What's the big deal?
I've heard it over and over; "Don't paint your mask, it'll make it unsafe." "The paint could degrade the mask". Etc.
But how bad is it really? I'm using the NME3 playing varsity roller hockey. I won't be sanding it. And I'm pretty sure painting my death cage isn't going to make it any less safe to use. The spray paint I got is the 2 in 1, kind that has color and primer. Plus my mask is already white. On the can it says good for wood, plastic, metal.
Okay now that safety question is outta the way, onto the technique. I hear you're supposed to sand the mask first so the paint will grip, but I plan on being able to repaint the mask. Should I not sand it?
I plan on it going like this:
1- prep mask by taking off cage, scrubbing any fingerprint grease off , covering all the foam with tape, take off backplate because I'm not painting that part.
2- spray paint first coat without sanding.
3-let it dry
4-add more coats if needed
5- tape off simple design
6- another coat
7- final with clear gloss finish
8-dry & done
Does that process sound right? Then if I get put on another team I'll sand it. So basically my mask will only be good for 2 paint jobs. I think.