Do-it-yourself painting of calipers with and without removal: choice of paint and technology

How to paint it yourself

The process itself is not complicated, but it can also be different.
However, guys, I would like to note that before painting, if you want the paint to last a long time, you need to prime the surface, that is, apply a layer of primer. So: Painting with a brush. Of course, this is a “collective farm”, brush marks will be visible. But this method is quite realistic, and sometimes you don’t even need to seal the bolts and threaded holes; you can paint over everything carefully.

Spray painting. Here the paint will lie smoothly, without any problems, only if you do everything correctly. We cover in several layers, usually two or three.

Well, let's move on to the process itself, as you guessed, we will use the second method (using a spray can).

We lift and remove the wheel, it is advisable to put safety elements under the suspension or body, maybe wooden “stumps” or “blocks”.

We have a support in front of us. Of course, if you do not remove it, you can clean it right on the spot with a brush. But if you remove it, then cleaning can be done away from the car. By the way, if the removal occurs completely, that is, you will then change the brake fluid and repair the calipers (in particular, change or clean the working pistons and rubber bands) - it is advisable to put them in a citric acid solution (50 grams per liter of water) for a day, after for 10 - 20 minutes in a soda solution to neutralize the acid.

If you don’t bother so much, just remove the caliper without disconnecting it from the brake hose, clean it with a brush, then you can clean everything with solvent or white spirit.
We seal all holes or bolt studs, as well as all untreated surfaces with masking tape.

We apply primer. With sweeping movements from right to left, we do not stop in one place so that there are no smudges. One or two thin layers is enough. Drying interval between layers is from 30 to 60 minutes. It all depends on the ambient temperature, if it’s hot then half an hour is enough.
Then you need to apply the paint itself. Apply also with light movements from right to left, do not stop for a long time in one place, because there will be smudges. Drying between layers is also from 30 minutes to an hour. Here you need to apply two to three layers. It's no longer worth it, many layers don't hold up as well.

Then we assemble the calipers, put on the wheels and enjoy the result. Actually nothing complicated.

Now let's watch a short video.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=zaZtO7Ut9Hs

This is how the article turned out, I think it was useful, sincerely yours, AUTOBLOGGER.

Caliper painting procedure

{Instructions} for using paint for Foliatec calipers or other varieties are quite simple. The work will not take much time, but it will be useful to wait until the consistency dries. The procedure is as follows:

1. The wheels are dismantled, the brake calipers are cleaned of dirt and rust.

2. The coating is treated with a special cleaner that will remove grease. At this time, according to the instructions, the paint must be prepared.

3. Cover the caliper in 2 layers. The next layer is applied 35 minutes after the first.

Advice! Foliatec paint, depending on the year of production, may have differences in steps. So before implementing it, it is better to carefully read the annotation.

Experts do not recommend completely dismantling the calipers to improve their painting. This can lead to deterioration in the performance of the braking system and will also require additional costs for equipment and garage workers. The function can be performed without removal.

As you can see from the article, enamel for calipers is a good choice for any car. It allows you to provide a decorative effect and improve certain properties. There are quite a lot of varieties of such compositions, each of them has its own powerful and weak sides. The cladding process can be easily completed without the help of others, so you can save on the help of professionals.

How to paint calipers - choice of paint

What solvents can be used to dilute different types of paints?
As noted above, it is important to choose heat-resistant paint for painting the caliper, since during operation its temperature can reach up to 150 degrees Celsius, and in some cases exceed it. If the paint is not ready for such loads, it will quickly “fall off”, which is why the appearance of the caliper will be far from ideal

Important: Do not use enamels to paint the caliper. There are two options for how to paint the calipers:

There are two options for how to paint the calipers:

With a brush. This is the so-called “collective farm” method. When painting a caliper with paint using a brush, it will not be possible to lay the layers evenly, and there is also a high risk that stains will remain visible. This method makes sense to use if the work is carried out without removing the caliper; you don’t even have to cover the bolts and holes;

With a spray can. When painting with a spray can, the surface will be covered with paint evenly if the work is done correctly.

It is important to cover in several layers - two, three.

