Painting the brake calipers: questions

SaMaster14 · 04-09-2012, 11:33 AM

Hey guys, I'm pretty new here, and so far, the only exterior mods I have in mind for my car (2012 335is, Mineral White / Coral Red) are: tinted windows, painting the "335is" badges gloss black, getting the OEM gloss black rear spoiler, and removing or painting the orange reflectors.

But, I've always had painting the brake calipers in the back of my mind. I was just wondering if anyone here had any idea on how much it would cost for it to be done.

Also, what color caliper would look good on my car? I was thinking red would be sick, as it would match the interior. Also, I might paint the stock 313 rims gloss black. In which case, red brake calipers would probably look awesome!

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

335xi_zer0 · 04-09-2012, 11:38 AM

Red.

My friend has a white STi with red calipers and looks great. As for the cost, do it yourself. There's a kit you can buy. Look for the G2 kit. I believe TireRack has it if you can't find it elsewhere. Or, you could just get a can of Rustoleum caliper spray paint. Just remember to mask the wheels and brakes. And clean the caliper first (duh).

SaMaster14 · 04-09-2012, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335xi_zer0

Red.

My friend has a white STi with red calipers and looks great. As for the cost, do it yourself. There's a kit you can buy. Look for the G2 kit. I believe TireRack has it if you can't find it elsewhere. Or, you could just get a can of Rustoleum caliper spray paint. Just remember to mask the wheels and brakes. And clean the caliper first (duh).

Awesome, thanks for the response!

335xi_zer0 · 04-09-2012, 11:41 AM

Don't forget pics!

EYE4SPEED · 04-09-2012, 12:13 PM

Try to buy some kind of leveling compound first. Typically stock calipers have a little bit of dimple to them - like a casting look. It will come out cleaner if you can level first, then paint.

E92ML · 04-09-2012, 01:33 PM

Our stock calipers are pretty ugly so most people would say paint them gloss black. If the calipers are painted wrong they could come out looking tacky. Or you could always buy a Brembo BBK!

954Stealth · 04-09-2012, 02:11 PM

I like the way a yellow BBK looks on a white car.

westwing222 · 04-09-2012, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EYE4SPEED

Try to buy some kind of leveling compound first. Typically stock calipers have a little bit of dimple to them - like a casting look. It will come out cleaner if you can level first, then paint.

Do you have a suggestion as to what leveling compound to use? I too am insterested painting mine gloss black and would like to look into this leveling compound, but don't know much about this procedure.

EYE4SPEED · 04-10-2012, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by westwing222

Do you have a suggestion as to what leveling compound to use? I too am insterested painting mine gloss black and would like to look into this leveling compound, but don't know much about this procedure.

The guys up in Canada have an interesting thread regarding paint. The Simply tire place looks to grind down the caliper first. Finish looks really good, maybe they use VHT paint?

Here is a link so you can check it out: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=505893

Might be worth the drive for a $100 paint job.

Slow_335i · 04-10-2012, 12:15 AM

You can't go wrong with silver or black

myfly335 · 04-10-2012, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

Hey guys, I'm pretty new here, and so far, the only exterior mods I have in mind for my car (2012 335is, Mineral White / Coral Red) are: tinted windows, painting the "335is" badges gloss black, getting the OEM gloss black rear spoiler, and removing or painting the orange reflectors.

But, I've always had painting the brake calipers in the back of my mind. I was just wondering if anyone here had any idea on how much it would cost for it to be done.

Also, what color caliper would look good on my car? I was thinking red would be sick, as it would match the interior. Also, I might paint the stock 313 rims gloss black. In which case, red brake calipers would probably look awesome!

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

dnt do it...it will void bmw warranty if any problem also makes squelling noise

SaMaster14 · 04-10-2012, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myfly335

dnt do it...it will void bmw warranty if any problem also makes squelling noise

Even just painting them??

What about doing the plastidip?

Glossy black would look good, and it would match the rest of my car. (grille, side mirrors and window trim are glossy black, and soon to have the "335is" badges glossy black along with a possibly gloss black rear spoiler).

But glossy red would look nice too!

Built My Way · 04-10-2012, 05:43 AM

Have a look at my garage. There's a pretty good close up of one of my hand painted calipers. Really easy. I did 2 coats. Give the calipers a light sanding. Wipe thoroughly with mineral spirits and let dry. Buy a small flat fine bristle 1/2" paint brush (dollar store is fine). The brush supplied with the paint is crap. Paint in the shade with a good light. The great thing is that you don't have to tape or cover anything. No mess. Use pure acetone to clean your brush. Keep paint off the pads. Use long brush strokes if possible. The soft bristle brush is key for best results. I've had no problems with brakes squeaking or over heating. Go for it!

myfly335 · 04-10-2012, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

Even just painting them??

