Painting brake calipers silver

[neal78]

Hi,

The brake calipers on my nsx are starting to rust. Does anyone have any experience of painting these? If so what paints would you recommend?

Thanks.

[NSXGB]

There is a thread on here somewhere about brake caliper paints & stuff....

Halfrauds sell heat resistant paints in all sorts of colours...

[kevinpsw]

I bought some silver paint from Halfords (a spray can, they didn't have silver in the brush paint stuff) and it worked well enough. I have since bought some specialist gold paint as part of a kit but I have not yet got around to doing the job. If you want I could find the details of the UK supplier.

[Steveycaz]

Is it a difficult job taking off and replacing the calipers for painting?

[kevinpsw]

I was too lazy to dismantle them and, arguably, it is not necessary. Just mask up the bits you don't want painted carefully if you are spraying.

[Senninha]

neal78,

Have a look here http://nsxcb.co.uk/testvb/showthread.php?t=1811&page=2&highlight=brake+caliper+paint for the results of using high temperature matt black (as per NSX-R finish). Paint sourced from fleabay about a fiver per aerosol.

On the second page of the thread you will see that I removed the caliper from the hub but not the car/brake system. I simply rested on an axel stand and masked the surrounding area. Then just took my time and built up the finish with several layers.

HTH and good luck

Regards, Paul

[mcibuk]

i've painted my calipers silver to match the car - used Humbrol paint 2 years ago and they ar estill OK. I also painted the raised NSX in black.

[Lankstarr]

Mine are red as they were when I got the car.. look great when clean but an arse to keep that way!

I recommennd the black route and maybe the raised NSX in Red or your car colour if you have the skill!

L*

[TheSebringOne]

I tried some brake calliper paint kit from E-TECH, gold colour to match last generation NSX, but after two years, the gold is changing to a greeny colour! Maybe should tried black. Kit was about 15 quid, but u get STP brake aerosol cleaner, brush & paint.Got enough to repaint again, so have have a go in spring! I just jack car up, covered disc & painted on a hot day 2 dry properly. Good luck!:D

[madras]

I want to paint my front and rear calipers as they are rusty. I was going to go for gold like the new ones come, do you know if you can get the same paint that Honda use anywhere.

I need a new set of pads all round anyway - will it be easier to remove the caliper?

Thanks.

[madras]

Does anyone have any pics of brake calipers painted.
Options are:

gold with red NSX lettering
gold
black with gold lettering

What is standard on normal and type-r?

thanks.

[TheSebringOne]

The gold paint I put on has started to fade! When I redo mine again think I will go for black with silver NSX letters. Also will be more patient and will spray many thin coats & let them build up instead of applying by brush in one thick coat. Have to be next Spring as its getting cold & damp now!

It was gold on the reg 02+ to 55, not sure prior to that? Think they were not painted at all?

[DAVEMAT]

Did mine January 2006 (as per avatar) using Halfrauds caliper paint, still look as good today, just make sure they get a good clean first, and about 3-4 coats are required to get a good finish

[indi pearl]

Having painted the callipers of both my NSX, my wifes S2000 and, in the last week my daliy driver I reckon I have tried most of the aproaches allready mentioned.

My own experience has led me to the following method of application.There is no doupt the removal and complete strip makes the whole process both easier and far more complete but I have to admit not having the nerve to do this to the two Honda's so far. I did with the Isuzu and the results are in my view superior.

Remove pads and pad retainers, clean off grease with brake cleaner and wire brush to remove surface corosion.Mask off rubber gaiters/pistons. I then treated all exposed metal to Hammerite rust converter which turns the surface blue/black on drying. This was followed with an application of spray or brush high temperature paint (Halfords own is fine) as undercoat in a colour most suitable for the finished colour.Using an undercoat greatly improves the final density of the top coat(s).

Black Black

Red Red

Grey All other colours

I have then used either Halfords calliper paint or smooth Hammerite for the finish coat. I think Hammerite does a better job (especially in spray cans) as it is thinner and gives a smoother final finish.
Both paints have stood up to standard and "fast" road use, however I do not know if either paint would handle the much higher temperatures if tracked.

