How to Install a Racing Helmet Sticker Kit
Racing Helmet Art full helmet sticker kits contain separate graphics designed to recreate the front, side and rear layout shown in the product images.
These kits are universal and adaptable rather than pre-shaped for one specific helmet shell. Careful positioning, controlled heat and some final trimming may therefore be required.
Recommended method: Work slowly, test-fit every graphic before application and install the vinyl dry. Do not use water or soapy water.
What You Will Need
- Clean microfiber cloths
- Isopropyl alcohol or a suitable wax and grease remover
- Scissors
- Masking or painter’s tape
- A plastic squeegee or soft application cloth
- A hair dryer or heat gun
- A new precision knife blade
Important: Remove the visor, HANS clips and any other removable parts before installation. Never cut directly towards yourself, and take particular care around the helmet shell and rubber seals.
1. Prepare the Helmet
Remove any existing stickers or graphics from the helmet.
Applying gentle heat can soften old adhesive and make removal easier. Remove any remaining residue before installing the new kit.
New helmets may have wax, polish or manufacturing residue on their surface. Clean the complete helmet thoroughly using isopropyl alcohol or a suitable wax and grease remover.
The surface must be completely clean, dry and free from dust, grease and wax.
2. Separate the Graphics
The graphics are supplied together on one printed sheet.
Use scissors to separate each individual section while leaving the backing paper attached. Do not cut directly against the printed edge at this stage.
Transfer tape may be supplied for detailed lettering or logos that need to remain perfectly aligned.
3. Identify Each Section
Compare every graphic with the product illustrations and identify where it belongs on the helmet.
Arrange the pieces into groups for:
- The front of the helmet
- The left side
- The right side
- The rear section
- Small logos and finishing details
Do not remove any backing paper until you are confident about the position of each graphic.
4. Test-Fit the Complete Design
Place the graphics on the helmet with their backing paper still attached.
Use masking tape to hold them temporarily in position. Check the complete layout from the front, rear and both sides.
Because helmet shells differ, the exact spacing may need to be adjusted. Prioritize symmetry, alignment and the overall appearance rather than copying every gap from the illustration exactly.
Tip: Take photographs of the test-fitted layout before starting. They will help you remember the intended position of every section.
5. Start With the Main Graphics
Begin with the largest and most important sections of the design.
Remove only a small strip of backing paper from one edge. Position the exposed section carefully and press it down once the alignment is correct.
Gradually remove more backing paper while pressing the vinyl onto the helmet.
Do not remove the complete backing paper at once.
6. Apply the Vinyl Gradually
Use your fingers, a soft cloth or a plastic squeegee to apply light and even pressure.
Work from the centre of the graphic towards the edges. RapidAir air-release channels help trapped air escape through the adhesive.
Avoid stretching the vinyl unless it is necessary to follow a curve. Excessive stretching can distort printed details and affect alignment.
7. Use Heat Around Curves
Gentle heat makes the vinyl softer and easier to form around curved areas.
Use a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting and keep it moving. Warm a small section at a time, then shape and press the vinyl into position.
Do not overheat the graphic. If the vinyl becomes extremely soft or begins to distort, allow it to cool before continuing.
8. Use Transfer Tape Where Required
Some detailed lettering or logos may be supplied with transfer tape.
Remove the unwanted vinyl around and inside the letters before application. Keep the graphic attached to the transfer tape so that every part remains correctly aligned.
Apply the graphic to the helmet, press it firmly into place, then peel the transfer tape away slowly.
The transfer tape may crease during installation. This is not a problem because it will be removed after the vinyl has been applied.
9. Adapt the Graphics to the Helmet
Some pieces may extend slightly beyond the desired position or reach the rubber edge surrounding the helmet opening.
Apply the graphic as flat and smoothly as possible before trimming.
Use a new precision knife blade and very light pressure to remove excess vinyl. Avoid cutting deeply or marking the helmet shell.
Take care: Cutting around rubber seals, vents and helmet fittings requires patience. Replace the blade as soon as it stops cutting cleanly.
10. Install the Smaller Details
Once the main graphics are aligned, add the smaller logos and finishing pieces.
Use the surrounding graphics as reference points and compare both sides of the helmet regularly to maintain symmetry.
11. Apply Final Heat and Pressure
Once the complete kit has been installed, gently warm every graphic and press firmly over the entire surface.
Pay particular attention to:
- Edges and corners
- Deep curves
- Areas near rubber seals
- Sections that were stretched during installation
This final heating process helps the adhesive bond correctly to the helmet surface.
12. Check the Helmet During the Following Days
Inspect the helmet once or twice a day during the first few days after installation.
If an edge begins to lift, warm it gently and press it firmly back into place. Repeating this process helps the vinyl conform permanently to the helmet shape.
Reinstall the Helmet Parts
Once the graphics are secure and all trimming is complete, reinstall the visor, HANS clips and any other parts removed before installation.
Check that no graphic interferes with:
- The visor movement or locking system
- Ventilation openings
- HANS posts or clips
- Helmet seals and removable components
Need Help?
Take your time and test-fit every section before applying it. The kits are designed to be adapted, so minor differences from the product illustration are normal.
If you are unsure about the positioning of a graphic, contact us before applying or trimming it.