Leo Martínez
Painting football helmets is an important part of the uniform craze in college football. Teams like Oregon and Notre Dame have their helmets painted by HGI, a company that handles helmets for many college and pro teams. The process of painting a helmet involves sanding the clear coating off the top, painting the desired colour, and then adding a protective clear coat. HGI produces Hydrochrome and Hydroskin designs, where the helmet is dipped in a tray of water that holds the design. Universities may also choose to paint over existing helmets instead of buying new ones, and the players do not have to supply their own helmets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Companies that paint helmets | HGI, Riddell, Healy Awards |
| Colors | Gold, black |
| Techniques | Hydrochrome, Hydroskin |
| Procedure | The helmet is dipped in a tray of water that holds the design |
| Painting tips | Sand the clear coating off the top, paint, then add a protective clear coat on top |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sanding and repainting
- Start by sanding down the helmet's surface: Using fine-grit sandpaper, gently sand the clear coating on the helmet. This step is crucial as it creates a rough surface for the new paint to adhere to. Ensure you sand evenly across the helmet, paying extra attention to any areas with scratches or imperfections.
- Clean the helmet: After sanding, use a soft cloth to wipe away any dust or debris created during the sanding process. You can also use a slightly damp cloth to ensure all residual dust is removed, as any remaining dust can affect the smoothness of the new paint job.
- Choose your paint: Select a paint colour that matches your team's colours. You can find the specific colours used by college football teams on websites like teamcolor.com. Ensure the paint you choose is suitable for the helmet's material and compatible with the clear coat you will apply later.
- Paint the helmet: Using a primer, apply the first coat of paint to the helmet. Allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once dry, gently sand the surface again with a higher-grit sandpaper (around 400-grit) to smooth out any imperfections and create an even base for the next coat. Remove the dust with a tack cloth after sanding. Apply the second coat of paint, ensuring a consistent and thorough application. Allow this coat to dry as well.
- Add any decals or stripes: If you wish to add decals, stripes, or other designs, now is the time to do so. You can order custom decals or create your own. Ensure the paint is completely dry before applying any decals, and follow the instructions for the specific type of decal you are using.
- Apply a clear coat: Finally, apply a protective clear coat over the painted helmet. This step will protect the paint job and add a glossy finish. Again, ensure the clear coat is compatible with the paint you have used. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application and drying time.
By following these steps, college football teams can achieve a professional and long-lasting paint job for their helmets, ensuring they look their best on the field.
Rusty Surfaces: Painting Over, What to Expect?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hydrochrome and Hydroskin designs
Hydro Graphics Inc. (HGI) is a graphics company that handles helmets for around 70 high school, college, and pro American football teams. HGI produces Hydrochrome and Hydroskin designs, which are used by college football teams to paint their helmets. Both designs employ a process in which the helmet is dipped in a tray of water that holds the design. The exact process used to create the mirrored finish of the Hydrochrome design is a closely guarded secret.
The HydroSkin® process offers a variety of finishes, including patterns and textures, as well as the unique HydroChrome® finish. HydroSkin® is a durable finishing process that has been field-tested and approved for use on sports equipment and helmets. It can also be used on vehicles, firearms, and tactical equipment.
Oregon State was the first college to test a Hydroskin helmet, quietly testing a black Hydroskin helmet in the spring of 2008. In 2009, TCU became the first school to wear an HGI design in a game. HGI has since expanded its client base and now works with over 30 college football teams.
The Oregon Ducks have a notable HGI helmet design, featuring a yellow carbon fiber pattern HydroSkin® over the shell with the signature Oregon wings finished in HydroChrome™.
Duck Painting: Harvey's Unique Artistic Expression
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Paint job quality
When it comes to the paint job quality of college football helmets, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, the paint job should be durable and long-lasting. This is especially important given the contact and impact that football helmets endure during gameplay. To achieve this, it is recommended to properly prepare the helmet surface before painting, ensuring that all layers of paint and primer are applied appropriately.
Another aspect of paint job quality is the aesthetic appeal and design of the helmet. College football teams often work with specialised companies, such as HGI, that can create custom designs and ensure the paint job aligns with the team's desired look. In the case of Notre Dame, HGI worked closely with the university to create a paint colour that matched actual metal samples of gold provided by the school. This attention to detail and customisation ensures a high-quality and accurate paint job that represents the team's brand and identity.
