The brake calipers on your car don't have to stay in the same color they came in. The same way you can easily customize some features on your vehicle also applies to brake calipers. If you know what you are doing, painting your brake calipers is simple and easy to do. You need the best paint for brake calipers, with heat and chemical resistance as we explore below.
What is the best paint to use on brake calipers?
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What Are Brake Calipers?
You may or may not know what brake calipers are. However, to reiterate, brake calipers house your vehicle's pistons and brake pads. Its main job is to slow your car's wheels. When you step on your brakes, that's when the calipers spring to action and slow the wheels down. Therefore, brake calipers are essential brake components.
Brake calipers are made to be very strong. They are resistant to many external forces. A good pair of brake calipers should last at least 75,000 miles (roughly 10-years). After that, it is wise to change them out for new ones. With a long lifespan, brake calipers also require maintenance here and there.
You can also decide to paint your brake calipers. Which is the whole purpose of this article. There are multiple and awesome types of paints for brake calipers. Calipers are found on each wheel; therefore, you will be painting brake calipers on all four wheels. Let's look at some of the best paint for brake calipers in the sections below:
Best Paint For Your Brake Calipers
1) Rust-Oleum 251591 Red Automotive Caliper Spray Paint
Rust-Oleum 251591 12-Ounce, Red Automotive Caliper Spray Paint, 12 Ounce (Pack of 1), 11 Fl Oz
- The product is 12oz red caliper paint
- Elegant design and smooth finish
- The product is manufactured in United states
- Resists heat up to 900-Degree F
- Formulated to resist brake dust and high temperatures that can be...
Rust-Oleum Caliper Paint is a very durable coating that allows you to customize your car. You can easily customize your truck's brake calipers, drums, rotors and springs. Furthermore, this caliper paint is specially formulated to resist brake dust. This is in addition to the high temperatures that can be produced from harsh braking conditions.
The elegant design and smooth finish that this spray offers will last long. This is attributed to the rust-resistant formula, which is unique. Additionally, the paint itself can resist up to 900-degrees Fahrenheit after spraying and drying. Furthermore, the can has enough paint to easily last for multiple coats on all four calipers.
You can be sure that this paint will not attract as much dirt and dust as your calipers did before the paint. In addition, it adds a little splash of color to your vehicle and makes your rims pop. It is recommended that you paint your calipers last to preserve the shine and finish.
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2) Rust-Oleum 251592 Automotive Caliper Spray Paint
Rust-Oleum 251592 Automotive Caliper Spray Paint, 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Black, 11
- Resists heat up to 900-degree F
- Formulated to resist brake dust and high temperatures that can be...
- Any angle spray technology
- Model number: 251592
All matte lovers can rest easy with this caliper paint. This paint furnishes a beautiful matte black coating that combats cracking, fading, and rust build-up. Furthermore, this color is permanent and doesn't move. This means you can over-paint without bleeding and achieve multi-layered surface effects.
There is no requirement for sanding between coats; therefore, you can easily dry only once for moderate use, then let it dry thoroughly for three days for best results. To make your job easier, you can easily spray your brake calipers at any angle. The nozzle is formulated in such a way that it will not leak if sprayed at different angles.
Lastly, the paint has a very durable finish that is resistant even to very high temperatures. Additionally, even though washing your vehicle often, the paint will hold up. A pro tip is to thoroughly prep the surface on which you will be spraying this spray paint.
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3) Dupli-Color MC201 Blue Metal Cast Anodized Color
Dupli-Color MC201 Blue Metal Cast Anodized Color - 11 oz.
- Anodized color effect
- High gloss
- Heat resistant to 500 degrees Fahrenheit intermittently
- EZ touch fan spray nozzle
- This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
Metalcast is the answer to dressing up any chrome and metal surfaces on your vehicle. Brake calipers included. This spray paint is a durable enamel finish that is resistant to oil, gas, and heat. In addition, it can resist temperatures of up to 500°F intermittently. This makes it very convenient for interior, exterior, and high-heat applications, even under the hood.
It has a quick-drying formula that is specially formulated to work over properly prepared shiny, bare metal, or faux chrome-like surfaces. It gives these surfaces a spectacular metallic finish. Additionally, there is enough paint in the can to go over multiple coats for all four wheels.
When using the paint, it is recommended that you go over a surface in thin coats. Multiple thin coats will give you a better glossy and durable finish. Furthermore, if you don't go in a layer-by-layer process, the paint will cake up, and you will have to start again.
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4) VHT SP730 Gloss Clear Brake Caliper Paint
VHT SP730 Gloss Clear Brake Caliper Paint Can - 11 oz.
- Paint has been specifically designed for brake, drum, caliper and...
- Superior heat and chemical resistance
- Best when used with primer color paint and clear coat process
- Withstands temperatures up to 900 degrees when cured properly
- This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
This brake caliper paint has been specifically designed for the customization or detailing of any and all brake components. Apart from that, it is also very easy to apply, and it dries super quickly and is remarkably resistant to elements. It is heat-resistant to 900-degrees Fahrenheit, and it will not cake, chip or crack if exposed to such conditions.
