How To Paint Brake Calipers
Article by Mark Trotta
After removing, disassembling, cleaning, and overhauling the calipers on my 1982 Corvette, it was time for a few coats of paint.
Brush On vs Aerosol Spray
You don't have to remove brake calipers to paint them, but it would likely produce neater and cleaner results.
Several companies offer brush-on paint for calipers not being removed from the vehicle.
Pictured: POR 15 Brush-on Caliper Paint
Getting The Paint To Stick
To prevent chipping and peeling, you need to start with a clean surface. A really clean surface. The key to getting paint to adhere properly is lots and lots of prep time with a wire brush and brake parts cleaner.
Although these were cleaned during disassembly, additional cleaning was done before painting.
For the tight spots I used scuff pads, followed up with more brake parts cleaner and shop towels. After blow-drying with compressed air, they were allowed to dry thoroughly.
Since piston bores and bleeder valve holes are not to be painted, they are covered up during the painting process.
Brake Calipers Ready For Paint
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Caliper Paint vs Engine Paint
Although the two are similar, caliper paint is formulated to be more resistant to chipping, brake dust, and automotive chemicals. It is said to have the ability to 'wick' brake dust.
Brake caliper paint is heat resistant to 500 degrees. If instructions are followed, it will not chip, crack, fade or rust, even under extremes of operation or road and weather conditions.
Available colors include black, yellow, red, silver, gold, green, purple, and clear.
TIP: Several light coats of paint achieve best results.
The reason behind spraying several light coats is to eliminate runs, and allow it to dry before the next coat. For the first pass, spray lightly and aim for the hard-to-reach areas.
Although you could respray as soon as 10 minutes, what's the rush? Remember changes in temperature and humidity are not always known. Take your time. You're not painting a barbecue, you're restoring a car.
The four coats I applied took four days. Each morning, before work, I went out in the garage, changed the position of the calipers on the cardboard, and sprayed on a light coat. I sprayed the last coat a little heavier to smooth out the finish.
For best results, allow to sit for at least 24 hours before reinstalling.
Road test when done!
Read: 1982 Corvette Restoration