What about doing the plastidip?

Glossy black would look good, and it would match the rest of my car. (grille, side mirrors and window trim are glossy black, and soon to have the "335is" badges glossy black along with a possibly gloss black rear spoiler).

But glossy red would look nice too!

they did it with me twice on both cars and they were done by prof ppl they are assholes

04-09-2012, 11:33 AM	#1
SaMaster14 Brigadier General 5193 Rep 3,957 Posts Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [8.72] 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [9.63]	Painting the brake calipers: questions Hey guys, I'm pretty new here, and so far, the only exterior mods I have in mind for my car (2012 335is, Mineral White / Coral Red) are: tinted windows, painting the "335is" badges gloss black, getting the OEM gloss black rear spoiler, and removing or painting the orange reflectors. But, I've always had painting the brake calipers in the back of my mind. I was just wondering if anyone here had any idea on how much it would cost for it to be done. Also, what color caliper would look good on my car? I was thinking red would be sick, as it would match the interior. Also, I might paint the stock 313 rims gloss black. In which case, red brake calipers would probably look awesome! Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! __________________ 2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding 2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust Last edited by SaMaster14; 04-09-2012 at 11:38 AM..
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04-09-2012, 11:38 AM	#2
335xi_zer0 Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 280 Posts Drives: Monaco Blue 2007 335xi Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (3)	Red. My friend has a white STi with red calipers and looks great. As for the cost, do it yourself. There's a kit you can buy. Look for the G2 kit. I believe TireRack has it if you can't find it elsewhere. Or, you could just get a can of Rustoleum caliper spray paint. Just remember to mask the wheels and brakes. And clean the caliper first (duh). __________________ 2007 E90 335xi - "Sera" aFe Stage 2 DCI \| AE Performance Exhaust \| COBB Accessport \| HPB Interior LED Kit \| M6 Wheels \| ER Charge Pipe \| MTEC LED Angel Eyes \| Helix Intercooler
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04-09-2012, 11:41 AM	#4
335xi_zer0 Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 280 Posts Drives: Monaco Blue 2007 335xi Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (3)	Don't forget pics! __________________ 2007 E90 335xi - "Sera" aFe Stage 2 DCI \| AE Performance Exhaust \| COBB Accessport \| HPB Interior LED Kit \| M6 Wheels \| ER Charge Pipe \| MTEC LED Angel Eyes \| Helix Intercooler
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04-09-2012, 12:13 PM	#5
EYE4SPEED Ex-Diesel Driver 66 Rep 2,000 Posts Drives: Audi SQ5 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: West Coast... of Michigan iTrader: (22)	Try to buy some kind of leveling compound first. Typically stock calipers have a little bit of dimple to them - like a casting look. It will come out cleaner if you can level first, then paint. __________________ FS: HRE Center Caps http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...post13972317l]
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04-09-2012, 01:33 PM	#6
E92ML Captain 34 Rep 886 Posts Drives: E92 2008 335xi Coupe Join Date: May 2011 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (0)	Our stock calipers are pretty ugly so most people would say paint them gloss black. If the calipers are painted wrong they could come out looking tacky. Or you could always buy a Brembo BBK! __________________ Performance: JB4 ECU, CP-E DP's, WW BMS Meth Kit, AR meth elbow, BMS DCI, AFE Intake Scoops, Exterior: Enkruez 19" H8R, H&R Spacers, Aero Lip, Tint, ACS Roof Spoiler, HID AE's, HID Fogs, Black Grills, Sport Pedals
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04-09-2012, 02:11 PM	#7
954Stealth Brigadier General 1599 Rep 4,512 Posts Drives: A Car Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Bacon Raton, FL iTrader: (1)	I like the way a yellow BBK looks on a white car.
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04-10-2012, 12:15 AM	#10
Slow_335i Daily Driven! 194 Rep 2,513 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Central Illinois iTrader: (11) Garage List 2008 BMW 335I [7.02]	You can't go wrong with silver or black __________________
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04-10-2012, 05:43 AM	#13
Built My Way Captain 71 Rep 628 Posts Drives: ...when not replacing gaskets Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Friendly Maritimes ;) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i e90 [7.50]	Have a look at my garage. There's a pretty good close up of one of my hand painted calipers. Really easy. I did 2 coats. Give the calipers a light sanding. Wipe thoroughly with mineral spirits and let dry. Buy a small flat fine bristle 1/2" paint brush (dollar store is fine). The brush supplied with the paint is crap. Paint in the shade with a good light. The great thing is that you don't have to tape or cover anything. No mess. Use pure acetone to clean your brush. Keep paint off the pads. Use long brush strokes if possible. The soft bristle brush is key for best results. I've had no problems with brakes squeaking or over heating. Go for it!
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