As for the choice of color for painting, everything is individual. You can study on the Internet on forums which color is best suited specifically for your car, taking into account the color of its body.

The most common colors when painting a caliper are neutral - black, gray, white. You can choose brighter and more eye-catching options, for example, purple, red, blue, yellow, green and so on. First of all, when choosing a color for the caliper, focus on the color of the car body.

How to choose the right paint?

The dye is available in cans, bottles, and aerosols. The sprayable pigment is easy to apply, making it ideal for beginners to use. There are kits on the market for painting brake system parts with a warranty period of at least 5 years. When choosing paint, take into account the brand and color.

Brand

Foliatec paint is a premium product. Heat-resistant paint of various colors and effects is resistant to aggressive manifestations of the external environment. Available in cans and aerosols. After application, a strong, durable coating is created.

The Motip coloring composition is a budget option. Produced in aerosol cans. It has high heat resistance and hiding power, and repels water and dirt well from the surface.

Expert opinion

Zakharova Irina Yurievna

Cleaning professional with 15 years of experience. Our best expert.

Ask a Question

Depending on the components, the composition includes acrylic and powder paints. Acrylic paint provides a glossy surface. During operation, it does not change its original appearance.

Powder paint adheres well to heated and rotating parts and is environmentally friendly. The coating with such material has high impact-resistant and anti-corrosion properties. The modern market offers a wide selection of enamels for painting car parts. One of the main criteria in choosing is the convenience of applying a decorative and protective layer. The disadvantages of aerosol paints are that during spraying you can get on other elements, so removal of the part being painted is required. releases dyes with a brush, which allows you to paint parts without removing them.

Color

Before painting the calipers, the car owner decides on the paint color. Main caliper colors:

red is a popular color that suits any type of car;
yellow calipers attract attention, are bright and make the car stand out from the rest;
black brake system parts are preferred by those who do not want to stand out;
Blue calipers fit all cars except those with a red tint.

How to organize your own painting of car brake calipers

Sealant for muffler types, DIY repair instructions

Painting activities can be carried out both on the removed unit and directly on the standard place of its attachment. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Naturally, it is more convenient to process and paint a separate part, but after the installation procedure you will have to bleed the brake system.

For many, dismantling and its consequences become a serious obstacle; we will not consider this method either. Car enthusiasts who have spray painted can also handle painting all the brake calipers of their car.

Preparatory stage

Only after thorough preparation of the surface of the part should you begin to work. The quality of the paintwork directly depends on the responsibility with which the car owner approaches cleaning the unit from dirt and corrosion. The preparatory stage consists of the following points:

Using a wheelbrace, loosen the wheel bolts on the side to be prepared.
Raise the car with a jack, unscrew the wheel mounting bolts and remove it.
Clean the caliper from dirt and rust using a wire brush or power tool with special attachments.
Finish the surface of the part using sandpaper. The surface of the node should be smooth and shiny.
Degrease the surface with anti-silicone or white spirit.
Using newspapers, PET film and masking tape, cover the elements that do not need painting.

Painting procedure

The working color mixture must be prepared a few minutes before application. The paint or primer in the can is prepared by shaking. There are several methods for applying paintwork:

brush;
tampon;
spray gun;
with a spray can.

During the process, you need to avoid excess paint to avoid drips. Usually 2-3 layers are applied with intermediate drying stages of 20-30 minutes. Complete drying lasts 24 hours, even if the paint is heat-resistant, gentle operation is recommended for several days.

Among car enthusiasts who have painted calipers with their own hands, aerosol cans of paint are very popular. The working techniques are well shown in the video with Foliatec paint.

The technology for working with spray cans is available to almost all motorists:

Apply a layer of primer to the part and let it dry.
Keep the can above the surface to be painted no higher than 250-300 mm.
After applying the first layer, let it dry for 20-30 minutes, then paint again. The layers must be applied perpendicular to each other.

If you decide to remove the caliper, then it makes sense to sandblast them, but, again, all this requires time and financial investment. In any case, only recommendations are given here, and the final decision will be made by the owner himself, guided by the feasibility of a particular operation.

