Does your car look amazing, but the brakes look… plain? Those dull, often rusty brake calipers can really spoil a great-looking set of wheels! We all want our cars to turn heads, and sometimes the smallest details make the biggest difference. Painting your brake calipers is a fantastic way to add a pop of custom color and personality to your ride.
However, choosing the right paint can feel like a maze. You worry: Will it handle the intense heat? Will the color chip off after a few rain showers? Finding a durable, vibrant paint that actually sticks to metal can be frustrating, and nobody wants to repeat that messy job next month! You need a product that lasts and truly shines.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes high-quality caliper paint work, what colors look best, and the simple steps you need to follow for a professional, long-lasting finish. Get ready to transform those hidden parts into eye-catching showpieces!
Top Brake Caliper Paint Recommendations
- The product is 12oz red caliper paint
- Elegant design and smooth finish
- The product is manufactured in United states
- Resists heat up to 900-Degree F
- Formulated to resist brake dust and high temperatures that can be produced from harsh braking conditions
- HIGH TEMP PAINT – VHT Brake Caliper Spray Paint Can makes customizing brake calipers easy. Formulated with ceramic resins, this high-gloss coating resists temperatures up to 900°F.
- BRAKE DUST RESISTANT - This VHT spray paint is resistant to chipping, brake dust, and automotive chemicals. Available in an aerosol can for applying to brake calipers when removed from your vehicle.
- FAST DRYING, DURABLE FINISH – Featuring an EZ Touch Conical Nozzle, this automotive paint ensures maximum coverage for a long-lasting finish. It’s dry to the touch in 30 minutes and can be handled in 1 hour.
- IDEAL USES – VHT Brake Caliper Paint is a spray paint for cars, trucks, SUVs and more. This high temp spray paint is ideal for use on brake calipers, rotors, and drums.
- VHT – VHT provides extreme heat resistance and race inspired coatings for vehicle enthusiasts looking for ultimate protection and performance.
- HEAT AND WEAR RESISTANT - G2 brake caliper epoxy paints are able to resist heat up to 980 degrees! Our epoxy paint system creates an extremely tough, durable, protective layer that is easy to maintain
- EXTREME DURABILITY - G2 epoxy brake caliper paint system offers great chemical and physical protection against brake fluids, road salt, dust, dirt, gravel or discoloration
- HIGH GLOSS FINISH - This professional paint kit adds a great stylish touch to any brake caliper. This brush on system has advantages over spray- type paint as it dries harder and does not flake and chip
- 12 STANDARD COLORS - G2 brake epoxy paint kit comes in 12 different high gloss, heat resistant colors including red, yellow, silver, blue, purple, black, green, white, gold, orange , pink and lime green. Colors for every style!
- 100% MADE IN USA - Our Paint Kits are made and manufactured in the USA. Each complete kit covers 4 disc brake calipers or 2 drums and contains an instructions manual, 1 aerosol brake caliper cleaner, 1 metal can of high temp epoxy brake caliper paint, stirrer, application brush, 1 glass bottle of high temperature epoxy reactor and a color decal
- ✅ WHY CHOOSE POR-15 CALIPER PAINT? – POR-15 Caliper Paint is formulated for high heat performance applications. When properly applied POR-15 Caliper Paint will provide a tough and attractive coating that will satisfy even the most demanding car enthusiast.
- ✅ DURABLE FINISH - POR-15 Caliper Paint has excellent coverage properties, 5 brilliant ceramic-like colors, and withstands temperatures up to 350°F. Additionally, our caliper paint is formulated to resist brake dust produced by harsh braking conditions.
- ✅ APPLICATION - To achieve the best results you should use the POR-15 3-step system: Cleaner Degreaser, Metal Prep and Rust Preventive Coating before applying this coating. Stir thoroughly and apply the first coat in thin but even strokes. When the first coat is dry (3-4 hours), apply a second coat to achieve a beautiful ceramic-like finish. Let dry 24 hours before reassembling wheels and operating vehicle.
- ✅ WHEN DO I NEED THIS? - By using the POR-15 three step system in combination with POR-15 Caliper Paint will inhibit rust and prolong the life of your calipers.
- ✅ OUR SATISFACTION COMMITMENT – At POR-15 we strive to bring the ultimate in rust prevention. Known for the unbeatable 3-step stop rust system, POR-15 is trusted by DIY & Professionals. We are committed to innovation, quality control, and excellent customer service.
- HIGH TEMP PAINT – VHT Brake Caliper Spray Paint Can makes customizing brake calipers easy. Formulated with ceramic resins, this high-gloss coating resists temperatures up to 900°F.
- BRAKE DUST RESISTANT - This VHT spray paint is resistant to chipping, brake dust, and automotive chemicals. Available in an aerosol can for applying to brake calipers when removed from your vehicle.
- FAST DRYING, DURABLE FINISH – Featuring an EZ Touch Conical Nozzle, this automotive paint ensures maximum coverage for a long-lasting finish. It’s dry to the touch in 30 minutes and can be handled in 1 hour.
- IDEAL USES – VHT Brake Caliper Paint is a spray paint for cars, trucks, SUVs and more. This high temp spray paint is ideal for use on brake calipers, rotors, and drums.
- VHT – VHT provides extreme heat resistance and race inspired coatings for vehicle enthusiasts looking for ultimate protection and performance.
- HIGH TEMP PAINT – Dupli-Color Caliper Paint makes customizing brake calipers easy. Formulated with ceramic resins, this high-gloss coating resists temperatures up to 500°F.
- BRAKE DUST RESISTANT - This Dupli-Color spray paint is resistant to chipping, brake dust, and automotive chemicals. Available in a brush-on kit for applying when your brake calipers are not removed from your vehicle.
