| How to Paint Helmets Posted: 20 May 2021 05:00 PM PDT Painting a helmet is a great way to express your personality and sense of style. It can transform this important piece of safety gear into an attractive accessory. Before you start to paint your bicycle, motorcycle, or sports helmet, however, make sure that the paint you select is safe to use on your helmet. The solvents in some paints may corrode the material your helmet is made of, rendering it less effective at protecting your head. Once you've determined that the paint you're using is safe, use masking tape to cover the parts of your helmet that you don't want to get painted, sketch out your design, then get started. [Edit]Getting Ready for Painting - Check local laws in your area to make sure painting your helmet is legal. In some jurisdictions, painting your motorcycle helmet may be a violation of road safety laws. This is because the petroleum-based solvents found in many paints may damage the helmet and reduce the protection it provides. Contact the transportation safety office in your local area for relevant information.[1]
- Laws regarding the modification of motorcycle helmets vary location to location and so do police officers' interpretation of these laws.
- Wearing a helmet that doesn't comply with local safety laws may result in a fine.
- Select a paint that is approved by the manufacturer of your helmet. Because the solvents in some paints may weaken the plastic of some bicycle, motorcycle, and sports helmets, the manufacturer of your helmet may recommend against painting it. Check the tags and labels that came with your helmet when you purchased it, and look for any warnings about types of paint that should be avoided.[2]
- If you can't find any helpful information in the material you received when you purchased your helmet, try contacting the helmet's manufacturer, and ask if they have any recommendations about paints that would be safe to use on your helmet.[3]
- If the outside of your helmet is damaged, don't paint it. The solvent in the paint may leak into outer shell and damage it.
- Avoid sanding the painted surface of your helmet. If you try to sand existing paint off your helmet, you may inadvertently sand into the outer plastic or fiberglass shell. This can weaken the helmet's outer shell, reducing its effectiveness in protecting the inner layer from everyday bumps and scrapes. This may diminish your helmet's ability to protect your head in the event of an accident.
- If you're going to buy a helmet to paint, go with a plain white or black matte helmet so that you don't have to worry about removing any painted design or glossy finish.
- Clean your helmet with a mixture of dish detergent and water. Removing dirt and grease from your helmet is essential if you want the paint you apply to stick to its surface. Fill a small container with warm water and household dish soap, soak a rag in the mixture, and then thoroughly wipe down the outer surface of your helmet.[4]
- After washing your helmet, dry it off with a clean, lint-free cloth and let it sit for an hour so that it can dry thoroughly.
[Edit]Applying the Paint - Cover or remove any parts you don't want to be painted or clear coated. Remove any removable fittings that you don't want to paint, such as a visor on a motorcycle helmet or a face mask on a football helmet. Simply pull off any pieces that are attached with Velcro or fasteners. Then use masking tape to cover any parts you shouldn't remove, like the inner shell and vents. Make sure only the area you want to paint is exposed.[5]
- Use paper or plastic and masking tape to shield the inside of the helmet from the paint.
- Removing the inner shell, vents, or any other essential part of your helmet's structure during the painting process may weaken it, so try to avoid doing this.
- Sketch your design on the helmet with a pencil. You can also use stencils, stickers, or tape to make your design. Take your time so that your helmet design will look just like what you imagined.[6]
- Use thin black lines to enhance the visibility of your design from a distance.
- To create complex geometric patterns, try cutting strips of masking tape and arranging them on your helmet.[7]
- Paint your design with water-based acrylic paints and brushes. These water-based paints are safe to use on helmets. Let each layer of paint dry before applying the next one so that every layer can properly bond to the surface of your helmet. This will help keep the paint from peeling off.[8]
- Apply your base layers first and then add shadowing, highlights, and any finishing touches.
- If you want to spray paint your helmet, opt to use an airbrush instead of an aerosol can. An airbrush will allow you to cover your helmet in a more even coat of paint.[9]
- Don't paint over any safety stickers that may be on your helmet.[10]
- If you applied any masking tape to make your design, remove the tape slowly and gently only after the paint on your helmet has dried to avoid inadvertently damaging your design.
- Apply 3-4 layers of clear coat to protect the paint on your helmet. Shake the can of clear coat for 1 – 2 minutes before applying it to your helmet so that the solvent and clear coat become fully mixed together. Then position the nozzle a can's length away from the helmet and spray. Move the can side to side and lightly coat the entire surface of the helmet.[11]
- Let the clear coat dry for 15-20 minutes, then repeat the process 2-3 times to ensure the helmet is evenly coated and the paint is protected.
- Use a clear coat that is intended for use on plastic. Check what your clear coat is made of before applying it to your helmet to make sure that it is safe to use on your helmet.
