Caliper Painting

[Hlidskjalf]

How do I paint and prep my calipers?

Any brands and methods to recommend? I want the paint to look good and last as long as possible!

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

The best way to get them looking good is to strip the parts from the caliper and have them powdercoated. Lasts a lot longer, resists brake fluid/dust and is fairly cheap as they are small and can fit in with another run of material.

You can also try powdercoating them yourself if you are looking to try something new....

 

[Tink]

I've used the Dupli-Color caliper paint (brush on)with good results. I started with a small brass brush to clean it up. then follow the directions.

 

[Big Boi]

I painted the rotors and calipers with Rustoleum Sunrise Red Oil Based paint. This stuff goes on thick, and looks amazing. It took about three hours to knock out the front alone. But then again I took the brakes apart, hit them with the wire brush wheel and some brake cleaner. I baked the rotors and the caliper brackets in the oven as well. And since the brake were still good. I greased them up, to quiet the brake chatter down. Cost me $24...

I tackled this project back in November of '08. No peeling, flaking NOTHING! When they get covered in brake dust I take the rims off and wiped them down with a damp cloth and the look brand new all over again. No need for high temp, ****... Prep is the key!

 

[Featherweight]

for what its worth......IF your not tryin to have some kinda show car look....i think it s duplicolor makes a special caliper paint....just degrease and power wash them....then get a few cans of Brake Cleaner and clean them....after that....spray it on....i suggest over lap very good and it looks just like powder coat when your done...do at least 3 coats......paint the fixed bracket black and the caliper red or whatever your taste desire....GOOD LUCK!

 

[RAYJAY]

I don a lot of brake painting .I just use any high heat engine paint clean the items really good, tape and paint, never had a problem with any pealing or chipping

Jeff

 

[Arachnotron]

I polished mine by following this write-up: http://formula.bambeezer.com/calipers.htm


Your painted calipers will look better if you smooth the rough casting marks.

 

[Tom2]

How hot do calipers really get?

I just painted my motorcycle calipers the other day. I used regular rustoleum black paint. Obviously this isn't a show bike, I just figured it'd be better than nothing.

Haven't road the bike yet, so have no idea if it will last or not.

 

[Ripped]

Worst thing about painting calipers, is that the brake fluid (when bleeding) can peel the paint off.

That being said, it's not that big a deal, if you are careful, when bleeding the brakes.

I sanded the rough texture of the cast caliper face, and clamp much more smooth, with a flapper disc, before painting

 

[dan76]

Powder coating the caliper works well though the unit must be disassembled to protect the piston/seal from the heat.....but it's costly.

 

[Costner]

I've used a couple of different kits including the one part duplicolor version and a two part system from G2. Both kits worked well although I tend to think the two part product will have a longer life as the paint acts like a ceramic epoxy.

I just put in a wire wheel brush into my drill and cleaned as much as possible. I then used a small wire brush to get to the rest of it. A lot of brake cleaner and a little cleaning with a cloth and you're ready for paint. Most of the kits come with a can of brake cleaner, but I'd spring for another can because spending a little more time here and using a little more brake cleaner will pay off in the end.

I personally did not remove the calipers nor did I paint any of the disk. The paint is very think when mixed and coats well with a brush. I did apply a couple of coats because I wanted more buildup, and the end result was excellent.

In my case, I sold both cars within a couple of years but never had any issues. On a previous car I had I used a spray can product and that required re-coating about every six months.... so I would avoid anything from a rattle can unless you want to do the job all over again every six months or so.

 

[Jay H]

POR 15 has some stuff out for calipers. I would take apart the calipers and powdercoat.

 

[nate379]

I just use the reg $3/can Rusto, Krylon, Valspar, etc and it's worked out fine for me.

 

[Hlidskjalf]

Great input guys, thanks!

 

[Brad1234]

I did it a year ago & they still look great. I removed them, sandblasted, & painted with Dupli-color Caliper Spray Paint. I put on several coats & used 2 cans on the 4 calipers. No regrets.

 

[sizzler90]

I did mine about 4 years ago. I got a little bottle of red enamel craft paint and a model car paint brush, and they looked great. I drive my car 88 miles round trip 5 days a week, and they look good now. I think I paid 99cents for the bottle back then. A friend of mine painted his the same weekend with caliper paint from the Zone. His looks about the same as mine now.

 

[sctattooer]

I second powdercoating, but don't get carried away!