As a component, the brake caliper sits in the back row. It is not even visible on a car with common wheel rims or hub caps. So why bother painting it at all? Read here how to upgrade the caliper and make your car look good.
Therefore, you only need to have a closer look at the wheel rims. Their construction is generally very filigree and delicate. This saves weight and allows a good view of the wheel mechanism. You can clearly see the caliper hanging there: greyish-black, dirty and rusty. Between the beautiful aluminium wheel rims and the clean brake disc it stands out as grimy. Especially if you invested in the look of the car, an unpainted brake caliper causes embarrassment. Retail and industry have now adapted to this challenge.
Only one way is right
There are several options for painting the car. Spray-painting and wrapping are the common procedures. If the budget is tight and the car is merely a mode of transport, the roller brush can be used. For a brake caliper there is only one right way to upgrade it: with the paint brush.
The complex mechanism surrounding the brake caliper does not allow for any other procedure. Wrapping makes no sense as the high temperature of the brake caliper would cause the foil to melt. Spray-painting is not really recommended as the coating is too thin. Furthermore you run the risk of spray-painting the sensors and rubber bushings as well, which could considerably impair the function and life span of these components. Only the paint brush and a steady hand guarantee proper application of the paint.
![]() New Brake Calipersup from £ 19,25Go to shop ⇒ |
Plan 6 – 8 hours for painting the brake calipers.
What you need
Retail now offers complete painting sets especially for brake calipers. The equipment of these sets differs. A complete set contains:
– brake cleaner
– two-component coating consisting of paint and hardener
– mixing bowl
– paint brush
– disposable gloves.
If the set contains only one bottle of brake cleaner, we recommend buying at least a second one. For older and very dirty brake calipers you additionally need:
– a hard paint brush or a dish brush
– a steel brush
– angle grinder with brush accessory
– brake cleaner
– sanding paper or abrasive pad
– masking tape
– mouth cap and protective goggles.
– extra paint brush and mixing bowl.
Preparation determines the end result
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The preparation consists of three steps: – disassembly – cleaning – taping off Do not worry: a brake caliper doesn’t need total disassembly for painting. Nevertheless it requires some attention before you start attacking rust and dirt with an angle grinder. |
Special care is required for: |
![]() The sensors on the other hand, can easily be removed. The ABS sensor and the wear sensor of the brake lining can be pulled off and hung aside. Particularly the cable is important, here. It may not be damaged. Disassembling it effectively prevents this risk. |
Scrub until you cry
![]() Therefore: when cleaning the brake caliper, be sure to wear a mouth cap and protective goggles. Gloves are useful as well: paint can only be removed with solvent which is anything but nice to the skin. |
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![]() Clean all brake calipers before starting paintwork on the first one. |
Taping off – unpopular though sensible
![]() Especially the holes in the brake caliper must be plugged to prevent paint from running in. This particularly applies to the holes of the bracket. They can be reliably plugged with a piece of wire, a match or a toothpick. Brake caliper paint hardens quickly and becomes very viscous, so can only be removed at considerable effort after hardening. Therefore taping off makes sense, particularly for unexperienced painters. |
Mix coating according to instructions
Brake caliper paint is provided as a two-component solution. Its mixing ratio is mentioned on the package. Be sure to stick to it very accurately. By using too much hardener, painting becomes difficult as it dries too quickly. By using too little hardener, drying lasts extremely long. After stirring leave it standing for ca. 10 minutes. The brake caliper is painted from the top downwards. Always take care that the paint doesn’t run. Painting with a brush always cause the paint strokes to show in the paint, which is compensated for with a second coating. Nevertheless, even when using the right mixing ratio, the paint for the brake caliper requires a long drying time. The second coating shouldn’t be applied until after 3 – 4 hours. Meanwhile the paint brush and the mixing bowl might have dried up completely. For making a new mix, a clean, empty yoghurt bowl is adequate. The second coating gives the brake caliper the finishing touch. Allow the second coating to completely harden out. |
Now, the car can be assembled again. Do not forget the sensors!
Tip: The bracket can be touched up as well. When doing so in a contrasting colour, you give the exterior of your car a special touch.
Details make the difference
A painted caliper is a small but effective detail in the general exterior look of your car. With a bit of effort and cheap tools you can give your car an optical touch. And what is more: painted brake calipers raise the resale value of the car.
Foto: NONGASIMO, BACHTUB DMITRII, Pixotico, jennyt, ra3rn, Sudheer Sakthan, trinityfoto, MR.YURANAN LAKHAPOL, Ksander / shutterstock.com