Do-it-yourself painting of calipers: process technology

What paint to choose for painting parts of the brake system

Regular paint is not suitable for painting calipers. Some motorists paint the body with powder paint. But it does not tolerate high-temperature operating conditions of the unit, although it manifests itself as a reliable and durable coating under the most suitable conditions. If you manage to find a suitable powder paint, then it must be applied in 4 layers, with a break of 20 minutes between applications.

Paint for stoves and stoves is suitable for painting calipers.

Pay attention! The paint for the calipers must be heat-resistant. Non-specialized paint will burn and peel off when exposed to high temperatures. You definitely shouldn't use enamels.

Special heat-resistant paint is financially expensive. But it serves both an aesthetic and protective function. Popular paint brands are Foliatec and Motip.

Heat-resistant high-temperature paint Foliatec is a premium composition and a set consisting of paint, hardener, varnish and cleaner will cost 2000-2300 rubles. And an aerosol costs 2100 rubles. In addition to the paint color, you can also choose its type:

metallic;
glossy;
matte.

Without removal or with removal

All about sedansWhat is Gravitex, its types, body treatment with GravitexMore on the topicComments

You know, I only painted it twice, removed it once, not the other. So, you can paint it differently and it won’t be a mistake. However, if we don’t remove it, the paint application will not be uniform, and you may catch something that is not needed (discs, wing surface, etc.), the surface on top will of course be covered with the desired color, but on the sides, behind and below, the coating will be POOR QUALITY . In general, if you clarify, after I painted it without removing it, after six months I repainted it, but already removing it, this thought simply gnawed at me.

YES, and you don’t have to completely disconnect it from the brake hose, you can just bend it back and paint the entire insides. The MAIN thing is to seal the working caliper piston with tape.

So here the choice is yours, less problematic, but collective farm - a method without removal. Correct, but there is a problem with removal.

Advantages of heat-resistant paint

Wide choose. As a rule, manufacturers produce substances in both glossy and matte colors.

Color range of Foliatec thermal paints
Simplicity. Applying a heat-resistant substance is such a simple task that even a novice driver can handle it.
High quality. Most manufacturers use only high-quality materials to make heat-resistant paint for calipers, so the substance does not leave streaks.

Brembo caliper with new heat resistant paint coating
Protection against rust. If you do not treat car parts with a special solution, then very soon they will become covered with rust. The fact is that corrosion occurs not only under the influence of moisture. In addition, there is chemical rust, which manifests itself under the influence of icing agents. They are used to treat roads in winter.
Reduced thermal conductivity of the metal. Nobody wants car parts to get too hot. This significantly reduces their service life. In addition, untreated calipers have a porous structure, which is why they are heavily contaminated with road dust. If you apply heat-resistant material, you will reliably protect the car parts.

Materials and tools

Actually, as usual, we need to clean the surface to be painted, degrease it, then prime it and then paint it. That's why:

We need a metal brush (regular with a handle) or a drill attachment

We most likely won’t need a solvent or “white spirit” for degreasing or a rust converter here, because various aluminum alloys are used.
PREFERABLY a primer that is also heat-resistant.
Special heat-resistant paint that can withstand temperatures of 120 - 150 degrees Celsius.
Paper tape, or cellophane or newspaper, to cover the untreated surface, as well as studs or bolt holes.
Tools for removing the caliper if we decide that it needs to be removed. If we paint without removing, then we don’t need them.

Actually, all the tools, it is advisable to prepare them before the process. What else I would like to note is that it is advisable to paint indoors, where there are no gusts of wind and dust (it is advisable to clean up before the process). Because when painting, dust can settle on the surface, which we don’t want.

Remove the calipers or leave them on the car

As with any painting, the best option is to remove the part to be painted. Dismantled calipers will be easier to clean and paint from different angles. With complete dismantling, it becomes necessary to disconnect the brake hoses, which will entail the entry of air into the system and the further need to bleed the brake system. Therefore, a more suitable option for most car enthusiasts would be to paint the calipers without removing them. To do this, you need to cover all parts adjacent to the caliper that are not subject to painting. Another option would be to remove the calipers, but not disconnect them from the brake hoses. They will need to be placed on some kind of stand so that they do not hang on the hoses.

