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How to Recondition Football Helmets

Old football helmets come with a variety of battle scars, including scratches, chips and dents. Many who collect football helmets enjoy the challenge of reconditioning the helmet. If you do this, bear in mind that helmets should only be used for display purposes because the reconditioning process can weaken the structure of the helmet or void the warranty. Reconditioned helmets are not a reliable source of protection for the head, which is why the helmet use should be limited to display only.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
Chisel
Steel wool
Metal file
Sand paper
Glazing and spot putty
Masking tape
Primer
Enamel

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all of the pads, liners, snaps, screws and buckles from the helmet's interior. Remove any stickers or decals from the exterior of the helmet. Scrape the stickers off using a chisel or razor blade and remove any residue with steel wool.
- 2
  Clean the inside and outside of the helmet with steel wool and a mild soap. Scrub the helmet thoroughly, rinse and allow to dry.
- 3
  Reshape the edges and contours of the helmet using a flat metal file. Sand rough or cracked areas so that the surface is reasonably smooth.
- 4
  Sand the outer surfaces of the helmet to remove paint and markings present on the helmet. Start with a coarse grit sand paper and work your way to a finer grit to smooth out the surface.
- 5
  Apply glazing and spot putty on the exterior. Use a putty knife to push the putty into any scratches or depressions and allow to dry. Maintain adequate ventilation when using the spot putty. The fumes can be toxic.
- 6
  Wash the helmet with soap and water and allow to dry thoroughly.
- 7
  Prep the helmet with masking tape to protect the areas on the helmet that you will not want painted. This is a matter of personal preference, depending on which parts you want to remain unpainted.
- 8
  Spray the interior and exterior of the helmet with primer. This provides a clean surface for your enamel paint to stick. Allow to dry for a minimum of 72 hours.
- 9
  Sand the outside of the helmet using a find grain of sandpaper. This will help smooth the surface and eliminate any fine scratches that were not covered by the primer coating.
- 10
  Paint the interior and the exterior surface of the helmet with the enamel color of your choice. Allow to dry before applying a second coating, and remove the masking tape immediately. Allow the paint to cure for one week.
- 11
  Sand the exterior with a fine grit sand paper, working to a progressively finer grit as needed until the surface looks even.
- 12
  Polish the exterior surface of the helmet with a soft cloth and clear wax. This will help fill in any last minute scratches and bring out the shine of the helmet.
- 13
  Apply decals of your choosing and re-assemble the helmet. It will be ready for display when fully assembled.

Collecting Memorabilia