- Double check before spraying the clear coat that the inside of your helmet is completely covered. The clear coat may eat away at the foam inside the helmet.
- Allow the clear coat to sit overnight before reattaching any of the fittings you removed.
[Edit]References |
| How to Get Long Nails Posted: 20 May 2021 09:00 AM PDT Do you dream of having long, beautiful nails? With all the different nail hacks and tips out there, it can be tough to figure out what's best for you and your nail health. Don't worry! We've put together some safe tips and tricks that can help your nails stay healthy and nourished. With a little time and patience, you might grow long, healthy nails of your very own. [Edit]Apply minoxidil. - Studies show that a topical hair loss treatment can also boost nail growth. Spread a 5% minoxidil solution over your nails twice a day. According to past research, you might see results in as little as 1 week.[1]
- Minoxidil is more commonly known as Rogaine.
[Edit]Try a collagen treatment. - Research shows that collagen can boost nail growth. Ask your doctor if collagen is right for you. If they give you the go-ahead, take a bioactive collagen peptide (BCP) supplement once a day for 24 weeks. According to research, taking collagen regularly can help boost your nail growth, and also reduce brittleness.[2]
- You can purchase BCP collagen online, or from some retail stores. This product is sometimes called "Verisol" collagen.
[Edit]Wear a base coat or ridge filler. - Base coats and ridge fillers help strengthen your nails. Look for a base coat labeled as both "hydrating" and "strengthening"—these products have a lot of peptides and ceramides, which help strengthen your nails.[3]
- Healthy, well-nourished nails are more likely to grow.
[Edit]Moisturize your hands. - Your hands play an important role in your nail health. Grab your lotion of choice and rub it all over your hands. Then, massage the lotion into your nails and cuticles. This helps keep your fingernails in great shape.[4]
[Edit]Dry off your hands after you wash them. - Damp nails are prone to splitting. To better protect your nails, dry off your hands completely after you've washed them. Also, slip on a pair of cotton-lined rubber gloves if you have to wash dishes by hand or clean with strong chemicals.[5]
[Edit]Refrain from biting your nails. - Nail-biting is bad for your nails, and may hinder healthy nail growth. If you bite your nails frequently, spread a clear, bitter-tasting polish to your nails to discourage the habit. If you feel an urge to bite your nails, reach for something to keep your hands busy, like a chunk of silly putty or a stress ball.[6]
- You could also stick tape or stickers on your nails as a deterrent.
[Edit]Use an acetone-free polish remover. - Acetone can really dry out your nails. This may lead to your nails splitting and peeling instead of growing healthy and long. Don't worry![7] If you need to get rid of some old polish, grab a bottle of acetone-free polish remover instead.[8]
[Edit]Snack on biotin-rich foods. - Your nails may peel and break if you don't get enough biotin in your diet. If your nails seem especially brittle, stock up on biotin-rich foods like beef liver, egg, salmon, pork, sunflower seeds, tuna, spinach, or almonds.[9]
- Talk to your doctor about taking a biotin supplement. In one study, over 60% of participants had stronger, healthier nails after taking a daily supplement.
[Edit]Up your intake of protein, zinc, and iron. - Aside from biotin, protein, zinc, and iron are also great for your nails. Snack on plenty of protein-rich foods, like pork, beef, chicken, beans, and broccoli. Foods like shellfish, cashews, and green beans are a great source of zinc, and kale, spinach, and beef are all rich in iron. Switching to a nutrient-rich diet can help keep your nails healthy, which may help them grow longer.[10]
- If you think that you're iron deficient, get your blood tested at the doctor's office. If your levels are really low, you might want to take an iron supplement.[11]
[Edit]Exercise each day. - If you don't exercise a lot, your nails might not grow as much. To keep your nail growth at peak performance, try to exercise on a regular basis.[12] Experts recommend exercising 30 minutes a day, or 150 minutes a week.[13]
- If you'd like to get long nails really quickly, get a soak-off gel manicure at your local salon.[14]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Promote a Product Posted: 20 May 2021 01:00 AM PDT Promotion is one of the best ways to turn a solid idea into actual profits. Whatever your role in the business world happens to be, if you're trying to sell a product, you'll want to boost your sales and build brand recognition with an intelligent, well-balanced promotional effort. While a lot of this may sound complicated, keep in mind that it's fairly easy once you've done your market analysis and figured out what kind of promotion you want to run. That's why we've done a good chunk of the research for you, so read on to see which ideas make the most sense for your product! [Edit]Research your market. - Analyze your product and identify your market to choose a promotional plan. Start by asking yourself, "Who would want this product?" The answer will guide your research and promotional ideas. You can use focus groups or hire a marketing research firm to do this research for you. You can also ask people what they think of your product. Often, it's going to be really easy to intuit who wants your product. For example, a selfie-filter app is obviously going to appeal to millennials.[1]
- Use statistics from the Census Bureau and Department of Labor and free consumer reports from companies like Nielsen to figure out who your ideal customer is.[2]
- Looking at your competitors can give you some insight. What does their branding look like? What kind of incentives do they use?
