A Guide to Powder Coating Brembo Brake Calipers for Custom Performance Looks

Introduction to Powder Coating Brembo Calipers

Upgrading your brake system is one of the best modifications you can make to improve the performance and appearance of your car. Brembo is one of the top manufacturers of high-performance brake calipers, known for their exceptional stopping power and sleek designs.

Powder coating has become a popular way to customize the look of brake calipers while also protecting them from wear and corrosion. Powder coated calipers can really make your brakes stand out, especially when paired with slotted or drilled rotors.

In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about powder coating Brembo calipers, from how it works to tips for choosing the right shop and achieving the best results.

How Does Powder Coating Work?

Powder coating is a dry finishing process that applies a polymer powder to metal surfaces using an electrostatic charge. The powder sticks to the grounded metal object, then gets heated in an oven to melt and fuse it into a smooth, durable finish.

Compared to paint, powder coating is much tougher and provides excellent protection against chips, scratches, fading, and corrosion. It's commonly used on automotive parts like wheels, brake calipers, and engine components.

The Powder Coating Process

Here are the basic steps for powder coating brake calipers:

1. The calipers are disassembled and media blasted to remove any old paint or rust and prepare the metal surface.
2. The parts are then hung on a rack and grounded to accept the powder coating.
3. The desired colored powder is electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the calipers to coat all exposed surfaces.
4. The powder coated parts are placed in a curing oven to melt the powder into a smooth finish.
5. After curing, the calipers are reassembled and inspected for proper coating thickness and consistency.

Benefits of Powder Coating

Some key advantages that make powder coating a great choice for calipers include:

• Durability - Powder coat forms a thicker, tougher finish than paint that is highly resistant to chipping, peeling, and fading.
• Corrosion resistance - The coating provides an excellent barrier against rust and corrosion.
• High temperature resistance - It can withstand brake heat up to 400°F without discoloring or degrading.
• Custom colors - Powder comes in virtually any color imaginable to match your car's paint or create a custom look.
• Environmentally friendly - Powder coating produces zero VOC emissions and unused powder can be recycled.

Choosing the Right Shop for Powder Coating

The key to getting great results from powder coating your Brembo calipers is choosing a shop with experience and expertise. Here are some tips for finding the right powder coating shop:

Look for Specialization in Automotive Work

Opt for a shop that specializes in coating wheels, calipers, and other automotive parts. They will be familiar with properly masking brake components and meeting the temperature resistance needs for brake parts.

Make Sure They Can Handle Large Parts

Brembo calipers are larger than the brake components on most cars. Choose a shop with oven sizes big enough to accommodate the larger calipers.

Ask About Their Preparation Process

Proper media blasting is crucial to remove old paint and corrosion and prepare the calipers for powder coating. Inquire about their process to ensure it meets standards for brake component coating.

Request Examples of Their Work

Reputable powder coating shops will have examples of previous brake caliper jobs they've completed. Ask to see pictures to get a feel for the quality and colors they can produce.

Read Reviews

Check reviews online to see what past customers have said. Look for consistent feedback praising their professionalism, quality standards, and customer service.

How to Get the Best Results from Powder Coating

To achieve the highest quality powder coated Brembo calipers, keep these tips in mind:

Completely Disassemble the Calipers

All the parts must be media blasted and powder coated individually to coat every surface. Reassembling before coating risks leaving unprotected areas.

Use High Temperature Powder

Ensure the shop uses powder formulated to withstand temperatures over 400°F to cope with heat from brake pads pressing against the rotors.

Mask Off Critical Areas

The shop should properly mask piston bores, bleed valves, mounting brackets, and other areas that need to remain powder-free.

Get the Right Powder Thickness

The coating needs to be applied 2-4 mils thick for proper durability and corrosion resistance. Too little powder won't provide enough protection.

Cure at the Right Temperature

The powder must reach around 400°F during baking to properly melt and fuse to the caliper surface. Lower temps can leave the coating undercured.

Inspect Closely After Coating

Carefully examine the calipers after powder coating to check for any missed spots, uneven coating, or areas that need to be redone.

Powder Coating Costs

The average cost for powder coating a full set of four Brembo brake calipers ranges from $300 to $600. The exact price will depend on factors like:

• Shop location - Prices are higher in some regions
• Color chosen - More complex colors can cost more
• Shop reputation and quality - Highly rated shops charge more
• Additional services - Things like media blasting or disassembly/reassembly affect the price

It's important to consider powder coating as an investment that will pay off in the long run through added performance, protection, and visual appeal.

Maintenance Tips for Powder Coated Calipers

To keep your powder coated Brembo calipers looking like new, follow these simple maintenance practices:

• Allow the coat to fully cure before reinstalling - Wait 24 hours after coating
• Carefully reinstall calipers to avoid scratching the finish
• Use a brake caliper lubricant when servicing to prevent binding
• Thoroughly clean wheels and calipers when washing the car
• Avoid using harsh cleaners, abrasive brushes, or pressure washing
• Touch up any chips in the coating right away to prevent corrosion
• Re-coat after 2-3 years to refresh the finish

Conclusion

With proper preparation, high-quality powder coating application, and ongoing maintenance, you can enjoy custom colored Brembo brake calipers that will continue looking pristine for years. The added protection and visual flair of powder coating is well worth the investment for many enthusiasts seeking to put their own unique stamp on their vehicle's appearance and performance.

FAQs

Does powder coating affect brake performance?

No, powder coating is just a cosmetic coating and does not interfere with brake operation. It can withstand high heat from the brakes without issues.

What colors can I choose for powder coated calipers?

Powder coating comes in virtually any color imaginable, from basic black or silver to bright oranges, greens, yellows, and other custom colors to match your car.

How long does powder coated calipers last?

With proper care and maintenance, a quality powder coated finish on calipers will typically last 2-3 years before needing to be re-coated to refresh the look.

Is the powder coating process difficult?

The process itself is straightforward but does require disassembly, media blasting, powder application, and baking. It's best left to professional powder coating shops.

Does powder coat add thickness to the calipers?

Powder coats are applied 2-4 mils thick, so they do add a negligible amount of thickness. This does not affect brake performance or caliper operation.