- IDEAL USES – Dupli-Color Caliper Paint is a spray paint for cars, trucks, SUVs and more. This high temp spray paint is ideal for use on brake calipers, rotors, and drums.
- INCLUDES – This automotive paint kit features a Caliper Paint Pint, Caliper Aerosol Cleaner, Stir Stick, Paint Brush, Masking Tape, and Step-by-Step Instruction Booklet.
- DUPLI-COLOR PAINT – Since 1938, Dupli-Color has been the trusted brand leader in providing easy-to-use, innovative, products to restore, restyle and protect vehicle appearance.
- HIGH TEMP PAINT – Dupli-Color Brake Caliper Paint makes customizing brake calipers easy. Formulated with ceramic resins, this high-gloss coating resists temperatures up to 500°F.
- BRAKE DUST RESISTANT - This Dupli-Color spray paint is resistant to chipping, brake dust, and automotive chemicals. Available in an aerosol can for applying to brake calipers when removed from your vehicle.
- FAST DRYING, DURABLE FINISH – Featuring an EZ Touch Conical nozzle, this automotive paint ensures maximum coverage for a long-lasting finish. It’s dry to the touch in 30 minutes and can be handled in 1 hour.
- IDEAL USES – Dupli-Color Brake Caliper Paint is a spray paint for cars, trucks, SUVs and more. This high temp spray paint is ideal for use on brake calipers, rotors, and drums.
- DUPLI-COLOR PAINT – Since 1938, Dupli-Color has been the trusted brand leader in providing easy-to-use, innovative, products to restore, restyle and protect vehicle appearance.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Brake Caliper Paint
Brake caliper paint is a fantastic way to add a pop of color and personality to your vehicle. It protects your calipers too! This guide will help you choose the best paint for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for caliper paint, a few features really matter.
- **Heat Resistance:** Brakes get very hot. You need paint that handles high temperatures without peeling or burning off. Look for paints rated for high heat, usually 500°F or more.
- **Durability and Chip Resistance:** Your wheels kick up dust and small stones. Good paint resists chipping and scratching. This keeps your brakes looking fresh longer.
- **Ease of Application:** Some paints come in easy-to-use aerosol cans. Others require brushing. Aerosols often give a smoother, factory-like finish.
- **Color Vibrancy and Finish:** Do you want bright red, electric blue, or a subtle silver? Check the finish—glossy, satin, or matte. Make sure the color looks good in real life, not just on the can.
Important Materials: What’s in the Can?
Brake caliper paint is not regular car paint. It needs special ingredients.
Most high-quality caliper paints use **epoxy-based** or **high-temperature synthetic enamel** formulas. Epoxy paints are known for their toughness and resistance to chemicals like brake fluid. Synthetic enamels often handle heat very well too. Avoid very cheap, standard spray paints. Those paints will fail quickly under the heat of your brakes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the final look depends on the paint and how you prepare the surface.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- **Surface Preparation:** This is the most important step! You must thoroughly clean the calipers. Remove all dirt, grease, and old rust. Sanding or wire brushing the surface creates a “tooth” for the paint to grip onto.
- **Primer Use:** Using a high-temperature primer designed for metal significantly improves adhesion. The paint sticks better, and the color looks deeper.
- **Curing Process:** Many top-tier paints require a specific curing process, often involving driving the car briefly after painting to allow the heat to harden the finish completely.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- **Incomplete Cleaning:** If grease remains on the caliper, the paint will bubble or peel very soon.
- **Applying Too Thickly:** Applying thick coats leads to drips and runs. Thin, even coats dry better and cure harder.
- **Painting Hot Parts:** You must paint the calipers when they are cool. Painting hot metal traps moisture and prevents proper curing.
User Experience and Use Cases
People use caliper paint for two main reasons: aesthetics and minor protection.
For the average DIY user, the aerosol can experience is usually preferred. It allows for quick coverage. Users often report that painting the calipers takes about half a day, including the critical cleaning and masking time. Successful projects result in calipers that look brand new, matching custom wheel setups perfectly. A great user experience means the paint survived a full summer of spirited driving without fading or flaking.
If you drive aggressively or frequently track your car, you need the absolute best heat-rated paint available. Casual drivers can usually get away with good quality, mid-range options.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Brake Caliper Paint
Q: Do I need to take the calipers off the car to paint them?
A: No, you usually do not need to remove them. You must mask off the brake pads, hoses, and any moving parts carefully before spraying.
Q: How long does brake caliper paint usually last?
A: A well-applied, high-quality paint job can last anywhere from two to five years, depending on driving conditions and climate.
Q: Can I use regular high-temperature spray paint?
A: You can, but dedicated caliper paint performs better. Caliper paint is specifically formulated to resist brake fluid splashes and extreme, localized heat better than general engine paint.
Q: What is the most important preparation step?
A: Cleaning the surface until it squeaks is the most important step. Use a strong degreaser or brake cleaner.
Q: How many coats should I apply?
A: Most manufacturers recommend two to three thin, even coats rather than one thick coat. Let each coat flash (dry slightly) before applying the next.
Q: Will this paint affect my braking performance?
A: No. As long as you keep the paint off the brake pads and rotors, it will not change how your brakes work.
Q: How long do I wait before driving the car?
A: Wait at least 24 hours for the paint to dry to the touch. However, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the full cure time, which might be longer.
Q: What temperature rating should I look for?
A: Aim for paints rated for at least 500°F (about 260°C) to be safe.
Q: What happens if the paint chips?
A: If a chip occurs, you can usually lightly sand the small area and touch it up with the remaining paint, provided the area is clean.
Q: Do I need a clear coat over the color?
A: Some kits include a clear coat for extra shine and protection. If yours does not, using a high-temperature clear coat can boost durability and gloss.