Can you paint your brake calipers? We get this question a lot, and the answer is usually yes!
Checkout this video:
Introduction
As anyone who’s driven a car for any length of time knows, brake calipers can become quite unsightly. Whether it’s from brake dust buildup or simply age and wear, it’s not uncommon for calipers to become dull, discolored, or even rusty. While there are a number of ways to clean and restore brake calipers, many people choose to simply paint them. But is this a good idea? Read on to find out the pros and cons of painting brake calipers.
What You’ll Need
In order to paint your brake calipers, you’ll need the following supplies:
-Brake caliper paint
-Brake caliper primer
-Automotive paint stripper
-Masking tape
-Paint thinner
-Sandpaper (600 grit)
-Rags or paper towels
-Rubber gloves
Preparing the Calipers
It is important to thoroughly clean the calipers before painting them. Any dirt, brake fluid, or other debris will prevent the paint from properly adhering to the caliper. Use a degreaser and a stiff brush to remove any build-up on the calipers. Once they are clean, sand the calipers with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Wipe away any dust from sanding with a clean cloth before moving on to painting.
Painting the Calipers
You’ve seen it before. A car pulls up and the driver has taken the time to paint their brake calipers. It’s a nice custom touch that can really set a car apart from the rest. But can you do it yourself? The answer is yes, but it’s not as easy as you might think.
The main reason for painting brake calipers is for aesthetics, but there are some functional benefits as well. Painting your calipers can help to prevent them from rusting, and it can also help to keep them cooler. This is because painted calipers reflect heat better than bare metal calipers.
If you’re going to paint your calipers, you need to use a high-temperature paint. This type of paint can withstand the extreme temperatures that your brakes reach when they’re in use. You should also use painters tape to mask off any areas that you don’t want to get paint on.
The most important part of painting your brake calipers is the prep work. You need to make sure that the surface is clean and free of any debris or oils before you start painting. If you don’t do this, the paint won’t adhere properly and it will eventually start to peel off.
Once you have prepped the surface, you can start painting. Apply a thin layer of paint and allow it to dry completely before applying a second coat. You likely won’t need more than two coats, but if you want a thicker layer of paint, you can apply more coats as needed.
Allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours before driving your car so that the paint has time to set properly. Once it’s cured, you can enjoy your new custom look!
Finishing Up
Now that you have your brake calipers painted, it’s time to give them a final touch. Apply a generous amount of clearcoat to each caliper, making sure to cover all areas evenly. Allow the clearcoat to dry completely before moving on.