Color options using BMW as an example. Video

Many car owners are wondering how to paint their calipers in an interesting, unusual color scheme, trying to make their car stand out from the crowd, make it noticeable and recognizable. Along with this, owners of BMWs and black cars try to give the calipers a sedate and noble appearance. Black calipers on it will “get lost”, red ones will look vulgar. Painting BMW calipers in silver or titanium colors will improve the appearance of the car, it will look advantageous, harmonious and, at the same time, stand out.

What paint and what color to choose

I already wrote about paint - you need to choose the so-called “heat-resistant”. What it is? This composition is able to withstand high temperatures from approximately 120 to 150 degrees (the caliper can easily heat up to these temperatures), it does not flow and does not burn like conventional compounds. And therefore the original appearance will remain much longer. Ordinary enamels are not designed for this, and I categorically do not recommend using them.

I also advise everyone to take paint in a can (so you can spray it), because it will go on better and smoother than paint from a can + brush.

Which color should I choose? This is where there are whole battles on the forums

Guys, in fact, this is a personal matter for everyone, there are neutral colors - black, white and silver, they are suitable for all cars, no matter what color you have.

There are brighter colors - blue, red, green and yellow (there are just a ton of options). Moreover, as usual, they are taken in acidic shades in order to highlight the calipers and drums. But it’s worth remembering about the body color, that sometimes green calipers don’t go well with a red body! Catch the harmony! Let’s just say that red color can still be used on all cars, it hints at the “sportiness” of the car, and it harmonizes with the red taillights. BUT the yellow, green, blue colors MUST FIT THE BODY EXACTLY! This is my personal opinion.

Requirements for the coloring composition

The choice of coloring matter must be approached with special care. Conventional paint is not suitable for these purposes, since its structure is not able to withstand high temperatures and exposure to the external environment. Powder paint will also not withstand the characteristics of use in difficult conditions.

The car's brakes heat up when driving, so the paint mixture must be high temperature. You can use compositions intended for decorating stoves.

One of the best types of materials for painting calipers is Foliatec heat-resistant paint with a wide range of colors. It has all the necessary qualities:

increased resistance to high temperatures and mechanical stress;
resistance to chemical reagents;
increased wear resistance and strength;
a wide range of color palettes.

Preparing the calipers

To begin with, we can advise you not to rush and allocate enough time for preparing and painting the calipers. It may take at least one day to do everything thoroughly.

Start by removing the wheels for easy access to the calipers. It's better to start by jacking up and removing both wheels. That is, it is better to prepare both calipers at once. This will take less time.

The importance of surface preparation cannot be overstated. Cleaning is an important part of painting calipers. This will determine how well the paint will adhere. They contain various contaminants, including dust from brake pads and oil. Poorly washed dirt can cause paint to peel off a couple of months after painting, and sometimes even earlier. It is necessary to achieve an immaculately clean surface of the calipers. The best option would be to sandblast the calipers before painting, but this option is not always available.

Hardened stains are not easy to remove. Start by cleaning the calipers using a wire brush. Take the wire bit on your drill and clean the entire outside surface of the calipers. Be careful not to damage the rubber boot on the caliper with the attachment.

If you notice any stubborn stains, especially in areas where brushing is not possible, you can use sandpaper or Scotch Brite wrapped around your finger. The wire nozzle must not be used immediately after using flammable cleaning agents. Using the nozzle may cause sparks. In addition to a wire drill, you can use an engraver for more thorough cleaning.

Next, you need to treat the calipers with a special cleaner. It is also advisable to pre-close adjacent parts. A special cleaner from a can can ricochet and land on rubber boots and hoses, having a destructive effect on them.

Once dry, sand them with P240 sandpaper. The next step is to use 600-grit sandpaper. Next, you need to spray the special cleaner on the caliper again. Finally, you need to wipe the caliper with isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol will remove any remaining dirt and degrease the surface.

The next step is to cover all areas not to be painted. To do this, use newspapers and masking tape.

Sanding with coarse abrasive to obtain a smooth surface

If you want to get a smooth surface of the calipers, you need to grind them with abrasives of 60 and 120. To grind hard-to-reach places, you need to use a grinder with an attachment with an abrasive of the same gradation.