[WhyOne?]

It was gold on the reg 02+ to 55, not sure prior to that? Think they were not painted at all?

On my '01 / Y plate car, they are painted a lighter (more silvery) shade of gold than the more recent facelift cars.

Though they are now in need of some serious TLC!

[Lankstarr]

The gold paint I put on has started to fade!

I'm surprised they've faded after 300 miles and 2 years in the garage!!

Mine are black and have weathered well. I've thought about pencilling the lettering in red (body coloured) but not decided Y/N yet.

Luke

[shane]

you could try frost.co.uk. they have all the proper stuff and much more

[TheSebringOne]

My garages is more like a hangars, 300 miles won't take long! :D

Hard breaking = more heat = more fading, comprende !! ;)

[indi pearl]

Thank you Shane for the FROST website, amazing collection of otherwise hard to get kit.

Another place to spend the "hard earned" at as long as SWMBO does not catch on!!

[WhyOne?]

Finally I am getting around to sorting out Y1's calipers.

I have decided to paint the calipers Satin Black with the 'NSX' detail taken back to metal & protected with a clear caliper paint.

The clear paint is not a problem.

However, I am struggling to find satin black caliper paint.

So....and dont laugh.....can anyone see any problems with using this paint on the calipers?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/STOVE-PAINT-WOODBURNING-CHIMNEA-CALFIRE-SATIN-BLACK_W0QQitemZ170295722498QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_H G_FireplacesMantelpieces_RL?hash=item170295722498&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1301%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318

Alternative suggestions warmly (no pun intended!) welcomed!

[amo]

mate i just used the halfords paint on high temp black with high temp red for the lettering
see if i can u a pic
thx amo

[WhyOne?]

Hi Amo.....the problem with the Halfords paints...and all the other caliper specific paints...I can find is thay are a gloss finish. I would prefer a semi-mat / satin finish.

[NSXGB]

Resurrection of an old thread but I'm in the process of painting my new calipers Satin black and found a good paint in screwfix that applies well and is reasonably priced.
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/82049/Paint/Spray-Paints/No-Nonsense-Heat-Resistant-Spray-Paint-Black-400ml

[Sudesh]

Hi Simon,

When I do the the callipers in black, I use a paint that was designed for stoves! Its a matt finish and looks fantastic. Has a very high melting point and has lasted the longest out of the paints I tried before. Key things though are cleaning the old paint off correctly, preparing the callipers and finishing with a hight temp lacquer as this obviously helps stop the stones and power washers, lifting the paint. I know not everyone does it, but removing the callipers and rubbers/seals etc is the only way to do the job correctly and get a real good finish. plus leaving the callipers for 12hrs to dry, although I usually leave for 24hrs in my drying room [aka the boiler house] lol

Heres the paint:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/icongroup/NSXPARTS/SAM_3533.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/icongroup/NSXPARTS/SAM_3534.jpg

[NSXGB]

Yeah, I think it's quite common to use BBQ or stove paint but I wanted a satin finish close to OEM.
The rear calipers I just bought (thanks Andy @ VTEC Direct) were a pretty close match to this paint but I gave them a couple of fresh coats for longevity.
As you say, the best way is to strip them down, for the perfect job, and a good chance to O/H them with fresh seals (thanks again Andy for them too).

[Chris B N]

I used Halfords high temp engine paint in matt black, also in gloss if you want it

[Nytram]

When I get round to having the brakes refurbed I was considering powder coating the calipers, is this wise or is it best to use these paints you are discussing?

Cheers Martyn

[WhyOne?]

Yeah, I think it's quite common to use BBQ or stove paint but I wanted a satin finish close to OEM.

I thought the OEM calipers were gold.....or is this just on later cars?

[Senninha]

I thought the OEM calipers were gold.....or is this just on later cars?

I believe its just the 02's Ian ...

FAYI and to update: The high temp fleabay paint I used 2+yrs ago is still sound, just needing a good wheels off clean ....

