My Guide: Caliper Painting EASY

[dirte_dan]

Hey Guys,

An easy and cheap mod that can really add to your car. This really is easy and if I can do it so can you.

PLEASE NOTE I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER FOR ANY DAMAGE (INCLUDING DAMAGE ARISING FROM NEGLIGENCE) OR LOSS ARISING TO ANY PERSON OR VEHICLE FROM READING MY GUIDE TO WHAT I DID TO MY CAR.

MAKE SURE THE CAR IS SUPPORTED IN A SAFE AND SECURE WAY

Heres what I used:

- Masking Tape
- The daily paper
- Some degreaser or wheel cleaner
- A wire brush
- The brush of a dust pan ($1 Reject Shop)
- Some old clean rags
- VHT Brake Caliper Paint in your choice of colour (under $20 at Repco)
- VHT Clear Coat (optional)
- VHT Primer (optional)

Step One:

I parked my car on a flat surface on the street and jacked up the front side of the first front tyre. Jack up the vehicle and take the tyre off.

Step Two:

CLEAN! Make sure the brake caliper is clean by spraying on the degreaser/wheel cleaner all over the brake caliper. I used the wire brush to remove the bulk of the grit and grime. I the poured water all over it and took off most of the dirty grime. Spray the caliper again and repeat.

Then I used the dust pan brush to get off any remaining grime. Make sure the caliper is completely cleaned and rinsed before any painting begins.

Step Three:

Dry. Use the rags to dry the caliper and let it air for a little while until it is completely dry. This is very important.

Step Four:

Masking Up. This is VERY important as I did not want red specs all over my clean white pain to around my wheel arches, suspension , etc. To do this I used the Daily Telegraph to mask up (see picture). It is a good idea to get a page and slide it between the brake pad and disk. That way any paint will not get through any gaps in the caliper and pad.

I also used tape to tape up the gaps where you can see the brake pad through the caliper.

Step Five:

Paint! Following the directions on the back of the VHT Pain Can do a first light spray all over the caliper to get the colour on it. Make sure this layer is light as it gives the next few layers something to grab. I then let this layer dry for about 10 minutes then did another coat (a bit heavier) to the caliper. Keep repeating this a couple more times (i did four times in total).

For the final layer I did a heavier coat but be careful not to do much as it may cause drips in the paint. Use your judgement you will no when it is enough. I have never painted anything before but it seemed natural what to do.

Make sure all the layers (including the final layer) are applied within one hour (allowing 10 minutes to dry between each)

Step Six:

CAREFULLY Remove the masking from around the entire wheel arch and caliper. BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET PAINT ON ANYTHING YOU DONT WANT IT ON.

Step Seven:

I let the paint dry for couple of hours and then took the car for a spin. I slowly warmed up the brakes with regular smooth braking that heated the calipers up. I drove around for half an hour and let the brakes heat up. This bakes the paint and chemically seals it.

Step Eight:

Looks sick.

Tips:

- Use the drying time to clean up the wheel that is now not attached to the car. Get it nice and clean on both sides!
- There is an option to use VHT Primer and VHT Sealer if wanted but not required.
- Have some mates help with the job, it made it fun and handy to have a helping hand.

HOPE THIS HELPS!

 

[UFO]

thanks for taking the time for an awesome write up and pics. well done mate.:clap:

 

[dirte_dan]

thanks for taking the time for an awesome write up and pics. well done mate.:clap:

Thanks mate, I was halfway through and thought of all the times I have looked to this site for help and just wanted to give something back. JC's is really a great community. More pictorials and guides are the best way to help each other out i think.

 

[Pickle']

thanks heaps for the write up may be trying this later in the week. what will happen if i dont use the sealer or primer?

 

[acarmody]

See, the news(paper) is good for something!

 

[LS1FUN]

Nice write up. I recently sprayed mine and they do add a nice touch to the car.

 

[Brane]

Thanks for this I just used this guide on the weekend at it was sooo easy!

 

[zz0]

WOW! I really like the results on this. Yellow would also look good I reckon.

 

[Voodoo_SV6]

I have done this on my car numerous times in the past.

On older calipers I used a wire brush attachment that fits into your power drill, makes the clean up time about 2 mins per caliper (Watch out for your rubber brake lines with the wire brush)

Also, I would suggest to NOT to use degreaser as it is oil based and will leave an oily residue on the caliper which will mean the paint won't stick so well.

Wax and Grease Remover is fantastic and ready to paint over within minutes of spraying it on (no need to wipe or wash after spraying it on)

 

[Thesickness86]

Looks unreal. I'm def given it a go