Generally, a brake caliper is considered a “second class” part. It is unusual to see it on a car with rims or hubcaps.
Why, then, do you varnish it? In this article, we’ll show you how to match the brake calipers on your automobile to the rest of the interior design.
Just take a look at some of the more elegant rims, which often feature delicate, lightweight designs.
This results in a reduction in overall weight, but it exposes the inner workings of each wheel. There is also the brake caliper, which is bluish-black, rusted, and filthy.
Its dirty appearance is instantly brought to everyone’s attention by the magnificent aluminum rim and the consistently shining brake disc.
The more money spent on the appearance of the car as a whole, the more bothersome it is to have brake calipers without a finish.
But commerce and industry have adapted to this circumstance for a considerable time.
There is only one way that should be done
There is a wide variety of paint options available for automobiles. Spray paint or vinyl are the typical materials used in this process.
If money is particularly tight and the car will not be utilized for anything other than transportation, the roller is another option that can be considered.
Brushing, on the other hand, is the only method available for cosmetically improving the appearance of the brake caliper.
Because of the intricate mechanics surrounding this component, no other approach can be taken.
A foil is useless due to the high temperatures inside the caliper because any sticker would be destroyed by the heat.
It is not recommended to use spray paint because the coating is not thick enough.
In addition, employing this paint entails the constant possibility of varnishing the sensors and seals, which can severely reduce their performance and lifespan.
You’ll need a brush and a steady hand to make sure the paint stays only where it’s supposed to.
What exactly is required?
Customers can buy whole bespoke paint kits for brake calipers on the market nowadays. These paint kits also include a number of extra parts.
The following items are included in a complete set:
– Brake cleaner
– Component paint made up of the hardener and varnish
– Mixing container
– Brush
– Disposable gloves
We strongly advise buying at least one additional bottle of brake cleaning if the package only includes one bottle.
For brake calipers that are larger and more heavily used, you will additionally require the following:
– A scrub brush or a brush with a stiff bristle
– Metal brush
– Angle grinder with brush
– Brake cleaner
– Sandpaper
– Masking tape
– Masking tape
– Protection for the eyes and lungs
– A second brush and a mixing container
The outcome is entirely dependent on one’s level of preparation.
The most important component in deciding the quality of the finished product is surface preparation before painting.
If you spend more time and energy getting the car ready for painting, the painting process itself will go more smoothly, and the finished product will be of higher quality.
The preparations consist of the following three stages:
– Disassemble
– Clean
– Seal
And noIt is not necessary to take apart a brake caliper to apply varnish to it. Nevertheless, it ought to be treated not long before continuing with the angle grinder to get rid of the rust and dirt.
The following elements need taking extra security measures:
– All rubber sleeves
– All guides
– Sensors
Although the sleeves and the guides they protect cannot be disassembled, they still need to be monitored carefully throughout the entire varnishing process.
Nothing can go wrong in this area; otherwise, the automobile will sustain the most severe damage possible.
When a sleeve is defective, the lubrication it provides is lost. When this occurs, water or dirt may enter, causing the guides to rust.
By itself, the filth will add to the brake caliper’s calcification. The end result is a jammed caliper that only works on one side.
This needs rapid maintenance because there is a chance for potentially dangerous situations. However, it is not exactly inexpensive. The brake caliper will often be replaced with a brand-new one.
On the other hand, the sensors can be taken off. As a general rule, the sensor for the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the sensor for the brake lining wear can be easily removed and set aside.
Avoiding causing any damage to the cable is the top priority here. This risk should be easily eliminated without any damage with a simple disassembly.
Clean to no end
A brake caliper is subjected to especially severe soiling because of its location. Abrasion from the brake pads adheres to it like fine dust and sticks to it bit by bit.
This is the most important factor. Not to mention the residue from the tires and the dirt from the road. This concoction cannot be removed by merely wiping it away; rather, it needs to be removed physically, chemically, and, if necessary, with an appropriate tool. This paste is not exactly good for your health.
Therefore, appropriate respiratory and eye protection must be worn when cleaning brake calipers.
Additionally, it is recommended that you wear gloves. Varnish cannot be removed without a solvent and is harmful to the skin.
Start by brushing away any coarse dirt with the wire brush. In order to accomplish this, the retaining clamps must first be removed.
An angle grinder is a handy tool for cleaning smooth, flat surfaces quickly and effectively.
Nevertheless, everything has to be carried out by hand. When you are in a position where you could come into contact with the guide sleeves, you should use a wool cloth and an abundance of brake cleaner.
A cleaner for brakes is very efficient, but it dissolves very easily. Therefore, when cleaning brake calipers, you should always make sure to work in an area that has adequate ventilation.
If you feel lightheaded, put down what you’re doing and get some fresh air as soon as possible. After receiving a preliminary cleaning with the electric wire brush and the hand brush, the brake caliper is given an additional thorough rinsing with brake cleaner.
When it gets to this point, use the brush or the scrub brush. These tools do not put the hoses in any danger in any way. On the other hand, one must always exercise extreme caution when working with small rubber bellows.
Before varnishing the first brake caliper, you should ensure that all the others have been meticulously cleaned.
Masking, unpopular but smart
Whether or not it is essential to mask brake calipers before varnishing them generates great debate among specialists.
On the other hand, one thing that can be said with absolute certainty is that by doing things in this manner, there will be no errors made, and the result will be spotless.
Masking tape is typically used, and all areas that should not be painted have their surfaces protected with a covering.
Paint tape is strategically placed to prevent paint splashes on the brake disc, which also protects the disc from paint.
Covering any and all bores and holes in the brake caliper is essential in order to prevent paint from getting inside.
This is especially true for the holes that are meant to accommodate the retaining clips. It is possible to use a piece of wire, a toothpick, or a match to close the gap.
The paint on brake calipers dries to a very hard and durable finish. When the paint has had time to dry thoroughly, removing it from a location where it does not belong is exceptionally challenging.
Because of this, masking is especially helpful for those just starting when they are varnishing brake calipers.
Follow the recipe for making the paint
The brake caliper varnish comes in 2-liter drums for delivery. On the container is the mixing ratio written out. In this matter, you ought to exercise extreme caution.
Because of how quickly the paint dries, the work becomes more difficult if an excessive amount of hardener is used.
On the other hand, if there is not enough of it, the drying process will take a very long time. After the paint has been mixed, you should let it stand for about ten minutes.
The brake caliper is painted from the top down, with special attention paid to preventing drips from forming.
When using a brush to paint, the brushstrokes will be permanently visible in the finished product.
The application of the second coat will rectify this issue. However, even when it is properly mixed, the paint for the brake caliper takes a very long time to dry.
Because of this, you should wait three to four hours before applying the second coat. At this point, however, it is possible that both the mixing container and the brush are already completely dry.
However, all that is required for mixing is a yogurt container that has been emptied and is spotless.
A second coat is applied to the brake caliper, which is then allowed to dry completely before receiving the “finishing touch.”
After that, the car can be put back together again. But don’t overlook the importance of the sensors!
Tip: A dab of paint is another option for giving the retaining clips an aesthetic boost. The car will have a unique look if the brake caliper is painted in a color that contrasts with the paint on the rest of the calipers.
Small details make a difference
A painted brake caliper adds a subtle but noticeable touch of personality to the overall appearance of a vehicle.
Everyone can add something visually appealing to their vehicle if they are willing to put in a little work and have the means to do so.
Additionally contributing to an increase in the car’s resale value is a brake caliper that has been painted.
