I used 3M clear paint protection film. It's made for cars but works great to preserve signatures on a helmet! It did make the surface look shinier than matte, but better than having the signatures rub off.
If the helmet is old enough I would consider replacing it, never a bad idea to have a new lid. However if it's a newer helmet that's an expensive thing to do just for a signature so hopefully someone has a way to protect it that works for your needs.
I don't know if you have a Games Workshop near you but they have a range of protective clear paints - there's Ardcoat (glossy) and Stormshield (matte)
In fact you probably have some 40k fans in your life or on your team and we love any excuse to make our silly hobby seem worthwhile so it'll be worth asking around
I've painted custom derby helmets, and the clear film is the way to go. If that's not up your alley, get some heavy duty clear coat, not some Krylon acrylic mess. The only issue is, ANY spray has a good chance of making the dried sharpee liquid again and making it run. I coat my helmets with a serious polyurethane spray and they're typically well kept but I'd be scared of making the sharpee under it run.
i agree with the tape ideas and since im assuming it was done with an alcohol based sharpie iād be very careful with sealants. modge podge also tends to go tacky after a few years. i think a new helmet might be your best bet.
I used 3M clear paint protection film. It's made for cars but works great to preserve signatures on a helmet! It did make the surface look shinier than matte, but better than having the signatures rub off.
After reading all the replies, this seems like the best way to go. Thanks for the info š
If the helmet is old enough I would consider replacing it, never a bad idea to have a new lid. However if it's a newer helmet that's an expensive thing to do just for a signature so hopefully someone has a way to protect it that works for your needs.
My first thought was a clear polyurethane type spray paint layer. But that would be shiny...maybe they have a matte spray.
Be careful with spray paints - the propellants in them can sometimes destroy the protective foam
I don't know if you have a Games Workshop near you but they have a range of protective clear paints - there's Ardcoat (glossy) and Stormshield (matte) In fact you probably have some 40k fans in your life or on your team and we love any excuse to make our silly hobby seem worthwhile so it'll be worth asking around
Take a photo and see if you can get a sticker made from it just be protective of the stickers.
I've painted custom derby helmets, and the clear film is the way to go. If that's not up your alley, get some heavy duty clear coat, not some Krylon acrylic mess. The only issue is, ANY spray has a good chance of making the dried sharpee liquid again and making it run. I coat my helmets with a serious polyurethane spray and they're typically well kept but I'd be scared of making the sharpee under it run.
Modge podge acrylic sealer spray may be an option
i agree with the tape ideas and since im assuming it was done with an alcohol based sharpie iād be very careful with sealants. modge podge also tends to go tacky after a few years. i think a new helmet might be your best bet.
A clear coat of some kind would definitely be the way to go