Painting your brake calipers is an easy, affordable way to add a pop of color behind your wheels for a customized, performance-inspired look. It’s also a great way to visually revitalize aging, discolored calipers while protecting them against further corrosion.
This budget-friendly project is simple enough for even a novice DIYer to tackle at home in just a few hours without any special tools or equipment.
This budget-friendly project is simple enough for even a novice DIYer to tackle at home in just a few hours without any special tools or equipment. You can paint your calipers on just about any flat surface where you can safely lift the vehicle and remove its wheels. Keep in mind, however, that you will need a special, high-temperature paint for the job, and the paint needs at least 24 hours to fully cure before driving the car. So, plan accordingly.
For this DIY project, the below list of required supplies should cost you less than $250 and everything you’ll need is available at most auto parts stores and big-box retailers.
For the best results, we recommend removing the calipers from the vehicle. This additional step offers several advantages:
If you do remove the calipers, avoid painting the caliper’s inner surfaces, which can affect their function. If brake fluid is lost during the removal and reassembly processes don’t forget to top it off before driving the vehicle.
Remember, when spray painting anything, always ensure you're working in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. Additionally, wear protective gear such as a mask, gloves and safety goggles to prevent exposure to chemicals.
To mask properly on all four brakes, you’ll need several rolls of painter’s tape. Use it liberally to secure your coverings, especially if you’re painting outside—you don’t want the newspaper or plastic sheeting flapping in the wind.
For brake lines and other small, hard-to-mask components, wrapping them with aluminum foil is a masking trick that’s quick to apply and easy to remove.
Whether you’re painting your calipers on or off the vehicle, they must be prepared properly, and that begins with a comprehensive cleaning:
Next, use 320-grit to 400-grit sandpaper to scuff the area you’ll be painting, including all the small grooves and nooks that make up the caliper’s shape. This creates a slightly textured surface that helps the paint bond more effectively, reducing the risk of peeling or chipping later.
Then apply acetone or mineral spirits to eliminate any leftover sanding debris and brake cleaner; both can have adverse effects on the paint you’ll be applying.
To create your ideal custom finish and long-lasting results, you can’t use standard spray paint. It isn’t formulated for the extreme temperatures produced by your brake system and will begin to fade and flake off after a few days of driving.
Most high-temperature and caliper-specific paints are self-priming, though you should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before beginning. If a primer coat is needed, high-temperature versions are also readily available. If you want a higher gloss finish that maximizes durability, apply a high-temperature clear coat.
If you run into trouble or aren’t sure exactly which supplies or paint is best for your vehicle’s calipers, our Tinker experts are here to help. If you follow these steps, together with a little patience and attention to detail, your freshly painted calipers will stand out aesthetically and help fend off corrosion for years to come.