Painting Brake Calipers...Need Advice

[mgr1047]

Hello All,

With a little bit of luck my Taycan should be arriving in a few weeks. I have fitted mine with 20" Vossen HF-1's, so I think I need to paint the calipers as they will show through. I've read a lot of posts on painting brake calipers but I have a few questions:

1. What is the process/cost to do this? I know it will vary but just looking for some reference. I live in FL if that helps.

2. Where to get this done? I assume a paint/body shop.

3. Are there any safety issues or other cons to doing this?

4. Are there other options, such as buying ones that are already painted?

Thanks for any input. I've never done anything like this before.

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[ciaranob]

Hello All,

With a little bit of luck my Taycan should be arriving in a few weeks. I have fitted mine with 20" Vossen HF-1's, so I think I need to paint the calipers as they will show through. I've read a lot of posts on painting brake calipers but I have a few questions:

1. What is the process/cost to do this? I know it will vary but just looking for some reference. I live in FL if that helps.

2. Where to get this done? I assume a paint/body shop.

3. Are there any safety issues or other cons to doing this?

4. Are there other options, such as buying ones that are already painted?

Thanks for any input. I've never done anything like this before.

Last time I had this done it was for my M4 Convertible in 2015-2016 - apologies but for the life of me I cannot recall what the cost was but not cheap i.e. I want to say around $1000 but maybe less.

No issues if done correctly and will last the lifetime of the car i.e. powder coated and baked properly etc - the paint job is rel. expensive as of course it has to be done to withstand the very high temps calipers experience in use.

Any proper Pro shop (either in-house or w/ a 3rd party affiliated paint shop) will have done this many, many times - just find a good place - if you don't have one already I'm sure fellow Floridians here can suggest some to you (or touch base with you local Porsche club etc).

Of course you can purchase painted calipers but prob the most expensive route and if you are after a custom color then getting them painted is likely the only option but also cheaper!

Couple of pics of the M4 calipers - unique color to echo the interior leather !

 

[XLR82XS]

No issues if done correctly and will last the lifetime of the car i.e. powder coated and baked properly etc - the paint job is rel. expensive as of course it has to be done to withstand the very high temps calipers experience in use.

This is good advice. Porsche - not a Honda.

 

[RAHRCR]

Hello All,

With a little bit of luck my Taycan should be arriving in a few weeks. I have fitted mine with 20" Vossen HF-1's, so I think I need to paint the calipers as they will show through. I've read a lot of posts on painting brake calipers but I have a few questions:

1. What is the process/cost to do this? I know it will vary but just looking for some reference. I live in FL if that helps.

2. Where to get this done? I assume a paint/body shop.

3. Are there any safety issues or other cons to doing this?

4. Are there other options, such as buying ones that are already painted?

Thanks for any input. I've never done anything like this before.

The advice provided thus far is pretty sound. I presume your car is coming with black calipers. If you plan to paint with any other color other than black, I would use extreme caution. Things that look “DIY” on other brands are typically unacceptable on a Porsche. Changing colors can be done on premium brands but they need to be done with similar processes that the mfg would use….which is generally pretty expensive.

 

[mgr1047]

The advice provided thus far is pretty sound. I presume your car is coming with black calipers. If you plan to paint with any other color other than black, I would use extreme caution. Things that look “DIY” on other brands are typically unacceptable on a Porsche. Changing colors can be done on premium brands but they need to be done with similar processes that the mfg would use….which is generally pretty expensive.

I ordered a RWD with stock 19” tires and rims bc I ordered the Vossens. I assumed mine would come with a standard matte grey color caliper. If they are black, then I would be fine with that. Anybody know what color comes on the stock 19” setup?

 

[Draman]

I could be wrong but I believe the calipers that come with standard steel brakes on the 19" cars are red

 

[Unibrowser]

Standard is black on the RWD/CT4 and red on 4S/GTS. Not sure about higher Trims but the configurator should give you a look at the calipers if you spec open wheels (non-aero)

 

[mgr1047]

Standard is black on the RWD/CT4 and red on 4S/GTS. Not sure about higher Trims but the configurator should give you a look at the calipers if you spec open wheels (non-aero)

They do appear black when you zoom in. If anyone has experience with a RWD on base wheel/rim package please let me know caliper color. I suppose I can find out in a few weeks though...fingers crossed. Thanks for all of the information guys. This is a great forum.

 

[Skilly]

Ive done both methods.

Paint - budget $1K
- not nearly as difficult and as is always the case with paint, prep is what will determine the finish.
- I have both DIY and paid (hence the budget above). If you DIY, patience and a couple of days will get you the results you want.
- the gold above can be done, to get it perfect, you will want to lean towards a two stage (silver base and then color top coat).
- DYI is messy and if you arent that hands on type person, dont do it. Pay someone. For me, its part of the fun of owning these things.

Here is an example of two stage finished in paint:

Powder - budget $2K
- they all need to be removed from the car
- you will need a rebuild kit because they need to be broken down in terms of removal of the pistons and cups etc
- powder coating is THICK. Most manufacturers use paint, not powder. You will be best with a single stage, and a spray clear coat rather than a powder clear.
- get this right and it will be bulletproof, but plan on doubling your costs (as noted above)

Here is an example of that finish:

 

[tbinmd]

They do appear black when you zoom in. If anyone has experience with a RWD on base wheel/rim package please let me know caliper color. I suppose I can find out in a few weeks though...fingers crossed. Thanks for all of the information guys. This is a great forum.

base models rwd/4 are black calipers for the base brakes.

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