Rusting will be something of the past, and the paint will stay as good as new even on bad roads and terrible weather conditions, including snow. It is also fast-drying, and it is ready to touch in 30 mins. The better for your brake calipers, brake drums, or rotors if you let the paint dry thoroughly overnight.
Lastly, it is very important to take note that this caliper paint only attains its unique and long-lasting qualities after correct curing. Correct curing, in this case, refers to reaching temperatures of at least 200-degrees Fahrenheit. This is easily achievable with normal braking conditions.
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5) VHT-MC202 Mtl Cast Yellow Anodized
VHT-MC202 Mtl Cast Yellow Anodized, 11 Ounce
- Metal cast is the answer to dressing up your chrome and metal...
- To achieve the anodized metal look on non-metal or painted...
- Use it on both interior and exterior accessories-even high heat...
This caliper brake spray has been known for over 60-years for its 'perfect match' in touch-up automotive paint. Not only is it very easy to apply, but it is also available in an array of beautiful anodized metallic color ranges. This spray paint works best on well-prepared shiny, bare metal, or even faux chrome-like surfaces.
Since it is perfect for any automotive accessories, you can easily use it in the interior and exterior of most vehicles. In addition, it is perfect for any car and truck refinishing, OEM and specifically famous in specialty coating markets. It also has a heat resistance of up to 500-degrees Fahrenheit.
The EZ touch fan spray nozzle is dedicated to being held at any angle, which makes it very easy to use. Using very thin coats, you can get the perfect metallic and glossy finish. Instead of three coats, use at least ten coats for an even finishing. Otherwise, you will end up with bubbles and visible chipping and cracking.
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Why Should I Get Caliper Paint?
There are multiple reasons why you should get caliper paint. Everyone with a vehicle knows modifications can be very expensive. Making sure the paint you select is perfect for use on calipers is also important. Here are a few reasons why you should get caliper paint or a caliper paint kit for your vehicle.
a) Temporary
The best part about caliper paint is that it is not permanent paint. They start to fade after a few years of use, which is why they are temporary. However, this generally means that you can always paint your calipers over and over again. All you need is a can or two of brake caliper paints, and you are good to go.
Additionally, you should know that a quality caliper paint job takes three to four years to start coming off and looking unsavory. Furthermore, some caliper paints can last up to five years, depending on which paint it is. Generally speaking, brake caliper paints are more susceptible to chipping and cracking because the area they are installed in is harsh.
b) Affordable
As we have mentioned above, any vehicle make-overs come with a hefty price tag. However, brake caliper paints are affordable for the most part. As long as you can easily do it yourself, so you don't have to pay for labor. Who said you couldn't customize and upgrade your vehicle on a strict budget?
A can or five of caliper spray will not cost you thousands of dollars or break the bank. Furthermore, with the right prep and prime materials, your newly painted brake calipers will look as good as new and professionally done.
The best thing is caliper paint is made for metal surfaces. You can customize more than your brake calipers as long as the parts can withstand high temperatures.
c) No Knowledge Required
Of course, by researching on how to upgrade your calipers, it already means you are familiar with the workings of your vehicle. Therefore, past the research you conduct, no specific skill is required to paint brake calipers. All you have to do is first just buy the paint and follow the instructions it comes with.
Of course, it is important that you know the priming and prepping process. Depending on the state of your calipers, for example, rust, or previous paint chipping, the priming is different. However, there is no need to be worried because most spray-on paints for calipers are rust-resistant and heat resistant.
d) Customization
This all boils down to your own preferences and taste. If you like bright colors, you can easily experiment with your calipers. You can also use multiple colors and designs. Furthermore, you can even paint each caliper a different color with a different design. The possibilities are literally endless.
Painting your calipers with the right colors can do wonders by accentuating your vehicle's paint job. Furthermore, they add some pop to your tires, and they definitely make everything an improvement. The right colors will bring everything together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
i) Do I Need To Take Out My Calipers When Painting Them?
When using a spray can or a small brush, you don't have to remove them. However, it would help if you covered up other places you don't want to paint. You can also remove the calipers if you want to.
ii) Can I Use Caliper Paint On Other Parts Of My Vehicle?
Yes. However, there are some components of your vehicle that don't do well with caliper paint on them. Before using caliper paint, ensure you read the instructions to see if there are any about using the paint on other vehicle components.
iii) How Do I Remove Old Caliper Paint?
There are ready-made caliper paint removers you can find anywhere. However, you can also use brake caliper cleaner fluid and a scrubber. It breaks down paint. If you don't want any scratches on the metal, you can use a cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
The Bottom Line
Painting your calipers can be a very rewarding experience. However, before you paint your calipers, you should prepare them very well. This will ensure the paint lasts long. We hope you have fun painting your calipers, and we hope they turn out awesome.