Need suggestions for tinting a Helmet Visor

[slayergramp]

OUTSIDE

INSIDE

The visor is clear plastic with no tint, and I'd like to add tint to it. I've spent hours trying to figure out how to go about doing so, but need your advice, due to the added difficulty of the detailing on the outside. Do you guys think I should use tint paper on the inside/outside, paint on the inside/outside, or entirely make a new visor to go in it?

 

[EVAkura]

Personally, I would go with the tint spray on the inside. Reason being is that I would be uncertain how it would react with the outside material, and masking that off perfectly would be a serious challenge. Also, I would avoid the tint paper because of the chance of air bubbles... especially in a more difficult place to get to like the inside of the helmet. Any way you go though, you will need to use some serious finesse, and I would try on a test piece before doing anything to the actual helmet.

 

[Bobby Boucher]

Another option is window tinting, it has it's pros and cons. Window tint is already easy to see through so there's no worry about applying too much tint, and you can cut it to fit exactly what you need. Cons are it sometimes peals up, and you have to be anal when applying the tint or you will end up with bubbles.

 

[Molag Bal]

Go with VHT Night Shades its used for tinting tail lights http://www.vhtpaint.com/products/niteshades/

 

[Russett]

Go with VHT Night Shades its used for tinting tail lights http://www.vhtpaint.com/products/niteshades/

I was thinking the same stuff when i started reading this thread, Yeah go with that! i've seen this stuff available at Canadian Tire and automotive shops

I was also thinking Duplicolor Metalcast http://www.duplicolor.com/products/metalCast/
This stuff is used to spray over chrome, so i'm sure it's a transparent paint. I have personally used the red color on my Metroid - Samus Aran [WIP] armor and got great results. I plan on using the stuff on a visor in the future

 

[slayergramp]

Will it look bad if the inside is tinted? If I lightly coat the inside with night shade, will it look normal, or will it be harder to see through? Has anyone ever tinted the inside of a visor rather than the outside?

 

[Russett]

A guy on YouTube made a Daft Punk helmet using VHT Nightshades

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpiyT2DBLSM

I'm pretty sure it wouldn't really matter what side you spray on. Probably the inside, less prone to scratches

 

[Redshirt]

Slayergramp,
All good thoughts from the others. I'd add the following thoughts:

Inside vs outside tinting: I did outside tinting in my TUT because the reflective metal must go on the outside for the setup to remain see-though (the inner surface of the visor must be glossy and smooth to be see through versus just letting light through). If you are just tinting, do the inside if you are using film. If you are spraying, go either way, but the clarity of your vision will depend on the smoothness of your application. My system of metalizer and tinting is awesome for replicating a look just like the game model, but it is fragile and though you can see through it, your vision isn't that clear.

Recommendation: I would visit your local auto window tinting shops and make nicey-nice for advice, film scraps, and maybe talking them in to tinting it for you on the cheap. There are ceramic films with a slight gold or silver metallic tint that a small scrap could transform your project.

Nice helmet so far. Good luck!

Redshirt

 

[Frozensnot]

Instead of using the VHT Nightshade stuff, you could do what this person does.

This person basically gives their visor a dye bath.