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I painted my own brakes last year. I bought new powerstop base model calipers all around. I cleaned them before painting, but in hindsight, I could have done a better job. If I sanded them better, the paint would have probably adhered to the surface better. (Not to say they don't look great, there are just some small imperfections where both the paint and the clearcoat has come off).
I used rattle can brake paint from autozone (the brand escapes me, but they have a good selection of colors, it's their main option). Be sure to get high temp clearcoat to finish them off as well, so they are easy to clean in the future. I think the paints are good quality and it was just my prep work that caused the minor imperfections. If you are using your existing calipers, be sure to clean them as much as you can before painting, you don't want brake dust and crap from the road underneath your new coat.
Here is VHT burnt copper with black Acura decals from ebay. I went with high temp engine enamel rattle cans for the primer + color + clear and haven'tbeen super impressed with the durability but I suspect that is due to poor prep work on my end. I sanded/painted them on the car since I didn't want to risk stripping the aluminum threads on the calipers. Whenever I rotate my tires even the slightest bump takes a chip of paint off the calipers. If I had to do it again I probably would've used an etching primer specifically for aluminum and a high quality 2K clear coat (except that stuff is NASTY to breath!). I also remember it was ~40F when I painted them, so not an ideal temp for spray paints... Haven't encountered any issues related to heat, brake dust build up, or damage from wheel cleaning chemicals though.
Here is VHT burnt copper with black Acura decals from ebay. I went with high temp engine enamel rattle cans for the primer + color + clear and haven'tbeen super impressed with the durability but I suspect that is due to poor prep work on my end. I sanded/painted them on the car since I didn't want to risk stripping the aluminum threads on the calipers. Whenever I rotate my tires even the slightest bump takes a chip of paint off the calipers. If I had to do it again I probably would've used an etching primer specifically for aluminum and a high quality 2K clear coat (except that stuff is NASTY to breath!). I also remember it was ~40F when I painted them, so not an ideal temp for spray paints... Haven't encountered any issues related to heat, brake dust build up, or damage from wheel cleaning chemicals though.
This looks great. Yes, prep is important, but you need a 2K clear for the finish to last. You're on the right track with that train of thought.
2K clear is resistant to UV and chemicals and chipping. Its what is used on your vehicle's factory paint to make it last.
Spraymax manufactures aerosol cans with a catalyzed chamber. As you already seem to know....you need a respirator and you will absolutely want to mask very thoroughly. I suggest masking the entire car.
POR also makes a brush on 2K clear that's maybe a better idea for this type of job. Make sure you get the 2K version. The regular POR non-catalyzed stuff is good, but its not UV stable.
Seen better I suppose, but have seen way worse....should of went with 1/2 inch to 1 inch smaller decals. But they took awhile to come (from Canada) and I wanted them on. Always next time depending on how long this lasts.
08-10-2021, 09:13 AM
BREMBO Brake Caliper Paint ideas
