The most superior caliper paint
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 505
Likes: 230
The most superior caliper paint
looking at painting some new calipers but want good paint, lots of options but I would like the best. Any input on what lasts ????
VHT
Por15
Eastman
G2
others I'm not seeing ???
VHT
Por15
Eastman
G2
others I'm not seeing ???
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 1,824
From: Apple Valley, MN
The topcoat is just one factor in the painting process. Surface prep is critical. Electrochemical strip is the best but can be spendy. Sandblasting is a good alternate.
Treating the surface with an acid etch (MetalPrep or similar), then applying a conversion coating (GalvaPrep or similar) just before applying coatings ensure the best possible adhesion properties.
Treating the surface with an acid etch (MetalPrep or similar), then applying a conversion coating (GalvaPrep or similar) just before applying coatings ensure the best possible adhesion properties.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
As with most cast iron parts, its very porous with a rough surface. The best paint in the world may not stick / stay on that type of bare metal.
There are products in spray cans called Etching Primer. This is a one-coat app that seals pores but also leaves a semi rough (etching) surface.
That etching is what makes paint adhere to the surface. That primer can be had at your local car parts place.
Check out Eastwood Paints web site. I believe they have caliper paint in several colors that can handle the heat.
Their motto is: Do the Job Right.
There are products in spray cans called Etching Primer. This is a one-coat app that seals pores but also leaves a semi rough (etching) surface.
That etching is what makes paint adhere to the surface. That primer can be had at your local car parts place.
Check out Eastwood Paints web site. I believe they have caliper paint in several colors that can handle the heat.
Their motto is: Do the Job Right.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 176
From: Hillsborough NC
I used G2 on previous calipers with good results, sorry no pics.
For my C4, I used the VHT caliper paint and baked them on my grill to harden. Also decent results, but I unfortunately baked a little too long/too hot and they yellowed a bit from the Silver they should have been.
For my C4, I used the VHT caliper paint and baked them on my grill to harden. Also decent results, but I unfortunately baked a little too long/too hot and they yellowed a bit from the Silver they should have been.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,510
From: Virginia
I used G2, and the calipers came out great. Unfortunately, glycol brake fluid is one of the best paint strippers, and G2 is not immune where I spilled a bit while bleeding. You wouldn't notice unless you were under the car, though.
Someone, perhaps @PainfullySlow, posted his method for DIY powder coating. That's "the best" option, short of buying pre-coated calipers.
Someone, perhaps @PainfullySlow, posted his method for DIY powder coating. That's "the best" option, short of buying pre-coated calipers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,015
Likes: 3,343
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Dupli-Color sells a brake caliper painting kit that I used on my MR2 at least 15 years ago.
They still look like new...
They still look like new...
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: New York
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Chapel Hill NC
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Not sure about superior but I used VHT on my C5 a while back. Left them mounted, cleaned with brake cleaner spray, masked them and gave them 2 coats. Car driven daily for 5 years and 60K miles after that and the calipers still looked great when I sold the vehicle.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,077
Likes: 334
From: Dallas TX
St. Jude Donor '06-'09,'22,'25
I've only ever used regular touch up paint and it lasts about 5 years of daily use... the calipers themselves do not get super hot because they are insulated from the rotor by the pads.