The type of paint and painting technique used also contributes to the overall paint job quality. Some companies, like Riddell, offer Hydrochrome and Hydroskin designs, which involve dipping the helmet in a tray of water that holds the design. This creates a unique and durable finish. Additionally, a clear protective coat is often applied over the paint to provide an extra layer of protection and enhance the overall aesthetic.
To maintain the quality of the paint job over time, proper care and maintenance are essential. This includes regularly cleaning and preparing the helmets, as is the tradition at Notre Dame, where student managers take on this responsibility.
Overall, achieving high paint job quality for college football helmets requires a combination of durable paint, aesthetic appeal, and proper maintenance. By working with specialised companies and utilising advanced painting techniques, college football teams can ensure their helmets not only look impressive but also withstand the demands of the game.
Capturing Madrone Trees in Washington with Watercolor
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Decals and stripes
When repainting a football helmet, it is important to first sand down the clear coating on the helmet. This will ensure that the new paint adheres properly to the helmet's surface. Once the helmet has been sanded down, it can be painted with the desired base colour.
For complex decals and stripes, it is recommended to order these online or from a specialist company such as Healy Awards. These companies can provide long-lasting decals that will withstand the wear and tear of football games. It is also possible to make simple, single-colour decals using a Cricut machine or by printing them at home with an inkjet printer.
To ensure the decals and stripes are secure, it is important to follow the correct painting process. This includes making sure that all layers of paint and primer are applied appropriately and given enough time to dry. A protective clear coat can then be applied over the decals and stripes to further protect them.
Overall, the use of decals and stripes on football helmets is an important way for teams to showcase their identity and team colours. By following the proper steps for painting and applying decals, teams can ensure that their helmets look great and withstand the demands of the game.
Painting Closet Doors: Both Sides?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
University tradition
College football helmet design is a sacred tradition for many universities and their athletic programs. Each school takes pride in its unique helmet design, which often features the school's official colors and mascot. Over time, these helmet designs have become iconic and instantly recognizable, with some schools even trademarking their specific helmet design. The process of painting and maintaining these helmets is a meticulous and detailed endeavor, often involving the entire athletic staff and a strict set of guidelines.
For many universities, the design process begins with the equipment staff, who work closely with the football coaching staff and the athletic director to conceptualize the year's helmet design. This process can involve sketching, digital rendering, and even 3D modeling to ensure the design is feasible and visually appealing. Once the design is finalized, the equipment staff takes on the tedious task of painting each helmet by hand. This ensures that each helmet is identical and that the design is executed perfectly.
The painting process itself is a meticulous and detailed task. The equipment staff starts with a base coat, usually the primary color of the design, and allows it to dry completely. Then, using stencils and a steady hand, they carefully paint on the additional colors and details, layer by layer. Each layer must dry before the next is applied, ensuring that the paint does not smudge or bleed. This process is repeated until the design is complete, and a final clear coat is often applied to protect the paint job and add a glossy finish.
Some universities even involve their students and alumni in the design process, allowing them to submit ideas and vote on potential designs. This engages the community and fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the football program. Additionally, many schools have strict guidelines on how their helmets should be maintained and stored, ensuring that they look pristine for every game. This may include regular cleaning and polishing, as well as careful storage in climate-controlled environments to protect the paint job.
The tradition of painting college football helmets extends beyond the field. It encompasses the entire university community and connects current students with alumni, fostering a sense of tradition and pride. These helmets become symbols of the university's athletic program, instantly recognizable by fans and opponents alike. The process of designing, painting, and maintaining these helmets is a testament to the dedication and passion that surrounds college football culture in the United States.
Universities often go to great lengths to protect and preserve their helmet designs, ensuring that they remain a staple of their football tradition for years to come. The process may vary slightly between schools, but the attention to detail and pride invested in these helmets unite them all. As college football continues to evolve, these helmet designs will remain a timeless tradition, inspiring new generations of players and fans.
Authenticating Masterpieces: The Science of Art Investigation
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
College football teams can either outsource the painting of their helmets to companies like HGI, which handles helmets for 70 high school, college, and pro teams, or they can choose to paint them themselves.
HGI produces Hydrochrome and Hydroskin designs. Both looks employ a process in which the helmet is dipped in a tray of water that holds the design. The exact process used to create the mirrored Hydrochrome design is kept secret.
First, sand the clear coating off the top of the helmet. Then, paint the helmet with the colour of your choice. Finally, add a protective clear coat on top. You can also order custom decals online and paint them if you want to add more detail to your helmet.
No, the athletes do not have to provide their own helmets. Universities buy the helmets and provide them to the athletes.
