Sticky matte black helmet
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Sticky matte black helmet
My three year old matte black helmet overwintered in a dry, fostproof gagage, and has developed an unpleasant sticky layer on the surface.
I did a search and found a lot on US forums with threads about this problem, not surprising as a matte black open face helment is compulsory wear for the the discerning H-D rider. They were full of posts both praising and decrying the same products with unfamiliar names like Gloop Buster available from the local Wallmart. I didn't find any credible reason suggested as a cause, though.
Has anyonone encountered (and hopefully solved) this? I'm reluctant to try different things on spec as I've become quite attached to the helmet.
I did a search and found a lot on US forums with threads about this problem, not surprising as a matte black open face helment is compulsory wear for the the discerning H-D rider. They were full of posts both praising and decrying the same products with unfamiliar names like Gloop Buster available from the local Wallmart. I didn't find any credible reason suggested as a cause, though.
Has anyonone encountered (and hopefully solved) this? I'm reluctant to try different things on spec as I've become quite attached to the helmet.
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Re: Sticky matte black helmet
Have you tried Swarfega, unlikely to do any damage?
- Rob Harknett
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Re: Sticky matte black helmet
Do what you used to do when mending puncture, use French chalk. Or you could try rubbing with Talc. That should dry it, perhaps then wipe over with water damped cloth. Before anyone says, don't use Flour unless it's a Pudding basin helmet.
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Re: Sticky matte black helmet
Can't see that working, the surface seems to have somehow degraded and become sticky. It would turn into a white helmet - don't think water would remove it. Better black and sticky I think.Rob Harknett wrote:Do what you used to do when mending puncture, use French chalk. Or you could try rubbing with Talc. That should dry it, perhaps then wipe over with water damped cloth. Before anyone says, don't use Flour unless it's a Pudding basin helmet.
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Re: Sticky matte black helmet
No, worth thinking about though. I'd really like to hear from someone who has encountered the problem and cured it!Richard Mills wrote:Have you tried Swarfega, unlikely to do any damage?
- clive
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Re: Sticky matte black helmet
If the surface has degraded perhaps you ought to replace it.
clive
if it ain't broke don't fix
if it ain't broke don't fix
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Re: Sticky matte black helmet
By "degraded", I meant whatever finish was used has become tacky. This is just on the surface. It appears to be a very common occurrence (Google "matte black helmet tacky"). It seems there is no cause/remedy suggestedclive wrote:If the surface has degraded perhaps you ought to replace it.
- Rob Harknett
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Re: Sticky matte black helmet
Worked on sticky glue repairing a puncture. Never ended up with a white tube. It will not attack and further decompose the paint. Which is what is happening. Perhaps due to moisture turning acidy. Which happens in my garage making rubber grips etc. sticky.poplargreg wrote:Can't see that working, the surface seems to have somehow degraded and become sticky. It would turn into a white helmet - don't think water would remove it. Better black and sticky I think.Rob Harknett wrote:Do what you used to do when mending puncture, use French chalk. Or you could try rubbing with Talc. That should dry it, perhaps then wipe over with water damped cloth. Before anyone says, don't use Flour unless it's a Pudding basin helmet.
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Re: Sticky matte black helmet
I've found WD40 successfully removes sticky residues.
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Re: Sticky matte black helmet
Some hard plastic trim in my car had a "soft touch" black rubbery coating which became sticky after about 10 years. I managed to remove this with thinners followed by soap and water, but I would NOT RECOMMEND this on a plastic helmet. Best to replace the helmet (and get one with a gloss surface which is safer if you have the unfortunate incidence of surfing headfirst on tar).
Rob C
Rob C