Calipers??
Racer
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 295
Likes: 194
From: Northern MN
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,923
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From: Columbus OH
I have owned vehicles with both painted and powder-coated brake calipers and observed no measurable difference in durability or wear characteristics between the two finishes; both performed equally well over time. One key advantage of conventional high-temperature caliper paint is that the caliper assembly can remain intact during refinishing—there is no requirement to remove the pistons or internal seals.
Powder coating, by contrast, requires curing the coating in an oven at elevated temperatures. Exposure to these temperatures can compromise elastomeric components, so the calipers should be fully disassembled and, at a minimum, all seals replaced. This additional disassembly, resealing, and reassembly increases both labor time and parts cost, which can significantly raise the overall expense of powder coating.
Powder coating, by contrast, requires curing the coating in an oven at elevated temperatures. Exposure to these temperatures can compromise elastomeric components, so the calipers should be fully disassembled and, at a minimum, all seals replaced. This additional disassembly, resealing, and reassembly increases both labor time and parts cost, which can significantly raise the overall expense of powder coating.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,036
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From: TX
Now that being said. You are exactly right. Its all about the prep of the brake calipers etc. There are also brakes in the same shop that have been professionally painted. IMO that is the preferred method. They are also removed and thoroughly cleaned like the powder coated process and sprayed and baked on. This is my preferred finish and look like OEM. However most people usually compare a rattle can job to a powder coat job. Not saying a rattle can job cant be nice, but as you say. Its all in the materials and workmanships.
That is 1000%
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I would prefer calipers that are powder coated - the finish just seems to be more durable over the long haul.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Buckeye, AZ
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I have a buddy who was a career metal worker and did both processes in his career. He told me in durability and finish both are the same. The difference he noted was when painting prep time is everything, but if that step done right painted will be just as good. With calipers I preferred painted as I could do it on car without removing the calipers. I used paint specifically produced for heat/calipers. I normally sprayed, but even used the self leveling brush on as well. I unbolted the calipers and hung on wire to paint.....
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,325
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From: Conway South Carolina
I have a buddy who was a career metal worker and did both processes in his career. He told me in durability and finish both are the same. The difference he noted was when painting prep time is everything, but if that step done right painted will be just as good. With calipers I preferred painted as I could do it on car without removing the calipers. I used paint specifically produced for heat/calipers. I normally sprayed, but even used the self leveling brush on as well. I unbolted the calipers and hung on wire to paint.....
Racer
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 295
Likes: 194
From: Northern MN
Decals in a variety of colors are available from several vendors on Ebay. Here's another thread with info on painted calipers...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-calipers.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-calipers.html