[Kaz-kzukNA1]

The calipers on 2002 Type-R had satin/matt black finish from the factory.

Instead of the gold caliper, that is the one I chose when I upgraded my brake system.


Kaz

[Nick Graves]

The earlier cars had a cadmium passivation like many older Hondas. It gave a silvery-gold (sweet-wrapper) sort of appearance that ages to grey & then to rust...

If one wanted to be pedantic, once could mix silver & gold Savage brake caliper paint (reckoned to be one of the best) to replicate that. I just used gold, TBH.

[NSXGB]

When I get round to having the brakes refurbed I was considering powder coating the calipers, is this wise or is it best to use these paints you are discussing?

Cheers Martyn

I would say that it would be more trouble than it's worth. If for any reason you need to touch up the paint, you won't be able to match it like you can with spray paint. Spray paint is the easier and more cost effective option.

[NSXGB]

I thought the OEM calipers were gold.....or is this just on later cars?

Yeah, sorry, badly worded, I wanted to match the satin black colour of OEM calipers that were painted satin black.

[Geraint]

Hi Simon,

When I do the the callipers in black, I use a paint that was designed for stoves! Its a matt finish and looks fantastic. Has a very high melting point and has lasted the longest out of the paints I tried before. Key things though are cleaning the old paint off correctly, preparing the callipers and finishing with a hight temp lacquer as this obviously helps stop the stones and power washers, lifting the paint. I know not everyone does it, but removing the callipers and rubbers/seals etc is the only way to do the job correctly and get a real good finish. plus leaving the callipers for 12hrs to dry, although I usually leave for 24hrs in my drying room [aka the boiler house] lol

Heres the paint:
<pics removed to save space>


Thanks Sudesh for the info on the stove paint, I've bought some similar stuff to refurb mine in matt black.

Would you mind me asking what you use to clean the calipers (removed from carriers but still in situ on the car)?

I've tried BH Surfex (strong degreaser), aluminium cleaner, handheld wire brush etc. The calipers seem to be a combination of gold & black, no greasiness or flaking on the surface but I'm not sure they're really ready for paint yet.

I feel the need to have them back to bare metal before painting, as I'm a bit of a perfectionist, but I'm not sure how to achieve this or whether it's really necessary.

Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks in advance :)

[NSXGB]

I would say, if the paint is in good condition, paint over it.
If you want to strip them back, Nitromors will get it off.
Obviously you could do a perfect job if you removed them, have the caliper seals been refreshed recently? While you're there....

[Sudesh]

Thanks Sudesh for the info on the stove paint, I've bought some similar stuff to refurb mine in matt black.

Would you mind me asking what you use to clean the calipers (removed from carriers but still in situ on the car)?

I've tried BH Surfex (strong degreaser), aluminium cleaner, handheld wire brush etc. The calipers seem to be a combination of gold & black, no greasiness or flaking on the surface but I'm not sure they're really ready for paint yet.

I feel the need to have them back to bare metal before painting, as I'm a bit of a perfectionist, but I'm not sure how to achieve this or whether it's really necessary.

Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks in advance :)

Hi,

I use Nitromors as Simon mentioned, however I also use a steamer/jet at 150°C which really shifts the paint. Best to remove the callipers completely and work in a safe area as you dont want sparks hitting the car also wear a mask, goggles and gloves, its serious stuff lol

I also remove everything from the callipers so not to damage the pistons, rubbers bleeders etc. After a complete stripping session you then need to rinse out any fluid/contaminents that will have gone inside the callipers [where the brake fluid channels] I just wash them out with water then a good flush with brake fluid.

Once its all dry, plug all the holes then start painting!

[Geraint]

Thanks for the advice chaps :)

I appreciate they need to come off to get a perfect job, but even then it sounds like it is a more involved job than I expected.

I'll just stabilise the surface, degrease it and give it a quick tart-up for now, and leave the full overhaul for winter when I won't mind having the car off the road for a bit.

Thanks again :)