Here are some pictures of my freshly painted calipers. I did this while my rims are off for Powdercoating because my car has been sitting on jacks. I think that the red will contrast great against the dark charcoal grey of the rims. Oh yeah the car is white.



Thanks to all the help from Ryan (dont_be_a_rikki), Mike (redFD), and the forum members!!!

 

same image

 

a how to?

 

 

Looks good. I see you left them on the rotors.

 

Sorry bout that here we go:

1. Cleaning the calipers - Get some soapy water I used some dishwashing soap. Then use some kind of abrasive brush I had a nice wire bush handy. You might want to go a little further with the cleaning, maybe with some sandpaper, but that was enough for me. Get them nice and dry after that.

2. Removing rear calipers - There are two 12mm bolts behind that hold it in. Also make sure your E-Brake is off when removing.

3. Masking off - I used newspaper to cover just about everything close. Also on the front caliper there is a big hole where you can see the pads and such. Make sure to either stuff some newspaper in there or use masking tape.

4. Red Coat - I went out to pep boys and got some 1200º-engine paint. I thought my brakes wouldn't be getting that hot. Sprayed about 3-4 coats on them.

5. White letters - At first I tried the Mazda touchup paint that matched my car but it was really hard with that brush and the way the paint dried. I had a model paint marker which was a lot easier, It just had a thin consistency so 8-9 applications were necessary to get the solid white.

6. Clear coat - Just incase everything else wasn't enough I went to pep boys again and got some 500º (highest they had) engine clear coat. Sprayed about 2-3 coats of that on.

 

Paint marker sounds like a good easy idea! I'll have to try that when I get around to this. Lookin' nice.

 

Looks good, I just painted mine black using the same paint you did. I think it came out great, and much easier to paint than those kits with *gasp* brushes and high prices. I had removed my calipers to do a full brake job (ss lines, EBC pads, new rotors, fluid flush) so that made it a lot easier but the result looks just like yours. I haven't taken the time to paint the 'Mazda' white though.. too lazy.

Matt

 

They look great. While rims are off clean up rotors and spray them with hi temp aluminum paint. When you see them through the wheels, they'll look fantastic.

 

Chris they turned out really good. You've inspired me to redo mine.
Rikki come on man You know you'll never do it . It doesn't make youre car any faster!! Don't pretend like you car what your car looks like.. Ha Ha

 

I was thinking about that... either that or wait till I can get some brembos.

 

looks pretty nice, i think i should do that to mine also =)

 

Chris..

The front calipers look great..
Ever consider, instead of painting the "mazda"
on the front calipers, but polishing them???
When I decide on stop being lazy. Thats what
I plan to do.. Polish the "mazda" that is..

Not a flame. but....
The rear being painted, to me is kinda rikki'ish..
Don't take it offensively. Hmm Maybe it would
look diff to me if you didn't paint the actual rear
of the brake pad.. Nevertheless it looks good.

 

those are irie....imma try that.......now i need to roll up into pep boys



uhhhhh but im too lazy

 

Chris,

They look great! I'm looking forward to meeting you. I've heard a lot about you from Ryan and Dave. I wish I could make the BBQ but have to work and live 3.5 hours south of you guys. I PM'd ya.

Andrew

 

I'm curious about one thing though.
I don't see how the white letters will hold up to the heat? if the intended purpose of the paint was for model cars, how can it withstand the high temps that the Brakes will Cause. Even 500 degrees from the clear coat might not be enough. I know that if you do some hard braking, it can get up to 800 degrees F or more.

 

I did the same to mine, but instead of the white paint, I took a file to the letters and cut the paint off to a nice silver shine. A 3M pad later, you have a decent satin finish. Sorry, no pics.

dlee

 

looks nice! .. have a fun time keeping them clean though ..

 

thats pretty sick, im gonna do it too but u got any pics with the rims on

 

Na man still waiting on the rims to arrive. If I get them by the weekend I will get some pics and post.

 

These are mine.....there ok..
Black calipers with polished mazda logo

 

Another

 

Very nice! First set of black calipers I have liked.

 

looks great, i plan to do this to my brakes soon. except i plan on removing the rear brake pads before painting them, and i think i am going to file and polish the front mazda embossment, because the model marker is more likely to fade or melt off.

nice job man.