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!

Follow the suggestions of the hundred or so threads on this subject. You'll be fine.

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.

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.

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

Scrape the old decals off or they will show as raised outlines under the new paint. How do I know... :)

+1 - worked for me.

Prep work! Use brake cleaner and sandpaper to get a smooth, even surface. I used the VHT red and clear, came out great!

http://986forum.com/forums/diy-project-guides/41668-painted-calipers.html
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/35410-red-caliper-paint-%96-closest-original.html

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1425396797.jpg

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

What is the best way to Remove all clear coat and decals from the calipers?

I sanded them.

Light sand of entire surface. After brake cleaner.

Always sand stickers off.

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.

Thanks everyone for the info.

Just do it... ;)

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

http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/a...otos/green.jpg

Pictures when you are done:cheers:

I took them off.

http://i868.photobucket.com/albums/a...psxkhpfpz6.jpg

http://i868.photobucket.com/albums/a...psuhounhdb.jpg

http://i868.photobucket.com/albums/a...pssnesimch.jpg

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 ...

That color looks awesome :)

Sounds good. Sadly we just had another snow storm here in the city so my project is on hold again... seems like this winter just does not want to give up!! Thanks again everyone...

Tip: READ THE DIRECTIONS in the kit on using the paint itself.

I suggest using some tack cloth before you lay down the first coat. The high gloss will magnify anything so much as an eyelash.