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Old 03-02-2015, 08:52 AM   #1
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Brake Calipers re-paint - help

Hey folks, I own a 2001 Boxster S and I would like to redo the brake calipers are they are really dull. I am not sure but they look like the original calipers are flat (smooth surface) and perhaps are powder coated? I picked up some Dupli-Colour caliper kit (Red), some wet sandpaper, brake cleaner, ordered new decals, and also a can of VHT Clear Gloss paint to use over the decals as a finish.

Can anyone tell me if I am on the right track and if it will turn out really well? I don't want to risk doing this project to find out this stuff won't work on the original brake calipers. Any help would be appreciated... thanks!

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Old 03-02-2015, 09:03 AM   #2
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Follow the suggestions of the hundred or so threads on this subject. You'll be fine.
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Old 03-02-2015, 10:00 AM   #3
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I used that Duplicolor caliper paint and it's held up well. Get busy.

Just remember that it will take nearly a full can of brake cleaner per caliper to get them clean enough to paint.
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Old 03-03-2015, 02:19 AM   #4
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Should I just paint over the old decals? Do I need to remove the old clear coat on the calipers? I have concerns about the paint actually sticking to the caliper because they are very smooth - what is the best way to prep them? Thanks everyone.
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Old 03-03-2015, 04:11 AM   #5
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Painting 101 - 95% work is prep
If you want it to last - Remove all grease and dirt
Remove all clear coat and decals
Remove any loose original Red paint so surface is stable for new paint

I did a temp fix that's held up ok for a couple years
I removed any flaking clear coat. Cleaned with soap and water
Then re-clear coated. That made a big difference.
I will do what you are doing but as I said, get down to painted surface then paint.
I have to think removing the calipers would make this job so much easier and better as well

Get some before and After pics
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Old 03-03-2015, 04:54 AM   #6
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Scrape the old decals off or they will show as raised outlines under the new paint. How do I know...
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Old 03-03-2015, 05:54 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kk2002s View Post
Painting 101 - 95% work is prep
If you want it to last - Remove all grease and dirt
Remove all clear coat and decals
Remove any loose original Red paint so surface is stable for new paint

I did a temp fix that's held up ok for a couple years
I removed any flaking clear coat. Cleaned with soap and water
Then re-clear coated. That made a big difference.
I will do what you are doing but as I said, get down to painted surface then paint.
I have to think removing the calipers would make this job so much easier and better as well

Get some before and After pics
+1 - worked for me.
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Old 03-03-2015, 06:34 AM   #8
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Prep work! Use brake cleaner and sandpaper to get a smooth, even surface. I used the VHT red and clear, came out great!

Painted Calipers
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/35410-red-caliper-paint-%96-closest-original.html

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Old 03-03-2015, 07:14 AM   #9
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Gotta be careful with what you use to clean your rims, mine were perfect shape then suddenly the clear coat bubbled right off. I am pretty sure it was from tire cleaners, stick to regular car soap and wax. Use a mini swiffer and no more brake dust
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Old 03-03-2015, 07:26 AM   #10
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What is the best way to Remove all clear coat and decals from the calipers?
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Old 03-03-2015, 07:56 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DrCactus View Post
What is the best way to Remove all clear coat and decals from the calipers?
I sanded them.
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Old 03-03-2015, 07:56 AM   #12
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What is the best way to Remove all clear coat and decals from the calipers?
Light sand of entire surface. After brake cleaner.

Always sand stickers off.
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Old 03-03-2015, 09:10 AM   #13
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Ok thanks. The Original Porsche logo is a sticker/decal ? Or is it something thats embedded into the caliper steel? Will the brake cleaner take the original clear coat off ? Someone talked about using painter stripper chemical on them - but on first thought that seemed like a bad idea.... but I'm no expert
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Old 03-03-2015, 09:35 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DrCactus View Post
Ok thanks. The Original Porsche logo is a sticker/decal ? Or is it something thats embedded into the caliper steel? Will the brake cleaner take the original clear coat off ? Someone talked about using painter stripper chemical on them - but on first thought that seemed like a bad idea.... but I'm no expert
All you have to do is follow the instructions I linked to in an earlier post. Use some brake cleaner first, then sand smooth. The lettering will disappear. Several coats of the red, apply the stickers, then several coats of the clear and you are done. I didn't remove my calipers, I covered everything with a trash bag as mentioned in one of those posts.
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Old 03-03-2015, 10:15 AM   #15
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Thanks everyone for the info.
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Old 03-03-2015, 10:34 AM   #16
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Just do it...

I believe the OEM "Porsche" is painted on with a stencil, not a decal (mine was).

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Old 03-03-2015, 10:55 AM   #17
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Thanks everyone for the info.
Pictures when you are done
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Old 03-03-2015, 11:05 AM   #18
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I took them off.





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Old 03-03-2015, 11:44 AM   #19
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The clear coat is the toughest to get right. Make sure you're a foot away from the surface and I suggest doing one coat only as it's easy to get runs and too much material becomes milky instead of clear. 400 grit works good. I think you'll impress yourself ...
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Old 03-03-2015, 01:00 PM   #20
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That color looks awesome
Quote:
Originally Posted by particlewave View Post
Just do it...

I believe the OEM "Porsche" is painted on with a stencil, not a decal (mine was).


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