- Understanding your target demographic is going to make it much easier to figure out what kind of promotion you want to pursue—younger consumers are unlikely to listen to radio ads, while older buyers are unlikely to peruse social media accounts, for example.
[Edit]Develop your promotional materials. - Craft advertising materials and graphics to promote your product. You can either design and write the promotional materials yourself, or hire a designer or copywriter to do it for you. Make all of your promotional efforts clear, quick, and informative. Prioritize the most important information about your product, like whatever makes it a better product than its competitors.[3]
- Remember, a short, memorable ad is much more effective than a super-detailed or crowded ad. Just keep it simple!
- Take the totality of your content into account from a consumer's perspective. The colors, typeface, visuals, and branding are all working together to create a feeling. Look at your copy and ask yourself, "Would I buy this?" If you have a good answer, great! If you don't, keep working at it![4]
[Edit]Create flyers or brochures. - Put some informative material together to educate consumers. Design a flyer or brochure together to educate potential clients and consumers on what the benefits of your product are. You can include any studies or testimonials, or break down the benefits in easy-to-understand language. Like ad materials, you can either design these yourself, or hire a professional designer to do it for you. Get your materials professionally printed on quality cardstock to give your business a professional vibe.[5]
- You can also create something called a one-sheet, which is a breakdown of all of the products and services your business offers. If you go this route, highlight the new product you want to promote by giving it top billing on your sheet.
[Edit]Use traditional advertising to promote locally. - Old school advertising is great if you aren't shipping products or selling online. Traditional forms of advertising cost money, so carefully consider who is likely to view or hear your advertisement before paying for advertising space or time. Prioritize visual ad space in the most high-traffic areas to get the most eyes on your product, and schedule TV and radio ads to run during the most popular time slots.[6]
- Newspapers/magazines are great for older consumers. Ads here are solely visual, so focus on attention-grabbing imagery. The price of the ad usually based on its size and location.
- Billboards are good at generating brand awareness. They're solely visual, like newspapers and magazines. Often, drivers can only safely look at the billboard for a second or two, so try to convey your message as quickly as possible.
- Television is a solid platform for younger consumers. These ads incorporate audio and visuals. There are many options here, but short ads are always cheaper, so try to make your ad as "lean" as possible.
- Radio is a phenomenal way to target specific demographics, since different groups of people are attracted to different stations. Ads are solely audio-based, so you may need to be creative to effectively convey your message. Catchy jingles or slogans are a smart bet.
[Edit]Go for online ads to promote across the globe. - Digital advertising is best if you run an online shop or digital service. Unless you know how to code, you'll need to hire a software engineer or digital marketing firm for this. But it can be well worth the investment; online advertisements are especially effective at drawing attention to a product. If you aren't running a local shop, you're willing to ship products, or you're promoting a digital service or app, this is a phenomenal way to go.[7] Some of the opportunities for paid online advertising include:
- Pop-up ads can appear on any website. Notoriously annoying, pop-up ads (and related variants) are just what they sound like—windows that "pop up" as a user views a website and display an ad. They aren't popular, but they can work!
- Banner ads show up on the sides and top of any webpage. Like ads in a magazine, these ads sit adjacent to content on the page. Though not as annoying as pop-up ads, these are still often rendered moot by ad-blocking software.
- Search engine ads. These ads appear at the top (or along the sides) of search engine results when a potential customer searches for key words related to your product. Consider hiring an SEO (search engine optimization) firm if you go this route so that your ads appear higher in search results.
- Content marketing. This refers to articles, videos, and essays that either focus on your product exclusively, or reference it in passing in a positive way.
[Edit]Pay for views on Google Ads. - Set up a Google Ads account to pay for clicks and views. Google Ads is an easy way to promote your business or product online. Sign up for a free account and include the link to your business page alongside a short, punchy description of your service. Set your budget and include the maximum amount you'd like to bid on a given keyword. Google will automatically display your ad if their algorithms determine your bid is successful.[8]
- You have three options when it comes to ways you can bid on your keywords. You can use:[9]
- Cost-per-click (CPC). You will only pay a fee when a user clicks on your link.
- Cost-per-mile (CPM). You will only pay for every 1000 ad appearances.
- Cost-per-engagement (CPE). You only pay when a user does something on your website, like watch a video or sign up for an account.
