Hey guys, I was thinking of painting my brake calipers this weekend since I'll be installing some front pads and changing over to stainless steel lines. anyone know where I can find one of the better quality paint caliper kits locally, i.e. like this one: http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/g2/caliper_paint.jsp I looked online on autozone, pepboys, etc., but didn't find it. I won't be able to order it as I'll need it in a couple of days while I'm doing the rest of the brakes. on another note, some folks have said the $6 caliper paint (duplicolor?) is sufficient, while others indicate it looks pretty cheap. I've got an '02 sedan and the calipers are stock, nothing fancy, so maybe the cheaper stuff is ok. your thoughts? thanks, jimmy
thanks for the quick responses. have either of you used the items you suggested on your calipers. I don't want it to look too rice-like!
I did red on my bugeye with the dupicolor... looked great when I was done. Sold the car right after so I can't speak for longevity though... I think I still have a new can of Red if you want to come get it...
thanks for the respones, guys (and the offer sonic). I'll look at my local pepboys. I'll try and post pix (only if it turns out well, though:rofl
Who needs paint when you can get these... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Calip...QQcmdZViewItem LOL...
I always use high temp white engine paint first after cleaning the calipers first. Then paint the color I want in normal spray paint. Then clear coat it. Still on my brakes for 2 yrs with the occasional normal rock chip here and there.
Interesting. I've never heard of that before, but it makes sense. how much are the materials (roughly) to do it that way? -jimmy
When 420 and I painted his calipers I personally thought they looked best after we hit 'em with a wire brush, before we painted them.
Yes, we used a wire brush to scrap off the top layer coating and make them a shiny-ish silver color. It looked really good like that, but I painted them a dark blue that almost matches the WRB perfectly. If you just scrap them with the wire brush, I would think you would at least need some type of high temp clear coat to keep from rusting or corroding, but it would look really good without any color paint added.
i always use 2coats of a high temp paint and then 3 to 4 coats of my color on top. never had to recoat lasted 2+ years on my honda and 2+ years on my WRX. sold both, and the WRX still looks great just saw it last nite.
i have a new red G2 kit if you are interested, but honestly i would go with a hi temp engine or grill paint. It last longer and if you do a track day, your paint won't melt off.
excellent tips. about how long do you typically wait between coats before the next application? also, since i'm already replacing the brake lines, wouldn't it be easier to remove the calipers (as opposed to leaving them on and masking around them). thanks again guys.
If you are taking the brakes apart, then yes, you can definitely remove the calipers and paint them, but it is not at all necessary. It is very easy to mask off without removing them. As for how long to wait between coats, I was say maybe 15 to 30 minutes at the most. I did about 4 coats each and probably only waited about 15 minutes between. I waited about an 1 hour after the last coat before unmasking and calling it done.
I ddin't read all the replies, but I painted mine black a couple months ago and I've still got the kit. I used less than half the paint. It also has an aeresol cleaner and small masking tape. I don't remember how much it cost when I got it at Autozone, but you can have it. If you want it, or want to see how the brakes look I live in midtown 10th/W. Peachtree or I could snap a picture of them... Just PM me.
thanks for the offer, but I started painting already with red. hey, I work right next to you. Are you in Plaza Midtown? I'm in the black 4 story building across from it (next to the cheetah).