For those that have painted their calipers, what type of paint is required and how can it be applied...can you brush on as well as spray, and I assume a primer needs to be used as well. Thanks.

 

I painted mine silver this weekend and while they don't stand out, they do look a lot nicer. I'd imagine you can use spray or brush, just make sure you tape everything off well if you use spray. You need to make sure you get the hi-temp stuff, like over 1000 degrees. I don't know about primer, but I'd at least make sure you cleaned off the calipers pretty well before you paint. Any normal brake cleaner should work fine for that.

 

Well, just after I hit the enter key, I realized I should have performed a search on 'painted calipers', which I have now done. Seems that the group deal with folia something or other is the way to go. Still, have any of you brushed this stuff on as opposed to spray? Thanks.

 

it's better to use spray paint unless ur a hell of a painter..
just clean the calipers with soft brush, make sure you get rid of all dust and debris, and use a can of spray paing of your choice.
you can buy the spray paint from PepBoys too if you want. just any high-temperature paint will do.

 

here is what I did....
got everything from Walmart

get some kind of metal cleaner...
go to paint section and find a bottle of paint that is able to withstand high temp
get a brush
came home.
clean the caliper really good
paint it with the brush
let it dry
paint it again
let it dry
and depend if you want to put a clear coat on or not
to me brush is much easier and less messy, cuz spray could have overspray...

 

with spray paint, u have to cover up the caliper, the inner fender, and the edges of the wheel-well(unless u want to be really creative with your car). it takes time. but i didn't go with brush because i might leave brush marks on the paint(which isn't really pretty when u look at them up-close)..i bought the spray can from PepBoys for $3, some old newspapers and duck tape from home, brush from my tool-box, brake cleaner fro $3. so my total cost for this project was $6.

 

What some people failed to mention is that you need to clean the calipers with the Brake Parts Cleaner. It is a aerosol can, can get it at any auto parts store. YOU NEED to use this prior to painting. This ensures you get off all the oils, dirt, and grease off the parts you are about to paint. You can spray it on and either use a rag or a wire brush depending on how bad your calipers are.

Then DO NOT use primer, just simply apply the Brake Caliper paint directly onto the Caliper. Most of the Brake Caliper paints tell you not to use primer, it recommend you directly paint it on. Now VHT makes a aerosol can brake caliper paints that I know for sure are available at pepboys and some other auto parts store. That one can will be enough to do two cars for sure.

Dixit

 

Don't forget, after you are done, you have to bake the finish on to harden it. How do you do that?... Go out driving! The heat from the brakes will make the finish as hard as rock.

 

Make sure to mask off really well, and don't use newspaper, it'll stick to everything when it gets wet with paint. Instead, use wax paper, the same kind used for cooking. It comes in a roll, like aluminum foil.

You could always get them powdercoated. Powdercoating holds up much better than paint, is actually baked on, and doesn't chip, peel, or dull. Only thing is, you wouldn't be able to drive the car while the calipers are being done. Peace.

 

oops...i thought i mentioned it...

 

I just did the silver FoliaTec and i really like it ... here's what they look like now


before:


After:





And yes ... I know the hub needs to be cleaned up ... next on my adgenda!

 

i used BigDogJonx's directions.
Used an attachment for my cordless drill(it's a big round wire brush) to clean all the crap off of the caliper.
Used brake cleaner.
Just took 4 big trash bags.
Put them over the caliper.
Tore the bag, just enough so that the caliper would show.
Got FORD ENGINE HIGH heat paint.
Sprayed it once, let it cool sprayed it again.
I did that 2000 miles ago, no problems yet.
I did paint my shims and axxis brake pads yellow.
will have pics in a few

 

Hey Hey, good job, glad someone used them directions. I just painted the whole damn caliper, EVERYTHING, just masked off the rotor and hoses. You know that, you saw the directions, why am I telling you this then? I dont know. Maybe I have just self-diagnosed myself as a "post-*****"

Dixit

 

I went with the folia paint and it is awesome...i tried the high-heat enamel paint and I must say that the folia tec is the way to go. I went to the hardware store and got the little brush that you would use to spread piping flex agent (what plumbers use to help weld copper pipes) and the best thing is i picked up 4 for a dollar and they worked great. I hope you all know what i'm talkin about...

 

You mean this brush


You know you like my speed and abilities to find the pic! Hahahaha, Hope this helps all of you who want to do caliper painting.

Class is now over for Caliper painting 101. Final Exam will be on..............Feb 17,2002.

Thanks you, and have a nice day
Dixit

 

yup! that's the brush!!

 

nice! the paint matches ur car!

 

close enough for government work

 

I went through the group deals section couldn't find the foliatec deal. Could you kindly post the link.

Thanks