[Edit]Leverage social media posts. - This is an awesome way to advertise online for free. While pop-ups and banner ads cost money, advertising on Facebook or Twitter is free. Use your company's social media accounts to share fun information about your product with others online. You can even live stream, or comment on other people's posts to draw more attention to your page. Social media is also a great place to showcase other promotions, like discounts and giveaways.[10]
- Remember, most people on social media aren't looking to be sold a product. Instead of directly advertising, try posting interesting, relevant content that will build awareness about your product. Be inviting and playful, not cold and calculated with your posts.[11]
- Interact with the people who comment on your posts and ask you questions about your product. The more engagement you get, the more likely you'll be to see growth!
[Edit]Use paid social media ads. - Social media advertising is a uniquely strong way to push a product. Advertising on social media gives consumers the chance to comment on your ads and interact with other consumers who are interested in your product. You can also tailor your ads to appear to specific demographics of people based on other things they've looked for online. Most social media sites also allow you to track your ROI (return on investment), so that you can see how much benefit you're getting from your ads.[12]
- Instagram, LinkedIn, are Facebook are especially popular venues for social media advertising.
- You can also pay to promote your social media's posts. This is a good way to get more people interacting with your
[Edit]Run a promotional deal. - Give out coupons, special discounts, or deals to attract customers. Most people dislike the idea of "missing out" on a good deal, so they're more likely to buy a product if there's some sort of special bonus that's not normally available. A lot of consumers will buy something they wouldn't have normally purchased just because it's on sale or comes with some kind of extra benefit.[13] Potential incentives include:
- New member discounts. If you offer cheaper prices for people who make an account, sign up for a mailing list, or become a member of your service, you'll build up a larger reoccurring customer base.
- Buy-one-get-one-free deals. Offer the customer a free reward (this can be more of your product or a different product entirely) if they buy a certain amount of your product.
- Holiday deals and sales. Running a promotion for holidays is a great way to generate new business. People tend to buy more goods on certain holidays, and a sale is a great way to attract folks.
- Rebates. By putting the responsibility to claim a discount on the customer after the purchase has been made, you can save money relative to other promotional deals because many will forget or neglect to send in their rebates.
[Edit]Use influencers to push your product. - Ask popular influencers to review your product online. Influencers are well known members of an industry who people trust, such as hairstylists who have a strong social media presence and review hair products. Identify influencers in your industry who might be able to spread the word about your product and make an impact on its reception. Contact 2-3 influencers via email to try out your product and review it.[14]
- You can offer to give them your product for free in exchange for the review. If they're an especially popular influencer, they may ask for some kind of monetary compensation on top of it.
- For example, if you're developing a fitness app, you might ask a popular fitness guru from Instagram to try the app and review it on their platform.
[Edit]Create a rewards program. - Rewards programs are a great way to keep customers loyal. Offering discounts, deals, and special privileges to loyal customers is a great way to keep customers coming back. When you're promoting your new product, offer reward program members a discount or free reward. The same way you want to demonstrate your product's value to your customer, you also want to demonstrate your customer's value to your company.[15]
- This is a great option if you have an established business and you're trying to get a brand new product off the ground. By getting your first round of inventory into your most loyal customers' hands, they'll be able to spread the word on your product's quality.
[Edit]Give out free samples. - Offer a free sample to customers to get them to try your product. Nothing shows confidence in your product like letting your customer sample it for free before buying. Additionally, a customer is more likely to buy something if they have just experienced its benefits. You can't do this with every product, but if you can let folks "test drive" your product, they'll be more likely to buy it.[16]
- A sample doesn't just refer to food products. The same principle applies to other products and services. For instance, if you're selling cars, test drives or a free trial subscription to an online service are the rough equivalent of a free sample.
[Edit]Hire a marketing firm. - If all of this sounds like a lot, pay someone else to do it! There are tons of marketing firms out there that specialize in creating promotional materials and getting them out into the world. If you have a lot on your hands or crafting your own materials seems like a tall order, paying someone else to do it for you will make things a lot easier. Contact a reputable marketing firm in your area and sit down to discuss a deal.[17]
- If you only need a little bit of extra help coming up with designs or slogans, hire a consulting firm to help you out.
- There are marketing firms out there that specialize in TV ads, radio, or print media. Check each firm's website to see what kind of marketing they specialize in.
- Having a professional-looking website will help boost sales and promote your products.
- Before you start promoting a product, make sure the product is compliant and legal. You don't want to run into trouble down the line because you didn't dot all of your Is and cross your Ts.[18]
- If you want to start promoting your product in a different geographic location, make sure you research that geographic market first. Just because your product does well in one location doesn't necessarily mean it will do as well somewhere new.[19]
- Carefully time the release of your product. For example, releasing a product before the holidays when everyone is shopping may increase your sales.[20]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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