Shade determination

To paint such parts, you can buy any color of paint - it depends only on the desire of the car owner.

There is a large selection of paint tones, there are both standard tones and the most unusual colors.

Some customers prefer to paint in practical shades, not very bright, for example, black, brown, gray, dark color.

And others, on the contrary, choose something rich, for example, green, yellow, blue, and so on.

When choosing a paint material, it is important not to forget about the tone in which the entire car is painted, what color its wheels and canopies are. Because if you choose a light green tone, while the body is painted red, it doesn’t look very good.

Either find a smooth combination of colors, or make beautiful bright interactions:

Black base - part in white or red;
Dark blue base – light blue detail;
The base is green – the detail is yellow and so on.

Today, poisonous tones are often chosen, in which fluorescent colors are added - lime, fuchsia and the like. They need to be used carefully so that they fit into the overall picture of the car.

powder paint and other methods

A beautiful car should be attractive in every way. You can use various options to improve the appearance of your car, but it is not always possible to achieve the desired results. The caliper often spoils the appearance of the entire car if it has a rusty surface. At the same time, alloy wheels often expose these elements of the braking system. Painting this element will help solve appearance problems. To ensure successful painting of brake calipers, you should select good materials and proven technologies.

Also, do not use untested options for finishing the caliper yourself. This may result in brake parts having to be replaced. On many BMW cars, after tuning, the elements of the braking system acquire a bright contrasting color. It looks great and appropriate. But not every car will have a good solution for highlighting this detail. Before painting this element, it is worth imagining its future appearance.

Preparing the caliper for painting work

For painting to be successful, it is important to properly prepare the part for painting tasks. You can complete this task with your own hands quite simply if you have experience in assembling and disassembling suspension elements

A person who has ever changed the pads will be able to carry out all the work on the car in this case independently. Painting calipers with your own hands begins with high-quality preparation of all parts. To do this, the following processes are performed:

Applying paint and varnish materials to caliper parts

If you chose to powder coat the calipers, you will have to sandblast them. This way you will get rid of corrosion and will be able to completely protect the part from all potential problems. But with the help of powder painting it is impossible to achieve the desired shine and the necessary visual parameters. The powder has a matte tint; the polymers smear very quickly during equipment operation. Conventional paints can be applied as follows:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=zaZtO7Ut9Hs

You can do this kind of car tuning with your own hands if you have all the tools and materials at hand. If you don't have anything in stock, you shouldn't buy everything you need for it. It is better to turn to specialists if you have no experience doing this work at all. The painting may not be professional; imperfections are not so noticeable on these parts. But it is better to choose the most worthy materials. Low prices do not do paint and varnish products any credit.

Is it possible to paint without removing parts from the car?

But this only gives a basic understanding of how to paint calipers without removing them from the car. It must also be remembered that this method will not always be acceptable in terms of quality and required technical parameters. In this case, the paintwork layer may turn out to be defective and wear out quickly. You should always use only the most effective solutions that will last a long time.

Painting with a brush is unlikely to be a good solution for expensive luxury cars. In this case, it is better to overpay for the services of specialists and get maximum benefits in appearance.

Let's sum it up

In order for the painting of calipers to be successful, you need to remember the need for high-quality preparatory work. If these tasks are not performed properly, you will not be able to ensure the longevity and attractiveness of the equipment. Painting work can be carried out using an aerosol can, powder spraying, compressor classic painting, or using a brush. It is better to give preference to professional methods. They guarantee durability and high quality.

Preparatory processes depend on the method chosen, but often when preparing the device you will need to remove it from the machine. This way you will be able to remove all rust and dirt. Painting work will be completed efficiently only if the surface is properly prepared. Visual results also depend entirely on the paint options chosen. The more expensive the technology, the greater the durability and higher quality of the coating. If you don’t have experience working with your car’s paintwork yourself, it’s better to entrust the services to professionals and get the maximum benefits.

What is the purpose of painting calipers and brake drums?

There is no special need to paint the calipers. They will already serve their allotted life, and a coat of paint will in no way lengthen or shorten their life. Therefore, the reasons why a decorative coating is created on them are purely subjective.

