Hire a professional to paint brake calipers
In order to paint the brake calipers, the car must be jacked up and the wheels removed. You should also remove the brake caliper to prevent paint from dripping onto the brake disc and brake pads. If you are familiar with this type of work, there is nothing to stop you from painting the brake calipers yourself. However, if you hire a painting professional, you will of course save time and effort.
What are the options for painting brake calipers?
Painting brake calipers
Some people use spray paint instead of the brush application technique to paint brake calipers. That can also be fine, but you need to choose a paint that can withstand high temperatures, such as engine block paint. Do not use a regular spray, because the paint will simply peel off later. What is also important is whether you will remove the calipers or paint them where they are – on the brake disc. Of course, removing them is a more complicated option, so many people decide to leave them where they are. Of course, this raises the risk of getting paint where you don”t want it or on the body of the vehicle. If you do not remove the jaws, know that there must not be even the slightest breath of wind. For this reason, it is best to protect risky areas with newspaper or nylon, which you will secure with adhesive tape.
Brake caliper painting procedure
Clean the brake calipers as well as possible to get the smoothest possible surface. Start with a wire brush and then use thinner. Do not use the sander after applying the thinner, as it is flammable and the sander may cause sparks. Also, be careful not to apply the thinner to the brake cylinders and pipe system, as it can damage them. After that, wipe everything with a paper towel, then apply brake cleaner and don”t skimp on it. After that, rub everything well. If there are still traces of dirt, try to remove them with a degreasing paste. If you are not using a spray, it is time to mix the paint with the thinner and shake it before use. The first application, regardless of whether it is a spray or a brush, should be thin. Keep in mind that you will be applying multiple layers, so the first one doesn”t need to be perfect. Make sure there are no leaks, and as for the tiny bubbles, don”t worry. Allow the first coat to dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then apply another coat, which will dry for the same amount of time. Repeat this action a few more times and the painting of the brake calipers is complete.
What tools and materials are needed for painting brake calipers?
To clean, first brush the brake caliper with a steel brush, then treat it with a special brake cleaner. Apply this with a rag and wipe the entire brake off the caliper a few times. If you are using spray paint to paint the brake caliper, you should mask the area properly with masking tape and foil or newspaper. If you want your brake caliper to be even cleaner, you can take it apart and sand it with a hand sander. For better paint application, use a primer or apply several layers of paint. So you need a primer, a colored varnish, possibly a brush and a hardener to be mixed with the varnish. You should also wear gloves when working.
How long does it take to paint a brake caliper?
A few hours of work should be expected for painting all four brake calipers. Remember that you must remove all the wheels and the paint must dry for at least two hours before you can put the wheels back on.
