Caliper Paint
 

Has anyone ever used this? And, if so, what are the results? After 18 years, my calipers are starting to peel a bit and I'd like to freshen them up plus change color from black to red. Don't really want to buy new calipers, came across a paint application on Suncoast and wanted to get thoughts/reviews/insights from everyone...good idea or bad?

I did a caliper paint job on an Audi S4 I was restoring. With the right decals, it came out like new from the factory. I used the POR15 system: https://www.por15.com/POR-15-Caliper-Painting-Kit

Thanks for quick reply - did the paint hold? I've heard anecdotally that it chips (but given my current calipers are flaking, not sure what the concern is here).

Yes, it held well. It is a multi step process, and prep is key.

The caliper paint from dupli color that comes in a box at most any auto parts store is surprisingly pretty good. Then your choice is Porsche stencil or vinyl stickers. The stickers were much easier. Prep is always key. My calipers look decent now.

Do it the right way.

• I left all of the seals and pistons in place until the end.
• Strip all of the existing powder coating from the caliper using Eastwood's 'Down to the Metal' stripper. Works amazing! (https://www.eastwood.com/ew-down-to-...ipper-gal.html). They offered smaller cans, but now only a 1 gallon can.
• Once all the powder coating is off, clean the caliper with Eastwood's Pre Cleaner (https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-pr...ting-prep.html)
• Once clean, apply Eastwood's Epoxy 2 stage primer ( https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-s-...ray-black.html)
• I used the 2 stage urethane paint sold by Eastwood (https://www.eastwood.com/2k-aerospra...gloss-red.html)
• apply PORSCHE decal (http://www.acromann.com/product_info...d=nwnthyjqbsmi)
• and then finish with Eastwood's 2 stage high gloss clear (https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-s-...tte-clear.html)
• Let the calipers set-up for at least 48 hours.

Once the urethane is properly hardened, I rebuilt the calipers with seals provided by Ohio Performance Solutions (www.ohioperformancesolutions.com). Ask for Mike. Here's a tip, when you press the dust seals into the calipers, if you wet a Q-tip with hair spray, it will slip into place easier than without. It works....

With the 2 stage paint, it is as durable as powder coating.

Also, I added braided stainless steel flex lines and SpeedBleeders when I reinstalled the calipers.

Bob


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@gcthree ^^^ Those look GREAT!




I've used both the Rust-Oleum and Dupli-color products on BMW calipers. I don't remember any signifigant diffreneces between them and they're both still holding up great at 3 and 4 years.



This is the Rust-Oleum in red. The picture sucks so you'll just have to take my word that they look good. :)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...924/8QNGXr.jpg




And the Dupli-Color in silver...

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/bIlIwE.jpg




https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/D2gef5.jpg





Based on gcthree's post, I think I'll try the Eastwood stuff next time.
And just to add to his post if you're rebuilding the calipers, I labeled some Dixie cups so I could make sure that the same pistons went back in the same caliper that they came out of. It's probably not that critical but I'm kinda anal about things that stop the car.



https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/sPoH19.jpg




https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/P9Ln6d.jpg

I've been painting my calipers for years using off the shelf stuff like VHT, Duplicolor etc. I've never had any of the issues stated. Not saying they don't just haven't experienced them myself. for me I clean them up really well, lightly sand them wipe them off with lacquer thinner and paint. The ones pictured I sand blasted, lacquered, painted applied my decals and then clear coated over it all and I've had zero chips, peeling, fading etc. I think as long as you take your time and do it right with just about any heat paint (I've used just about all of them on the shelf over the years) it will work out just fine.

just my 2cents.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...a746a28356.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...070420344d.jpg
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How about painting them in place?

These are on my audi and they were painted in place.. no peeling, chipping etc.

scuff/sand up, clean with some good grease cleaner (I like lacquer thinner) and paint.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...dd01409dfd.jpg

I've painted them in place on cars in the past. I wouldn't paint over anything that is chipping or peeling though. You need to thoroughly clean and degrease the part you want to paint, maybe some self etching primer and then multiple coats. I've used spray and stuff you sort of paint on, that stuff seemed really noxious. I've considered just buying a second set and having them powder coated and then sell the other ones.

The reason I refinished my calipers is that someone had painted the black calipers red while in place on the car. Overspray is inevitable and chipping and discoloring was enough to put the caliper refresh high atop my list of things to do. In a pinch, I guess that you can do it, but how you prevent paint from getting places where it doesn't belong is beyond my masking talents.

I don't feel like the decals available ever look quite right, good but not quite right.

Agree that if they are peeling they need to be done from scratch - its a pain as its a major part to the car

I used VHT high temp on a couple 928s. Works fine. Prep is the key. I painted with the hose still on, and used plenty of newspaper and tape. Prep with light sandpaper, and lacquer thinner. Put three thin coats on. Keep shaking, as the paint doesn't stay mixed well with the hardener.

I have used VHT as well years ago - lasted a long time and I didn't prep them that well in hindsight