Post: Paint Brake Calipers

Here’s how to paint a brake caliper without completely disassembling it.
First, you need to prepare and assemble all the relevant materials. There’s no point in starting this job if you don’t have the equipment you need to do it. To get a sparkling clean brake caliper, you’ll need:
1 Large piece of sturdy cardboard
2 cans of enamel spray paint
A few plastic bags (or a few sheets of plastic)
1 stiff-bristled toothbrush
1 can of brake cleaner
Masking tape
Ramp or jack
Loosen all the nuts on all four wheels, but don’t remove them completely.
First, jack up the front of the car so that the front wheels are off the ground.
Remove the nuts from the front two wheels, then completely remove the wheels. Make sure to store the nuts in a safe place so you don’t lose them until you need to reinstall them.
With the wheel removed, you’ll be able to see the dirty, possibly rusted, brake caliper exposed.
Spray some brake cleaner onto a toothbrush and start scrubbing the caliper. You’ll need to use the brake cleaner several times to thoroughly clean the caliper. At no time should you spray the cleaner directly onto the caliper, instead spray onto a toothbrush and apply the cleaner that way.
You may need to spend a little time cleaning the caliper. The longer you spend on this step, the better the overall result will be when you are finished.
Once you have scrubbed the caliper, remove the front retaining clip and cover the bleed valve with masking tape. Make sure to completely cover the valve with the tape, as you do not want paint to get on this area. Once you have the valve covered, also cover the brake hose fittings with tape. You will need to protect these fittings when you paint the caliper.
Take a piece of cardboard and cut out an inverted L shape. The L should be large enough for you to place it over the bracket that holds the caliper, protecting all of the car parts behind it.
Take a plastic bag or sheeting and cover the rotor to protect it from the paint. You will find that you will have to rotate the rotor to get the plastic between the pad and the rotor wheel. Otherwise, there will be gaps in the rotor that are not covered by the plastic, and if paint gets into these places, you may seal the pad to the rotor, rendering the brakes inoperable. You may need to use a few strips of masking tape to hold the plastic in place.
Spray the caliper slowly and evenly. Spraying slowly and evenly will give it the best appearance when you are finished. It is okay if the side of the brake pad that contacts the caliper gets painted, but be extra careful to ensure that no paint gets between the pad and the rotor. This is the advantage of completely removing the caliper, but as long as you take the necessary precautions to completely cover the rotor, you do not need to remove the caliper from the vehicle.
Allow the paint to dry before removing the plastic and cardboard. Move on to the next wheel and repeat the process.
After painting the front brake calipers, you will need to remove the jack from the front of the car and lift the rear end. Make sure the paint is completely dry before reinstalling the wheels. After painting all four brake calipers and changing the wheels, drive your car and test the brakes. If you notice any problems, contact a local garage to check the brakes.