Mazda3 Forums banner

Can I use Engine Paint to Paint my Brake Calipers?

54K views 9 replies 9 participants last post by  Grendel65  
#1 ·
#2 ·
I used that stuff to paint the calipers on my old car, and it would smoke if I had been using the brakes a lot. Eventually it started to bubble off. I dont think it could withstand the high temps the brakes reach. You would be better off using a dedicated caliper paint kit. I believe duplicolor makes one.
 
#7 ·
[quote author=LG Paul link=topic=78404.msg1432821#msg1432821 date=1179967275]
I used that stuff to paint the calipers on my old car, and it would smoke if I had been using the brakes a lot. Eventually it started to bubble off. I dont think it could withstand the high temps the brakes reach. You would be better off using a dedicated caliper paint kit. I believe duplicolor makes one.
[/quote]


thats odd...i used normal color match paint on my calipers and it has yet to smoke or bubble(after 8 months of use...it still looks like i just painted them)...of course i applied 2 layers of etching primer, 2 layers of regular primer, 2-3layers of paint, and 2 layers of high temp clear coat...
 
#8 ·
I use engine enamel on my calipers and I have had no problem. $5/can and you can probably do 5 car's worth of brake calipers w/ it. :D It's all in the prep work. Make sure you thoroughly clean them with brake cleaner and a brush. Clean out all of the nooks and crannies and then spray them. Spray painting them with requires a bit more disassembly, but it yields a more uniform finish. You'll have to pull the caliper, remove brake pads and tape off a few areas (the piston, rubber boots and lines). Also, you'll have to unbolt the caliper mount from the upright and spray that too.