What is brake caliper painting?

If you want to know what it is to paint brake calipers and how to prepare for this process, you should read our article! In it, we explain how the brake system works, what calipers are and why it is worth doing this process!

What are brake calipers?

In the beginning, it is worth explaining what brake calipers are. This is one of the elements of the brake system, which is directly attached to the steering knuckle, where the brake pads are located. Calipers perform a very important function because they are responsible for the friction that causes the car to slow down. The process itself is relatively simple, because after pressing the brake pedal, the brake pump causes an increase in fluid pressure, which, in turn, leads to a displacement of the pistons in the caliper and pads to the brake disc.

In addition to the important function that this element performs when braking the car, they can also affect the image of the vehicle.. For example, red calipers can significantly increase the car's sporting potential, as well as further improve road safety. Moreover, painting the surface of the calipers can increase their service life.

Why paint brake calipers?

In most cases, painting brake calipers is purely a stylistic element that enhances the look of the car. However, not everyone knows that this process also has protective properties. The main advantage is effective protection against road salt, corrosion processes, as well as dust from brake pads.. In addition, colored calipers on the brake discs make the car stand out from the crowd and give it a sporty and aggressive style.

Is painting calipers a safe process?

Of course! Painting calipers is a safe process, which can additionally positively affect the safety of driving a car. However, remember to do it right. Due to the fact that calipers directly affect the quality of braking, in no case should low-quality products be used to improve the image of the car.. You must remember that the use of weak and cheap products can even damage the brake system. First of all, you need to choose a special varnish for the calipers, and not the usual paint, which will change color and fade under the influence of adverse weather conditions.

Do not forget not to paint the calipers with anything, because in this way other elements of the brake system can be damaged - rusty calipers are certainly not safe for discs and pads.

Paint or varnish - how to paint calipers?

When choosing a product that will be used to paint calipers in a car, safety must be taken into account first of all. It is strictly forbidden to save on funds intended for painting calipers, because they can lead to the destruction of the entire brake system. This is because it has certain conditions. Brake discs and therefore pads, calipers and pistons are heated to very high temperatures.. In addition, they have to contend with road salt, stones, dust and many other factors that can damage individual elements or the surface of the calipers themselves.

The destruction of the calipers not only negatively affects the visual impression, but can also lead to the progression of corrosion to other elements of the brake system. In addition, we must not forget that brake dust is formed during braking, which is harmful to rims and painted calipers. In addition, it is worth choosing a measure that is resistant to harsh conditions and simply effective, because frequent painting of calipers will certainly not improve the quality of their work. Definitely better to invest in decent funds once and for all. Thanks to this, the varnish will look very attractive, and at the same time, the resistance of the coating to metal filings, brown deposits and other contaminants will be at a high level.

What to remember before painting calipers?

First you should pay attention to the fact that it will be necessary to dismantle the wheels. In addition, it is recommended to remove the calipers before painting. In fact, it is more laborious and requires more effort from the driver, but it allows you to clean the calipers from any dirt. In addition, this way you can proceed with the possible maintenance of the entire brake system and replace the brake pads with a model of a higher class or decide to bleed the brakes. Before painting, it is also worth degreasing, sanding and matting the surface layer of the terminals themselves. In this way, the painting itself can be much easier and the life of the color will be much longer.

The dismantling of the calipers is certainly not the easiest task and requires some manual skills and technical dexterity from the driver, however, it is undoubtedly worth spending a little more time on carefully fixing the brakes with calipers.. Moreover, if you do not remove the calipers and decide to paint them without dismantling, then you need to remember to protect other elements that will not be processed. For this reason, it is necessary to seal discs, suspension elements and various types of wires with masking tape.

Before you start painting brake calipers, you still need to choose the right preparation. First of all, it is worth investing in a quality varnish that will be resistant to extreme and extreme temperatures, and at the same time there will be no rust deposits on the terminals. Preserved preparations are available on the market that allow manual (brush) and spray painting.. The first of them are effective for painting calipers without removing them from the entire brake system. Painting in this way can be extremely accurate, without streaks, streaks and other shortcomings. However, you must be careful not to inadvertently stain individual components of the brake system that may not tolerate paintwork.

However, if you decide to dismantle the brake calipers, the best solution is to use the drug in practice, because it is much more convenient and faster. However, they must be removed, since during the application of paint particles of paint spread, which can settle on other elements of the car.

Also, you must perform a degreasing process before painting the brake calipers. Thanks to this, the old paint will not interfere and break through, and at the same time, the clamps will not be exposed to harmful external factors.. Products such as mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol or brake disc remover can be used to degrease. What's more, if you buy a special brake caliper paint kit, you can often get a special degreaser included in the price.

How to paint brake calipers step by step?

Painting brake calipers is a relatively simple process in itself and anyone should be able to do it. Even when it comes to dismantling these elements, this task should be done by everyone. It will take a little patience and manual skills. Moreover, the work without dismantling the color of the calipers will be much more difficult and may require more time. First of all, you will have to protect other elements of the brake system.

Calipers must be cleaned before painting. Initially use 240 to 360 grit sandpaper to sand the surfaces of the clamps.. Thus, you will remove rust and properly prepare the surface for painting. Then the terminals should be degreased and then you can start painting.

Before use, shake the can for about a minute and apply a layer of varnish. After waiting 10 minutes, apply the product again. In some cases a third or fourth coat may be required.

How to care for painted calipers?

As we well know, painting calipers is not only a visual procedure, but also the creation of a coating that can be part of the protection of the brake system. The application of several layers of the appropriate preparation can significantly increase the resistance of the caliper to brake dust, sand, dirt and other external factors that cause corrosion.. After painting, you really need to be careful not to damage the caliper mechanically. Further maintenance is not particularly required, although regular cleaning certainly does not hurt.

You already know what calipers are and what painting brake calipers is! This is an interesting treatment that combines visual features with additional protection of the braking system.