Read more: How and with what to remove old tinting from car glass

But a car, in addition to its utilitarian purpose, must also please its owner. If this were not necessary, the roads would be filled with monotonous plastic cars that can be cheaply stamped from recycled drinks containers.

So it still makes sense:

the fashion for painting calipers began with the advent of expensive sports cars, which were equipped with special, very powerful and carefully designed brake mechanisms, this became a sign that the car was capable of slowing down quickly and always effectively;
For many, it may seem like a paradox that the more powerful the brakes, the faster the car, but this is exactly so, and every driver wants to look fast, while the engine is not visible under the hood, and the brake calipers are open to everyone;
there is a certain aesthetics in this, especially if the color of the calipers is in harmony with the color of the body;
The external attractiveness of a car affects its price on the secondary market, although not always; signs of tuning may scare someone away.

In addition, painting the calipers is very inexpensive; you can always do it yourself.

How to paint it yourself

Before painting the caliper, you should also check its technical condition.

Coloring methods:

with dismantling the caliper - it is more convenient to paint, the part is evenly painted both from the outside and from the inside, but the system will have to be pumped after installing the painted unit;
without dismantling the part - it is inconvenient to paint, you need to carefully close the adjacent parts, the sides and inside of the caliper will be painted unevenly.

You can paint the discs and calipers the same color to make the elements look harmonious.

Below are detailed instructions on how to correctly and correctly paint the calipers with a brush and a spray can.

The car is jacked up and secured using strong latches to ensure safety. Then the wheels are unscrewed. Check the technical condition of the caliper by visually inspecting it. Then the part is removed. It is attached to two bolts, they are unscrewed. If they do not give in, you need to fill them with WD-40 or tap them. If this method does not work, heating the unit in an oven should help.

If you are sure that the assembly is in good condition, it is not necessary to remove it for painting. If the calipers will be painted only on the outside, it is enough to remove only the wheel rims.

Before painting the calipers, they need to be properly prepared for painting. All traces of corrosion must be removed from the surface of metal elements. Use a rust converter and metal brushes. The process can be mechanized by purchasing an appropriate attachment for a drill or using sandblasting (sandblasting is used to clean a dismantled caliper).

Rubber parts (anthers) are cleaned of dust. The pistons are treated gently using fine sandpaper. Moreover, they should not be removed completely, otherwise the brake fluid will leak out. For finishing, the elements are sanded with fine-grained sandpaper.

If no corrosion is observed, clean the surface with sandpaper. Then it is treated with a degreaser.

When painting calipers, it is important to isolate all moving working elements with masking tape: under the influence of high temperature, the paint acts as a lubricant. If it gets on the brake disc, you simply won’t be able to brake.

Masking tape is used to cover the supply hoses and all other parts that should not be painted.

Work should be carried out in a well-ventilated area with sufficient bright light sources. The room itself is wet cleaned to eliminate dust. The air in the room should be relatively dry.

Prepare a brush for work.

The container with paint is uncorked immediately before starting work. A hardener is added to the composition in the amount specified in the instructions and mixed.

After 20 minutes, the paint must be mixed again. The paint is applied in 2-3 layers with a break (about 30-40 minutes each). They paint neatly and smoothly, without drips.

You can drive the car within a day, but it is better to wait a few days until the paint is completely dry.

When working with a spray can:

Cover the body with two layers of primer, making wide movements with the brush. The second layer is applied approximately an hour after the first.
The can is kept at a distance of 25-30 cm from the caliper.
They try to apply the second layer at an angle of 90 degrees to the previous one to eliminate streaks.

Brake system calipers and drums lose their aesthetic appearance during operation. However, with the help of painting, they not only restore a presentable appearance to the elements of the brake system, but also protect them from environmental influences.

Preparing for painting

Before painting the calipers, you need to check their technical condition - you may first need to repair or replace parts. For removal, use a jack, placing it in order to fix the machine in a raised state. Unscrew the wheels, carefully inspect all components, then remove the parts.

