How to Paint Your Brake Calipers Yourself

Over time, your car's brake calipers might rust; what was once silver now seems tarnished and uneven, and has gone brown. Painting the brake calipers not only looks good, but it is also regarded to boost the value of your vehicle. Don't allow rusted calipers to ruin the looks of your automobile; paint them! A professional brake caliper paint job normally costs $250 to $450. If you want to save money, you may complete this work in your own garage.

The Benefits of Painting Brake Calipers

The primary advantage of painting calipers is that it keeps rust from accumulating and damaging your braking system. Furthermore, painted calipers shed dirt more quickly, making cleaning easier.

In addition, this duty allows you to somewhat modify your automobile. Because brake calipers are visible from the exterior of your vehicle, painting them allows you to express your personal style. Overall, painting your calipers may improve your vehicle's look while also increasing its worth.

The most crucial aspect of painting brake calipers is choosing the appropriate paint. Choose a paint with strong heat resistance that is particularly intended for brake calipers. The most usual method is to use spray paint, but liquid paint and a paintbrush can also work.

Aside from the appropriate paint, you'll need a few more supplies for your caliper painting project.

How Long Does Caliper Paint Take to Dry?

As previously stated, the amount of time required for caliper paint to dry varies by manufacturer.

For example, Rust-Oleum claims that their caliper paint is touch dry in two to four hours but may not be completely dry for 24 hours. They recommend waiting between five and nine hours before reattaching the wheels. However, Foliatec claims that you can reconnect the wheels after only two hours.

Wait at least 24 hours before driving the car. If the paint has not entirely dried, it may not be heat resistant. Your car's brakes become extremely hot, and while dry paint may endure temperatures of up to 300 degrees, wet paint cannot. According to Foliatec, the paint will not fully harden until seven days following application. Always read the label carefully to ensure that you do not damage or dent the paint while it is still tacky and that the vehicle is safe to drive. 

Which Color Should I Paint My Brake Calipers?

The color possibilities for your calipers are nearly limitless. You can get blue, red, orange, silver, black, matte black, white, copper, green, pink, yellow, gold, and so on. Red is a popular hue, especially on sports cars, although it can be used on a variety of vehicles. Alternatively, if you want the brake calipers to match the rest of the automobile, you may pick black or silver. Silver would make them seem brand new again.

Tools and Materials

Before painting your brake calipers, acquire the necessary items:

- Gloves;

- Safety glasses;

- A lug or impact wrench;

- A jack with jack stands;

- A ratchet wrench;

- The C-clamp.

What to Pay Attention to While I Paint the Brake Calipers Myself?

You may paint your brake calipers any color you like, but be cautious not to get any paint on the brake discs. Doing so may impair their ability to bring your vehicle to a halt, which might be dangerous.

To minimize paint spilling on other locations, you can use tape to cover these portions or remove the brake calipers entirely. Both options work properly, however the latter should only be attempted if you know what you're doing.

Here are a few tips:

- Use painter's tape to create neat lines;

- Wear gloves and eye protection;

- To get good coverage, apply numerous thin applications;

- Only use brake caliper paint that is high temperature resistant;

- Avoid getting paint on your brake pads, rotors, and tires;

- Don’t rush the job or skip the drying period;

- Avoid using inexpensive spray paint not intended for brakes;

- Overapplying paint may impair caliper operation.

How to Paint Calipers

Now that you are sure that you want to paint your calipers, here's a simple approach to get the desired finish.

Step 1: Jack the vehicle up

Before you can begin cleaning or painting the calipers, get the automobile off the ground. First, loosen the bolts on all four wheels with the wheel nut. Then jack up the front of the automobile and remove the two front wheels. Remember to keep the wheel nuts safe since you will need them later.

Step 2: Clean the brakes

Now that you've exposed the calipers, ensure that they and the brake discs are clean. If you paint over the dirt and rust on your calipers, the paint may not adhere and the finish will be less smooth. To remove the rust, use a wire brush, followed by a moist cloth to wipe the caliper. 

Alternatively, you might use a specialized brake cleaner and a tiny brush, such as a toothbrush, to remove debris from your brake discs and tires.

Step 3: Prepare the calipers

This is a critical step; the more time you spend getting the calipers ready, the better and neater the finish will be. First, remove the front retainer clip and cover the bleeder valve with masking tape to safeguard it. Ensure that the valve is completely covered. Overlapping layers of masking tape may assist to keep paint from seeping into the joints. Next, wrap the brake hose fittings with tape.

Once completed, use a large plastic sheet or garbage bag to thoroughly cover the brake rotor. If you're using a bin bag, rip it at the seams to create a huge square shape. Apply the sheet carefully and accurately, ensuring that there are no crevices that might let paint seep onto the rotor. You may need to rotate the rotor to seal the plastic between the brake pads and rotor. Use extra tape to prevent the plastic sheet from sliding.

Step 4: Start painting

Now it's time for the fun part. You'll need to acquire some brake caliper paint, which is normally an aerosol. No matter what color or paint brand you choose, apply the paint evenly, one thin layer at a time. Avoid applying one thick layer, since this will result in an uneven finish with drip marks. Instead, apply many thin applications, let each one dry for about 10 minutes before applying the next.

Allow the paint to completely dry (this might take up to 24 hours depending on the paint you chose) before removing the plastic sheet. If you're doing all four wheels, do the front two first and the back two on a different day since the paint needs to cure completely before you put the tires back on.

Step 5: Get the car off the ramps

Once the paint has dried, reinstall the wheels using the nuts you should have stored safely beforehand. Then lower the automobile. If you are doing the back wheels, jack them up and repeat the process.

Step 6: Admire the completed look

Your calipers should now be gleaming and shining with their fresh paint. To complete the look, polish your alloy wheels and consider purchasing new tires. Put your wheels on and press the brakes with the motor turned off until the pedal stiffens. Before you enter the road, practice braking in your driveway a few times. Oh, and don't be afraid if you notice an unusual odor; fresh paint will cure quickly and last for many years of driving.