Painted my calipers, added new pads, rotors (**pics**)
Painted my calipers, added new pads, rotors (**pics**)
I did this a while back but finally getting around to posting it up.
I used the following:
- Centric rotors (part #s: 12044127, 12044138, 12044141 (rears))
- Akebono pads (Part #s: ACT113 and ACT1118)
- G2 Caliper paint kit (black)
Rotors/pads are pretty straightforward, but my thoughts and experience/advice on painting the calipers:
- Prep, prep, prep. I spent 2 hours on all four corners. I left calipers in place and didn't remove from rotors.
- I used a Wagner paint-eater tool with abrasive pad - worked awesomely. You can't get the hard to reach places so I followed up with a wire brush (see results below)
- I then cleaned the calipers with non-chlorinated brake cleaner (soaked them really good)
- I am overemphasizing the cleaning/prep because it is the most important - any dirt or grease/oil left will negatively impact the next part of the process
- Right after mixing the paint, I applied early in the morning to take advantage of lower temps therefore slower cure time.
- I removed the calipers from disc when I painted them (hung by zip tie from coil spring)
- I applied 3 coats to all calipers - the paint is thin and it is a brush-on system. Worked great. 30 minutes between coats
- decals (from ebay) were pretty straightforward with no issues.
- I let sit for 24 hours before re-installing wheels/tires and driving
Hope this helps!
I used the following:
- Centric rotors (part #s: 12044127, 12044138, 12044141 (rears))
- Akebono pads (Part #s: ACT113 and ACT1118)
- G2 Caliper paint kit (black)
Rotors/pads are pretty straightforward, but my thoughts and experience/advice on painting the calipers:
- Prep, prep, prep. I spent 2 hours on all four corners. I left calipers in place and didn't remove from rotors.
- I used a Wagner paint-eater tool with abrasive pad - worked awesomely. You can't get the hard to reach places so I followed up with a wire brush (see results below)
- I then cleaned the calipers with non-chlorinated brake cleaner (soaked them really good)
- I am overemphasizing the cleaning/prep because it is the most important - any dirt or grease/oil left will negatively impact the next part of the process
- Right after mixing the paint, I applied early in the morning to take advantage of lower temps therefore slower cure time.
- I removed the calipers from disc when I painted them (hung by zip tie from coil spring)
- I applied 3 coats to all calipers - the paint is thin and it is a brush-on system. Worked great. 30 minutes between coats
- decals (from ebay) were pretty straightforward with no issues.
- I let sit for 24 hours before re-installing wheels/tires and driving
Hope this helps!
Last edited by alchemist; Aug 17, 2014 at 08:25 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 74
From: FL
Ha, I did the exact same set up rotors and all except I used high temp spray paint instead. I think it comes out better with the spray paint because you don't see the brush marks at all. Definitely going to have to pick me up one of those paint eating tools. Very nice.
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Ha, I did the exact same set up rotors and all except I used high temp spray paint instead. I think it comes out better with the spray paint because you don't see the brush marks at all. Definitely going to have to pick me up one of those paint eating tools. Very nice.
Have your decals lasted?
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,154
Likes: 14
From: Toronto
Last shop I took the car to for brake cleaning service ended up cleaning and painting my rusty calipers and I didn't even ask them to do it lol. Would have been nice to know they were going to paint them ahead of time but I'm not going to complain as they looked like crap.