Each caliper is held on by two bolts: if they are difficult to unscrew, you will first have to fill the joint with WD-40 liquid or tap it well. To paint the calipers, only the wheel rims can be removed from the outside.

Preparing parts for painting is done as follows:

remove all traces of corrosion using a wire brush, sandpaper, and rust converter;
if the metal has reached a high degree of rusting, clean it by sandblasting or using a drill with a special attachment;
Rubber parts are cleaned from dirt and dust;
the pistons are cleaned with sandpaper with the finest grain, acting extremely carefully and without removing them completely (otherwise the brake fluid may leak out);
wipe the calipers with a degreaser;
insulate with masking tape, film, newspapers all moving elements that cannot be painted (otherwise the paint, after heating, will act as a lubricant and interfere with braking);
Cover conductive hoses and other unpainted parts with masking tape.

Instructions for use

The Foliatec paint packaging contains the following elements:

1 bottle of cleaner with a capacity of 400 ml;
1 can (metal) of paint and varnish material for brake calipers with a capacity of 150 grams;
1 metal can of specialized hardener with a capacity of 50 grams.

For proper paint application, manufacturers recommend having:

container where the hardener will be mixed with paint. It doesn't have to be plastic;
a stick with which to mix two materials (hardener and paint);
a brush with which to paint. It is recommended to select a model with a width of less than 15 mm;
masking adhesive tape, which will be used to cover the unpainted surface to prevent paint from getting in;
a brush with steel bristles to clean the surface from dirt and rust;
a piece of clean cotton cloth for wiping the cleaned surface.

The manufacturer recommends opening the cans immediately before starting painting. In this case, the room temperature should be no less than +15 degrees. Calipers should be painted in a room with good ventilation and minimal dust.

For the painting process it is not necessary to dismantle the calipers along with the brake discs. You just need to remove the wheel rims of your car. Although, if you are going to paint both the outside and inside of the caliper with Foliatec, you will still have to dismantle it.

Before applying the paint, you need to prepare the surface (clean off dirt, rust using a steel brush, as well as the cleaner provided in the kit). You also need to cover with tape the surfaces that will not be painted. Only after this work has been completed can you begin painting the calipers by mixing the paint with the hardener.

Heat-resistant mixture included foliatec

A good representative of the type in the kit is Foliatec paint. This set is in great demand among both beginners and experienced car enthusiasts. This kit is enough to completely paint the calipers; you don’t need to buy anything else. The Foliatek kit includes:

about 400 ml of cleaning liquid;
the paint itself for finishing the calipers is about 150 g;
can of hardener 50 g;
150 g primer mixture;
additional attributes (brushes, hard brush, gloves).

In addition to all the listed advantages, Foliatec has excellent high-temperature performance. Working with such a kit will be clean, which will avoid contamination of the car. The color must be chosen based on personal preferences, and the color of the car itself must also be taken into account.

To finish calipers yourself, you can also use products from other manufacturers. Good choices are formulations from OMP, Kudo, and Kerry.

On video: review of foliatec paint and its application.

Do I need to remove the calipers when painting?

Opinions differ on this issue. If you paint a caliper at a service center, the technicians will definitely remove it.

There are several reasons why it is important to remove the caliper when painting:

Firstly, with the caliper removed, there is a minimal chance that parts that should not be painted will be touched by paint - these are discs, wing elements, and so on;
Secondly, only with the caliper removed can it be evenly coated with paint on all sides, and not just the front side. If you do not remove the caliper, the paint on the bottom, back and sides will not be as good as the front.

Painting without stripping has a clear advantage - saving time. Removing the caliper is a rather complicated procedure, but we note one nuance: it is not necessary to remove it completely for painting. It is quite possible to paint the caliper if you bend the brake hose and cover the working piston of the caliper with masking tape so that no paint gets on it.

Do I need to remove parts before painting?

There are two ways to paint calipers - with and without dismantling. The first method has a number of undoubted advantages, which is why professionals use only it. Here are the advantages of removing calipers:

more convenient work;
uniform painting of parts from the outside and inside;
no risk of spraying paint on rims or fenders.

If you do not remove the calipers, the applied layer will not be even, and the part will remain completely unpainted on the sides, bottom and back. Poor-quality coating is not capable of providing products with the required level of protection.

