DIY Painted Brake Calipers: Temps & Tips

There are tons of different ways to make your custom vehicle stand out, but one subtle and oft-overlooked aspect is your brake calipers. While mostly hidden, depending on the style of your wheel they can be just visible enough to let a vibrant pop shine through. This is especially popular on sports cars and luxury models, but you can add them to your custom build as well for an extra flair of personalization.

 

In fact, it’s a project simple enough to do yourself if you’ve got the tools, the know-how and the willingness to try. Today we’re going to walk you through information on temperatures and other tips & tricks for your DIY painted brake calipers, so keep reading to learn more.

Before we dive into the details on temperature and our other tips, you’re going to want to make sure you have all the tools and supplies that you need to get the job done. Here’s a list of the essentials:

• High-temp caliper paint; brushed or spray
• Brake cleaner to remove dust, grease and grime
• Masking tape or plastic sheets to protect surrounding parts
• Car jack and jack stands
• Torque wrench for proper wheel reinstallation
• Gloves and goggles

If you want to make things even easier for yourself, you can simply get a caliper paint kit designed for high heat and road wear. These should come with everything you need to finish the project.

You might not realize it until you sit down to think about it, but brake calipers are constantly facing extreme temperatures. In everyday driving they might be exposed to 300°F to 500°F temperatures, and those numbers can soar even higher during aggressive runs. In order to make sure your painted calipers are going to stay, well, painted… you’re going to want to look for formulas rated for at least 900°F continuous heat. If you opt for anything less, you risk bubbling, discoloration and flaking which wastes your investment.

 

You should also consider applying the paint during a period of steady weather, such as between 60°F and 85°F, to ensure proper coverage and curing. And speaking of curing, keep in mind that some paints need anywhere from 24 to 48 hours of time to dry, while others will simply cure through heat cycling once installed. Make sure to read the instructions on the paint you chose to ensure you do everything properly.

Now we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of painting your brake calipers, which should of course start with a few steps of preparation. Before getting started, you’re going to want to securely lift the vehicle and remove its wheels and, ultimately, the calipers so that you can paint them. If for some reason you can’t remove the calipers completely or simply don’t want to, you can technically paint them while they’re still installed, which is where the masking tape and plastic sheets will come into play. Now it’s time to get started!

1. First things first, you’re going to want to thoroughly clean the calipers with your brake cleaner, as brake dust and grime can sabotage adhesion. Make sure that this step doesn’t leave any oily residue behind, because the cleaning supply can be just as detrimental if not removed completely. Give your calipers time to dry before getting started to ensure proper adhesion.
   • If you’re not completely removing your calipers, this step should obviously be done before applying the masking tape and plastic sheets.
2. Apply a light, even coat of paint slowly and methodically. If you rush through the application, you can cause drips and uneven color.
3. Let the coat dry for roughly 15 minutes, or however long is advised in the product’s instructions.
4. Repeat steps two and three until you’ve applied 2-3 total coats to ensure solid coverage.
5. Add a clear topcoat for extra shine and protection if your kit and supplies permit.
6. Reinstall wheels with correct torque to prevent uneven wear and tear.