Leo Martínez
The tradition of painting Irish helmets gold dates back to ancient times, with gold leaf and gold dust being used to decorate helmets made of leather and iron. In more recent times, the University of Notre Dame's football team has continued this tradition, with student managers painting the helmets with 23.9-karat gold flake. In 2011, a new helmet design was introduced, featuring a brighter, shinier gold colour, and ending the tradition of student managers painting the helmets due to the complexity of the new process. Today, the Irish football team at Notre Dame continues to sport gold helmets, with the gold colour representing the university's iconic Golden Dome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gold in the paint | 23.9-karat gold flake |
| Gold source | Gold flakes collected when the golden dome was re-gilded |
| Paint process | Student managers paint the helmets |
| Paint process change | The new process is too complex for student managers |
| Paint process change reason | To achieve a superior version and consistency in colour |
| Paint process duration | Two or three days |
| Number of coats of paint per season | 12 |
| Paint protection | Special travelling trunks for the helmets |
| Paint change | Brighter and shinier helmets |
| Paint change year | 2011 |
| Paint change company | Hydro Graphics Inc. |
| Paint change initiator | Irish head coach Brian Kelly and vice president and James E. Rohr athletic director Jack Swarbrick |
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What You'll Learn
The Notre Dame football team's gold helmet tradition
Over time, the process of painting the helmets became more complex, and the responsibility fell to student managers. However, this tradition came to an end in 2011 when the university introduced a new, brighter, and shinier helmet design. This change was initiated by head coach Brian Kelly and vice president and athletic director Jack Swarbrick, who wanted a more impactful golden colour for the helmets. The new design featured five different shades of gold during its inaugural season and included 23.9-karat gold flakes, providing a consistent colour from helmet to helmet.
The new helmets were created by Hydro Graphics Inc., an Oregon-based company, and were designed to resemble the Golden Dome more closely. The shine and texture of the new helmets were highlighted as significant improvements, with the former student manager, Chris Bacsik, recalling the "mystique" that developed around the helmets and their preparation for game days. The new design also improved the team's performance, with Notre Dame achieving a 47-18 record and an appearance in the national championship game since the redesign in 2011.
The gold helmets of the Notre Dame football team have become a symbol of the university's football program, recognised as one of the most storied in college football history. The tradition of painting the helmets with gold flakes, even if no longer directly by students, continues to be an important aspect of the team's identity, and the helmets remain a distinctive feature of their uniforms. While there have been discussions about the colour of the uniforms, with some fans preferring the pants to be metallic gold, the gold helmets remain a consistent and iconic element of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team's aesthetic.
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The helmets' gold leaf composition
The composition of gold leaf used in the iconic Irish helmets involves gold that is hammered down to a thickness of around 0.1 micrometres, or one-tenth of a micrometer. This process results in sheets of gold leaf that are atoms thick, making them incredibly lightweight. The lightweight property of gold leaf allows for easy application using animal-hair brushes, as the ambient static generated by the hairs is sufficient to lift the sheet.
While pure gold leaf is challenging to obtain, there are alternative options available for gilding. One option is to use 12-carat gold leaf, which has a pale yellow tint that may be less aesthetically pleasing. Another option is to use alloy-based imitation leaves, which offer a more economical choice while still possessing the same properties and aesthetic as real gold leaf.
The process of applying gold leaf to the Irish helmets involves mixing the gold with paint. Specifically, four level spoonfuls of gold dust are combined with a vat of regular gloss paint to achieve the desired golden hue. This mixture is then applied to the helmets, requiring multiple coats to achieve the iconic shine.
The use of gold leaf in the Irish helmets not only adds to their visual appeal but also holds symbolic significance. Gold is often associated with rarity and magnificence, enhancing the prestige and recognisability of the team's uniforms. The shine and texture of the gold leaf application contribute to the overall impact of the helmet design, ensuring that the Irish team stands out on the field.
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The helmets' complex painting process
Painting a helmet is a meticulous and artistic process that requires expertise, precision, and a passion for excellence. Here is an overview of the complex painting process for the iconic Irish helmets:
Preparation
Before painting, the design vision and preferences are discussed and finalized. This involves collaborating with the client to understand their style, preferences, and the story they want the helmet to tell. Once the design is approved, the actual painting process can begin.
Surface Preparation
The helmet surface is prepared by sketching the design with a pencil or using stencils, stickers, or tape. This step ensures that the final design aligns with the client's vision. Thin black lines may be used to enhance the visibility of the design from a distance, especially for complex geometric patterns.
