Good paint for doing calipers?

NorCalZ71 · 07-01-04, 04:54

I think im gonna do a brake upgrade this summer, just some hawk pads and better rotors on my 94 silverado. i figure as long as stuff is apart, ill clean up the calipers a bit too. what is the best brand/type of paint to use? obviously high temp stuff.

also, what color should i do? my truck is solid midnight blue w/ chrome bumpers, gille and polished aluminum wheels.

TortoiseAWD · 07-01-04, 05:04

G2 and FoliaTec are the the two-part systems that I've read about; from what I understand, they're pretty similar, but it's easier to find G2 a little more cheaply.

There's also VHT spray paints (example: http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...05&prmenbr=361). I've even heard of guys using high temp BBQ paint with success; although it won't stand up to track use, it did work fine for the street.

As for color, I'd go silver or black for a clean look, or yellow for the bling (I prefer clean). I think it's unlikely that you'll find a blue caliper paint in a shade that doesn't clash with your paint, and I don't think blue paint/chrome/red calipers would look all that great. All MHO, of course.

Good luck,
Tort

KevinA · 07-02-04, 07:32

I think silver or black would probably look really nice.

Instead of paint, I've heard of folks getting the calipers powder coated. Just an idea...

satyr64 · 07-02-04, 07:37

Powder coating holds up better, but a lot more work required. You would have to take off caliper and pull it arpart so the powder cold be baked on.
I saw that walmart is now selling duplicollar (sp) caliper paint. Never tried it before. When you do decide which route you go please let us know how it turns out.

TOGWT · 07-02-04, 08:11

~One manâ€™s opinion / observations ~

The only product I have first hand experience with is G2
A way to spice up the look and at the same time protect the callipers from corrosion. The Calliper Paint System (G2 Manufacturing Inc. Colorado Springs) it features aircraft quality paint, available in six different high gloss colours, Red, Yellow, Blue, Silver, Black, & Purple. The paint is heat resistant up to 932 degrees; this paint won't start running into your brake pads, it also seals and protects against corrosion.

* I * would go with black on a blue car

~Hope this helps~

Experience unshared; is knowledge wastedâ€¦/ Jon
justadumbarchitect * so I question everything *

kgb · 07-02-04, 08:20

I say leave them or paint them black. I would not paint them a color to make them stick out. I don't understand these people that paint theirs some bright a$$ color and make them stand out above anything else. Oh, and for a quick easy paint...black BBQ grill paint works nice.

RatedG · 07-02-04, 08:22

How about a white car? Maybe 'porsche red' calipers? I'm thinking red calipers would look best through white rims, and black calipers would look best through silver/gunmetal/chrome rims. Your thoughts?

And for those that have never done this such as myself, what would be the proper procedure to painting these? I assume clean, sand, multiple coats with adequate cure time followed by a few coats of clear?

DFTowel · 07-02-04, 01:44

I use Rust-Oleum

kgb · 07-02-04, 02:19

Quote:

Originally posted by RatedG
How about a white car? Maybe 'porsche red' calipers? I'm thinking red calipers would look best through white rims, and black calipers would look best through silver/gunmetal/chrome rims. Your thoughts?

And for those that have never done this such as myself, what would be the proper procedure to painting these? I assume clean, sand, multiple coats with adequate cure time followed by a few coats of clear?

Like I said earlier...I think that would look nasty. I think you will draw all of your attention to your calipers and not the car, where the attention should be brought.

TortoiseAWD · 07-03-04, 04:39

Quote:

Originally posted by 2001civicex
Like I said earlier...I think that would look nasty. I think you will draw all of your attention to your calipers and not the car, where the attention should be brought.

Well . . . it's all rather subjective. I think there are cars out there that do look great with flashy calipers, but not all. On some sports cars that feature an open wheel design, and that have massive rotors, that splash of color really adds something extra, provided it matches or contrasts nicely with the body paint. Small rotors on an econocar? Then calipers that stand out just look silly, IMO.

On a truck, I'd go with subtle and clean (black, silver, gunmetal, etc.). If I had a Porsche, I might be looking at something a little more bold. Horses for courses, and all that.

My $0.02,
Tort

Pats300zx · 07-03-04, 04:50

I recently used the G2 system on my F150. I would highly recommend it. Very easy to use, avoids overspray from a spray can, and you don't have to mask off as much..

6cyl's_of_fury · 07-03-04, 05:05

If you go the spray can route ( which I recommend and it is cheaper! ), then spray it into a disposable cup or something like that ( pierce a hole in a piece of paper and put the nozzle through it to prevent the paint "spraying back" ), then paint it on with a paint brush. Wullah, a "home remedy" G2 or foliatec but minus the price tag!
I did this with the VHT spray cans on 3 cars now, with my previous ride staying great for over 3 years. I did 3 coats and then followed up with 2 coats of high temperature clear.
And for the record, I did red calipers to contrast my black car. Personally I think they look good and I haven't had a negative about them. But having said that, you cant please all of the people all of the time. As long as you are happy then who cares what others think really - remember its your hard earned greens that are financing the changes, not everyone elses