There are also disadvantages to dismantling the calipers - the work will be more labor-intensive, complex, more tools will be required, and after returning the parts to their original place, the system will need to be bled.

What types of paints are there for calipers?

Of course, to treat the brake discs of your car you need to use only heat-resistant paint. The thing is that these parts heat up quickly. Material that is not prepared for high temperatures will simply peel off after a few months. Manufacturers now offer several types of heat-resistant substances for calipers:

aerosols. This heat-resistant foliatec paint for calipers is sold in cans. It is very easy to use, so even a novice driver can process parts with it. In addition, you do not need to spend a lot of time painting brake discs. Another feature of this material is its cost. Spray paint for calipers costs several times less than its counterpart in a can or kit. Unfortunately, this material has a significant drawback: it runs out very quickly. One can is unlikely to be enough for you to treat both sides of the drums. If you consider that it is often necessary to paint four brake discs, then the uneconomical nature of this substance becomes obvious. In addition, some car enthusiasts are confused by the need to very carefully protect those parts of the car that should not be exposed to the substance;
banks. Of course, such material for brake discs is somewhat more expensive than aerosol, but it has a number of advantages. Firstly, the cleanliness of the work. The fact is that the substance is applied only to the disc, and you do not need to cover the remaining parts of the car as carefully as in the case of spray cans. Secondly, ease of application. The calipers are treated with a special brush, and there is no need to remove the brake from the discs. Thirdly, durability. According to statistics, this heat-resistant paint lasts on parts several times longer than an aerosol. True, some car enthusiasts are embarrassed by the long time that needs to be spent on processing. Due to the fact that the material is applied with a brush rather than sprayed from a can, painting will take a little longer;
kits. Many manufacturers produce brake disc material as a kit. As a rule, the kit consists of a can of cleaning fluid, paint for the calipers, a can of hardener, primer, brushes, a stiff brush and gloves. This type of material is the most profitable and acceptable. The fact is that one kit is definitely enough to paint four calipers. In addition, this heat-resistant paint is durable. If you treat the parts of your car with this, you will not think about repainting for the next five years.

What paint to use

The choice of product based on composition and type must also be made thoughtfully, taking into account the characteristics of the operation of the calipers. Ordinary paint is not suitable for them, since it is not able to withstand temperature changes and the aggressive influence of external factors. Using powder would also be a mistake: this material cannot withstand high-temperature exposure and exhibits strength only under standard operating conditions. Only applying 3-4 layers of such paint will create a more durable coating on the calipers, which is quite expensive and impractical.

To give parts an attractive appearance and protect them from the adverse effects of temperatures, you need to use specialized heat-resistant paint. It has the following advantages:

ease of application, high quality and evenness of the layer without streaks;
wide palette of matte and glossy shades;
excellent protective properties against corrosion, mechanical damage, the influence of reagents and other chemicals;
decrease in thermal conductivity;
increasing the service life of calipers.

The paints contain acrylic resins, organic solvents, plasticizers and other targeted additives. The most resistant paints and varnishes to high temperatures additionally include organosilicon components and silicates. Paints are available in cans, bottles and aerosols. The latter are the most convenient form, allowing even novice painters to paint car parts.

The disadvantages of aerosols include high cost and high consumption of material, so you will have to buy it with a reserve. Also, when covering calipers with a spray can, you need to cover the surrounding parts more carefully, otherwise splashes will get on them too.

Also on sale are kits for painting calipers, including paint and all the necessary equipment for the job. Heat-resistant acrylic coatings allow you to protect the surface of brake system parts for a period of 5 years or more without the need for repainting.

The best paint brands that work well for calipers are:

Foliatec. Heat-resistant premium paint, available in different shades - glossy, matte, with a metallic effect. The material is very durable, chemically resistant, wear-resistant, and allows you to obtain a durable coating. Available in aerosols and cans.
Motip. A more budget-friendly option for paint and varnish material for calipers. Produced only in cans. Withstands coating heating up to +650 degrees, has good hiding power, high quality adhesion to the surface, and has powerful dirt-repellent properties.