Looking for some tips for prepping the calipers prior to painting them. I have everything off and want to get them painted prior to putting on the Eradispeeds. I have a Folitec kit - thought I read that the shelf life on the kit is 6 months - Any comments? :cheers:

 

Luther,
There is a shelf life, but it is mainly for the hardener that's in the small bottle. I had mine for about a year before I decided to use it and it was hardened up. I called G2 and they sent me another bottle free of charge. The paint itself will last quite a while.

Here is what I did:
~Cleaning~
Use the brake cleaner that came with the kit and thoroughly clean the calipers while using a small wire brush on the surface. It dries realy fast, but just get it as clean as you can. I taped plastic around the wheel well to heep any spray from getting on my paint.

~Hanging the Calipers~
For the front, I used a couple of wood dowels and pushed them between the upper A-arm shaft and the frame and hung the calipers from wire for easier access when painting them. For the rear, I made small wire "C" hooks that I put between the fender well liner and the fender and hung the calipers on those. This puts the calipers at the edge of the wheel wells for access and will allow you to paint them without touching them.

~Splitting the Paint~
Do not mix it all at once! I split my paint into (3) parts for (3) separate coats. Its an epoxy paint so once its mixed you have to use it within 2-3 hours or so and you can't store it, so don't mix it all and think you can do 2 coats because it will start to thicken and you'll be screwed. I know it seems that there isn't enough there to split, but there is. There is actually enough to do 2-3 coats on (8) calipers. If you think you only want to put on (2) coats, split everything in half. I used a small plastic butter container and mixed my first batch in that.

~Painting~
Throw away the brush that came with the kit and get one thats a little bigger for the larger areas, it will be much easier. Just put on the first coat, keep it thin or it will want to run. The first coat will be kind of transparent but don't worry, the second / third will look much better. When you are done, let it sit overnight and then put on the next coat. I know the directions say to apply the second coat after about 30 min or so but this is WRONG! The paint is so reactive that as you apply the second coat it will actually soften the first coat and could cause sags or runs. Definitely wait overnight! Even after it has dried overnight you will notice that the second coat will soften the first coat a little so be careful and go gentle. Paint over the letters and mounting surfaces because they are easily cleaned later. Just use a razor blade at a very steep angle and the paint comes right off. I then ued 1000 grit wet/dry paper to really shine up the letters and they look awsome. Mount them back up and you're done.

I also removed and painted my caliper brackets and rotors (satin black) and they look great.

Sorry this is so long but it is really pretty easy, just take your time its well worth the wait. Any questions let me know! :cheers:

 

Thanks Mike - a great help :cheers:

I'm going to put up a special appreciation post. :lol:

 

GREAT write up!!!

:thumbs: