]

bump... thread is dying.. I say 2 pieces, double cut...anyone else?

[mtcsr]

Don't know how much I can say without violating any rules, but there is a materials distributor that bills itself as the worlds largest wrap supply company, and in their spring catalog in the application tape & magnetic section, there is a picture of someone wraping a helmet with a tip next to it. It is at least two if not more pieces.

If I can scan the image with the add or say the name of the company's catalog I will, but not sure how the rules on this sort of thing works here.

[mark in tx]

what page?

[CheapVehicleWrap]

I have the previous issue. There might be a problem scanning, but I don't think any problem passing along the tip.

[mtcsr]

Ok. It's in the Feller's Spring Catalog 2009 on page 120.

""When you are wrapping difficult curved surfaces, like this motorcycle helmet, clear acetate allows you to see the wrap vinyl and where you're cutting so you can make near perfect seams without cutting the substrate"

-Frank
(Thank you Tommy Strader at 360 Wraps for this tip!)"

[mark in tx]

Yeah, good tip.

[CheapVehicleWrap]

hmm. I forgot I had the online catalog and there it is. It's much easier to understand seeing the pic. Good idea.