Brake Caliper Paint Application Guide

If you’ve ever wanted to give your car a subtle yet striking upgrade, painting your brake calipers is the best way to go, but what’s the best way to do it? Good news, you can do it yourself.

You don’t need to pay for an expensive service; with the right tools and some patience, you can do it yourself at home. Whether you’re driving a VW, Seat, Cupra, or Honda, painting your brake calipers is a fantastic DIY project to take on.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from prepping the calipers to adding the finishing touches. By the end of this blog, you’ll have all the knowledge and confidence to tackle the job on your own.

What Do I Need to Get Before Using Your Brake Caliper Paint?

Before you start, you’ll need a reliable jack and jack stand to lift your vehicle off the ground safely. Your car must remain stable while you’re working on the brakes, so don’t forget to use wheel chocks for extra safety. You’ll also need a wheel brace to remove your wheels, giving you easy access to the brake calipers.

For the painting itself, make sure you have brake cleaner, sandpaper or a wire brush, and masking tape with some newspaper. The brake cleaner is key to getting rid of grime and brake dust, while sandpaper will help smooth out the surface of the calipers for better paint adhesion.

When it comes to the eventual painting, you’ll usually need a primer; fortunately, when choosing our brake caliper paints, you don’t need to use a primer. One of the standout features of our high-quality brake Caliper paint is its durability and high resistance. It can withstand temperatures up to 200°C, removing the need for a primer and reducing preparation time. The paint dries extremely quickly, providing a hard-wearing, matt finish that resists chipping, scratching, and chemicals. This means when you’re done, your Calipers will maintain their look and performance for a long time, even under tough conditions. Now you’re prepared; you can begin the work of making your brake calipers look amazing.

Step 1: How to Prepare Your Brake Calipers for Painting

Start by using your jack to lift the car and secure it with axle stands. Carefully remove the wheels to expose the brake calipers. For your safety, make sure the car is stable before you begin working. Once the wheels are off, it’s time to clean the calipers thoroughly. Brake dust, grime, and grease build up over time, so use brake cleaner and a wire brush to scrub the surface.

If you drive a VW or Honda, this step is even more critical as these cars are known for accumulating brake dust in the alloys. Clean calipers will help the paint adhere better, preventing peeling and flaking down the line.

After cleaning, give the calipers a light sanding to create a smooth, even surface. This will allow the primer and paint to bond better. Pay extra attention to any rough spots or rusted areas, as these can show through the paint if not properly prepped.

Once sanded, use masking tape and newspaper to protect the surrounding areas from overspray. Mask off the brake disc, brake lines, and any other parts you don’t want painted. It might take a bit of time, but trust us, proper masking will make all the difference in the final result.

Step 2: Painting the Brake Calipers On Your Car

Now comes the fun part—applying the colour. With your primer dry, it’s time to bring those calipers to life with some vibrant paint. Choose your desired colour from our online selection brake caliper paint range, whether it’s Ferrari Rosso Red, Matt Silver, or something bolder like Kawasaki Green.

Shake the can well and start spraying light, even coats, just like you did with the primer. Hold the can about 15-20 cm away from the surface, and don’t worry if the first coat looks a bit patchy—that’s normal. Let it dry for about 10-15 minutes before applying the next coat.

For best results, apply 3-4 coats of paint, allowing each one to dry before moving on to the next. It’s tempting to go heavy-handed, but patience is key here. Thin coats will provide a smooth, professional finish without drips or runs.

If you’re painting calipers on a Cupra or Honda, you might notice that certain colours pop more with multiple layers, so don’t be afraid to keep building the colour until you’re satisfied with the result. Once you’re happy with the coverage, let the paint dry completely before considering any finishing touches.

Step 3: Curing and Finishing Touches

The final step is to let the paint cure and make any last adjustments. While the paint may feel dry to the touch after a few hours, it’s best to allow it to cure for 24-48 hours before driving the car. This gives the paint enough time to harden and bond to the caliper surface, ensuring long-lasting durability. If you’re in a hurry, a gentle drive can help speed up the curing process by gradually heating the calipers, but avoid any aggressive braking or long journeys during this period.

Once the paint has cured, reinstall the wheels, lower the car from the axle stands, and step back to admire your work! If you’ve followed the steps correctly, your newly painted calipers should look incredible and add a fresh new look to your vehicle. Not only will your car’s appearance be enhanced, but you’ve also added a layer of protection to the calipers, helping them stay clean and corrosion-free for longer.

High-Quality Brake Caliper Paint Available Online at Cox Motor Parts

If in doubt, you can always look for a professional to take care of it for you, but painting your brake calipers can be a rewarding DIY project that can dramatically improve the look of your car. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can achieve professional-grade results in just a weekend. Not only will your calipers look great, but they’ll also be better protected from dirt and corrosion.

If you’re ready to start your own brake caliper painting project, check out the wide range of brake caliper paints available online here at Cox Motor Parts. If you need any help choosing the right paint or have questions about the process, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable team.