Painting
The painting process itself is intricate and involves carefully applying each layer of paint. For the iconic Irish helmets, the paint contains 23.9-karat gold flakes or dust, adding a luxurious and prestigious element to the design. Water-based acrylic paints are commonly used as they are safe for helmets and provide a vibrant finish. Each layer of paint must be allowed to dry before applying the next, ensuring proper bonding to the helmet's surface and preventing peeling.
Clear Coat Protection
To protect the paint and ensure its longevity, a clear coat is applied. The can of clear coat is shaken to mix the solvent and coat properly. It is then sprayed onto the helmet, with particular attention to maintaining an even coat. This process is repeated multiple times, allowing for adequate drying time between coats, to ensure maximum protection.
Drying and Assembly
After the final clear coat is applied, the helmet is allowed to dry for a few days before shipping or use. During this time, the paint cures, and the finish becomes more durable. Once the paint is cured, the helmet is reassembled, with any removed parts carefully attached, transforming it from a canvas into a functional and stylish accessory.
The entire process, from design approval to a finished helmet, can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and the number of coats required. The result is a helmet that showcases a unique blend of artistry, technology, and individual expression, reflecting the racing spirit or, in the case of the Irish football team, their iconic tradition and sense of pride.
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The end of the student manager painting tradition
The tradition of student managers painting the helmets of the University of Notre Dame's football team has come to an end. The student manager role was previously responsible for painting the helmets with gold dust and gloss paint, a process that contributed to the mystique surrounding the team's iconic headgear. However, the tradition was discontinued due to the complexity of the new painting process, which utilises Hydro Graphics technology to achieve a more consistent and reflective gold colour.
The new painting process was introduced in 2011 by head coach Brian Kelly and vice president and athletic director Jack Swarbrick, who sought a more impactful golden colour for the helmets. This change was motivated by frustrations with the inconsistent colouring of previous seasons, which prompted an exhaustive search for the perfect shade of gold. The new process involves the use of 23.9-karat gold flake, resulting in helmets that closely resemble the Golden Dome and provide a brilliant, consistent appearance.
While the involvement of student managers in painting the helmets was a cherished tradition, the decision to prioritise colour consistency and quality was deemed necessary. The new process, though complex, ensures that the helmets are protected from chipping and that the iconic gold colour remains vibrant and true to the university's standards. This evolution in the helmet design process reflects the team's commitment to updating their uniforms while still retaining traditional aspects, solidifying their position as one of the most recognisable teams in college football.
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The helmets' value
The value of the iconic gold-painted helmets of the University of Notre Dame's football team, also known as the "Fighting Irish", goes beyond their monetary worth. The helmets are a source of pride and tradition for the university and its fans, with a history dating back several decades.
The tradition of painting the helmets gold began due to the association of the colour with the university. The dome atop the university's Main Building, completed in 1882, was covered in gold leaf, giving it a distinctive golden hue. Over time, the colour became synonymous with the university, and the football team adopted gold as one of its official colours.
The process of painting the helmets is a meticulous and complex endeavour. Each helmet is repainted for every game, and the paint contains 23.9-karat gold flakes, ensuring a consistent and brilliant shine. The value of the gold used in each game's helmets has been estimated to be a little over $50,000, given 100 players and the amount of gold required for each helmet.
The helmets have become a symbol of the university's football team and are instantly recognisable across college football. The distinctive gold colour and the shine it produces have contributed to the team's iconic status. The helmets have also become a source of revenue, with game-used helmets being sold to fans and collectors. For example, the new gold helmets from the team's Shamrock Series game in 2015 were sold on eBay for prices ranging from $1,649.95 to $2,695.
While the monetary value of the helmets is significant, the cultural and symbolic value they hold for the university, its football team, and its fans is immeasurable. The helmets represent a tradition of excellence and pride, and their distinctive appearance has become an integral part of the team's identity.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Irish still paint their helmets with gold. In 2011, the Irish football team debuted new, brighter, shinier helmets with reflective gold colouring.
The Irish helmets are painted with 23.9-karat gold flake.
Traditionally, student managers were responsible for painting the helmets. However, due to the complexity of the new painting process, this tradition has ended.
By the end of any given season, an Irish helmet can have up to 12 coats of paint.
The gold helmets of the Irish football team are meant to resemble the Golden Dome of the University of Notre Dame.
