360_iti

I’ve received a few emails asking about tips and how to paint calipers.
I have to say that there is another option which is powdercoat, and it will last much longer than paint, but for those who were wondering about the painting process, I’ll try to describe it in details. Please don’t hesitate to add comments or ask questions.

Just a little bit of background, my car is a C32 AMG, therefore the shape and size of my calipers are a little bit different than non AMGs.

OK, below is the list of things that you need:

1. About 3-4 hours of time for each caliper.
2. 24 hours of drying time for each caliper. You really don’t want to get brake dust all over your wet paint.
3. Sun and a few clouds
4. Car jack & stands
5. Toothbrush size caliper brush that you can buy at PepBoys.
6. Rags.
7. Masking paper and tape
8. G2 kit that includes brush, brake cleaner spray, caliper paint and activator solutions.
9. Metal container to mix paint with activator.
10. Caliper decals that you can find a set on Ebay.
11. Beer and a friend (optional) to keep you company while waiting for the paint to dry.

Actually there’s nothing special that I did. Of course you have to take the wheels off (one at a time in my case) and then clean the calipers real good with a caliper wire brush and brake cleaner spray, and make sure everything is as clean and dry as you can get before painting. Again, be patient and take your time when cleaning.

The next step is to cover the rotor and everything else around the caliper that you don’t want to paint, with masking paper and tape. Based on my experience, this was not a necessity, but it did make my job much easier.

Then pour a small amount of paint into a metal container, add the activator, wait for 5 minutes, stir it, and start brush painting it. It's better to put an even thin layer at first, and then let it dry and then put the next coat. They say the paint is enough for 3 coats, I only put 2, but you be the judge.

HELPFUL TIPS:
Why separate container ?
The activator will harden the paint in a few hours. So unless you have access to all 4 wheels at once (using car lift), then you really don’t want to mix all the paint at the same time. Otherwise the paint would harden before you get the chance to work on the next caliper. In my case, I only have 1 jack so I really had to work on one caliper at a time.

Why metal container ?
The activator will eat plastic at no time.

And that’s it. I let them dry for a few hours before putting the wheels back, and a full day before driving the car.

Regarding the AMG lettering, you can buy a set of 6 caliper decals on Ebay. I believe it's around $10. I didn't put the decals on until a few days later to make sure that everything was completely dry.

I started to work on Saturday morning and finished painting my left front and rear by 3-4 pm. Then I continued on the right front and rear on Sunday. Don't drive the car until you let the paint dry for at least 24 hours. Again, you don't want get dirt and brake dust all over your wet paint.

I hope that’s everything to it, if I missed anything please don’t hesitate to add comments.
It’s a fun DIY weekend project and I really liked the results. Some might want to leave them alone, powdercoat (last a long long time), or buy a Brembo instead, but for others it could be a great compliment to your car. Good luck and have fun

redduc

Thanks 360, I am looking on ebay for the decals asap.

rubensans

I also have done this.

I took instead silver letters and not white ones. Anyone has try with black ones?

Best Regards.

ima55r2

What brand is the G2? Have you thought about using a high temp clear over the decals to protect them?

360_iti

G2 is the brand. I've never thought of using high temp clear, but I think u'd have to put it all over the caliper and not just over the decals right ?

ima55r2

I have used the spray clear over the entire caliper to help main the high temp color spray paint, but it sounds like the G2 is some sort of epoxy which would hold up better than paint.

I didn't realize the decals were vinyl, which would be more durable than just the thin film type. Also for the price they are easy enough to replace.

NorCalGregclk55

How long have you had the decals on? How are they holding up? Your calipers look great right now!

360_iti

I have them for a month, through snow and rain. They are still good.. plus, they gave me a set of 6 but i only used 2 since it wouldnt fit the rear calipers. So i still have 4 left.

psk145

anyone do the rears on a C class?

360_iti

I did the rears as well, although they don't look as great as the front ones. I was pondering between painting them red or black, but then I decided to match the front. If you still don't want to give them a different color, at least paint them silver or black to keep em from rusting. You don't want to have rusting calipers.

C43AMG

Question - Why would you put stickers on your calipers ? I own C43 and the "AMG" is imprinted on the calipers. Was it just easier to go over it with the stickers ?

360_iti

In my case the AMG was like a print. It was smooth flushed with the surface.

C43AMG

cool , thanx , I'll give it a try

C43AMG

Where did you buy the "G2" kit ?

360_iti

You can buy G2 kit through
http://www.g2usa.com/
http://wheelskin.com
or Ebay.
Please note that the shelf-life is 6 months, so make sure you ask the seller. To play safe, I'd contact g2usa.com and buy direct.

Chadski350Sport

Painting mine Red with the G2 kit this weekend!

We'll see how it looks


Got the AMG stickers and allllllll...

wish me luck!

shaunls1

duplicolor sells a paint kit for about 18-20 dollars at the parts store's like autozone and advance auto parts.come's in a box with tape.paint,brush and a mixing stick. the paint is ceramic and last a long time and you dont have to mix or add hardeners.

dynomite05

Chad, how did it turn out with the painting? Would it be possible for you to post some pics?