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Mercedes-Benz C-Class: How to Paint Brake Calipers

Custom painted calipers add a touch of flair to your ride and help accentuate those sweet custom wheels. This step-by-step guide takes you through the process.

By Richard Bowen - May 14, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2007-2014).

Get out your masking materials, gloves, face protection, and safety glasses. After you decide what color you want and purchase the materials, you'll enjoy doing this simple, satisfying project. Learn how to paint your C-Class calipers in a few steps below.

Materials Needed

  • Brake caliper paint kit (or caliper cleaner and caliper paint)
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Wire brush
  • Sand paper (course and fine grit)
  • Brake cleaner spray
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Masking materials (masking tape, newspaper, brown packing paper, drop cloth or tarp)
  • Gloves
  • Protective mask
  • Safety glasses
  • Lint-free rags or paper towels

Step 1 – Buy materials

Before you buy in-store or online, decide what color you want. Choices include almost any color: yellow, red, silver, blue, gold and custom colors. Purchase a caliper paint kit that includes the paint, caliper cleaner and instructions. You will also want to make sure you have plenty of masking materials on hand: masking tape and newspaper, brown packing paper or a drop cloth. A popular all-in-one kit is sold under the "G2" brand and can be bought for about $30.

Step 2 – Jack up car and remove the wheel

Set the emergency brake and/or put the car in gear. Use a hydraulic jack (if you have one) and jack up the car. Block the wheels, and for added safety, use jack stands. Take off the tire and wheel on the side of the car you will be working on.

(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your C-Class - MBWorld.org)

Figure 1. Jack up the car and use jack stands for safety.

Step 3 – Masking

Mask off all areas you want to protect from paint. Include masking off the "Mercedes-Benz" name plate, the rotor, the pads, the shocks and the wheel well. Use newspaper, brown packing paper, or tarp and masking tape.

Figure 2. Mask off areas and parts you want to protect.

Pro Tip

You can also snap off the "Mercedes-Benz" nameplate and re-install after painting.

Step 4 – Preparation

Preparation is paramount to getting a good paint job. Put on your gloves, face mask, and safety glasses. Use a wire brush to remove brake dust, grime, rust and dirt from the caliper. Next use the course grit sand paper and finally the fine sand paper. Be sure to get into all the crevices and hard-to-reach areas but avoid sanding or wire-brushing any rubber area like the brake line or rubber boots. Sand until the caliper is quite smooth and all rust and dirt is gone.

Figure 3. Clean the calipers thoroughly before painting.

Step 5 – Spray with brake cleaner

Brush off any brake dust or dirt left on the calipers. Spray the caliper with brake cleaner and allow to dry.

Figure 4. Scrub and clean.

Step 6 – Clean with rubbing alcohol

Change rubber gloves so you don't get any dust, dirt or rust from the previous sanding on the caliper. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel soaked with rubbing alcohol to remove the fine particles from the caliper after spraying with brake cleaner.

Step 7 – Paint

Spray the first coat and allow to dry between coats for two or three minutes. Spray an additional two or three coats. Allow final coat to dry for 30 minutes.

Figure 5. Paint the caliper with three or four coats.

Step 8 – Put wheel back together

Apply decal (or re-install name plate) and put the wheel back together.

Figure 6. Final look after three or four coats of paint.

Pro Tip

Once you have completed painting, you can drive the car for thirty minutes to heat the calipers which "sets" the paint.

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