painting helmets

i see a lot of custom paint jobs done on helmets if painted how does this affect sfi rating. according to a local bodyshop it loses its dot approval

 

loses DOT? This is news to me. My helmets run great in top fuel, funny car, pro mod, TAFC, AA/FA and boats. NEver had a problem one and I am a total hack!

 

melted helmet

in the simpson site/catalog there is a procedure for painting the helmets, it seems that if they assemble the helmet after painting, there isnt a problem. but read it for yourself.

 

I see this in rule of ...FIA...
Paint can react with helmet shell material and affect its protective
capacity, therefore, where a manufacturer provides guidelines or
restrictions on the painting or decoration of helmets, these must
be followed, using only paint specifi ed by them (air drying acrylic,
polyurethane enamel or others) and preferably a painter having
their approval. This is particularly important for injection-moulded
shells which are not usually suitable for painting.
The shell being painted should be effi ciently masked as paint
penetrating the interior can affect the performance of the helmet liner.
Paints requiring heat curing should not be used and any process
should not exceed the maximum temperature of conditioning of
the helmet in the standard to which it is approved.
The manufacturer’s instructions should also be consulted for any
considerations on the use of stickers and transfers.