Decorating Helmets | Imprintables Warehouse

Описание: Making custom decals and graphics for helmets can be a little tricky, but it can certainly make you some extra cash. You can use adhesive sign vinyl to apply to sports helmets, including helmets for baseball, football, hockey, softball, lacrosse, and many other sports. Vinyl decals can also be in demand for other types of helmets and headwear inclusive of construction hard hats, motorcycle helmets, bicycle helmets, ATV and motocross, and even those cute little baby helmets.

One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to applying vinyl to helmets is “What kind of vinyl do I use?”. Well, this isn’t always the easiest question to answer. There are several factors that are going to determine what type of adhesive sign vinyl you will need.

Cast or Calendered?

o Where is your graphic going to be placed on the helmet & how big is it going to be?
If you have a small number that will be going on the back of a baseball helmet, chances are you will be fine with using a standard calendered vinyl. If you are applying a large decal to the upper curved area of the helmet or the side of a football helmet, you are likely going to need a cast vinyl that will conform to the curvature. A calendered decal placed on a very curved area can wrinkle, bubble, or distort. Even a smaller graphic that is placed on a curved surface can distort when applied. Check out this photo as an example of the distortion. You can see that the lines on the H are not even.

o How long is this graphic expected to last?
If the decal is being applied to a sports helmet, it may be wise to consider whether the decal, name, or number will remain the same. Is this a seasonal sport? Will the helmets be reused? If you are only intending on the graphics making it through a season, a calendered vinyl should do the trick (unless of course, you need that conformability from the cast). If you are decorating a motorcycle helmet, maybe they want that graphic to stay as long as possible. In that event, go for the cast.

o Is price a factor for your customer?
Calendered and cast vinyl can differ greatly in cost. Take this into consideration when quoting or offering helmet decals to your customer. With that being said, do not compromise your reputation of quality and skimp for the cheaper option when you know that you shouldn’t.

A few cut only options available from Imprintables for calendered vinyl would be DuraCal 530, OraCal 651, DuraCal Prints, or even DuraPro Prime. As far as the cast goes, you could use Arlon 2100, DuraCast Glitter, or even DuraCast Fluorescent. If you are looking for a printable option, consider the DuraSol 3.5 mil Premium for calendered and for cast try Arlon 6000XRP.

Once you determine what type of vinyl to use, the next part of the process to consider is lamination. Typically, only digitally printed decals are laminated to protect from UV damage and abrasions. We recommend laminating printed helmet decals to preserve them, as most helmets will encounter some sort of impact or abrasive scenario in their lifetime. The eco-solvent or solvent based inks can become “rubbed off” when exposed to so many elements, so it is usually a necessity. Some people also laminate cut only vinyl decals. This can extend their life by providing a barrier that protects the vinyl from becoming scratched, peeled off on the edges, or damaged in other ways. Helmets used for motocross and ATV events, skateboarding, or football might be exposed to more rugged conditions. This may be a time to consider laminating a cut only decal. The cost will, of course, be inflated by using a laminate, so don’t forget to add that in before quoting your customers.

You may have to use trial and error when learning to apply to these different surfaces, but after a few errors, you will surely catch on and become a pro. If you want, you can also sell the decals to your customers as ready to apply stickers. Regardless of how you decide to include helmet decals in your product line, we are sure you will find many great opportunities by doing so.


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