CALIPER PAINTING
by Dan Roth
Have you always wanted to have those trick looking bright red calipers showing
through the rims on your Volvo? Many people just spray paint the calipers the
desired color. This works for a little while, but eventually heat, brake dust,
and exposure cause the paint to dull and flake off.
Before you paint your calipers:
- you should wire brush them after removing them from the car.
- Use acetone, mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, or your favorite toxic fluid
of choice to take care of the dust.
- Once the calipers have been cleaned to your satisfaction, its time to prime
them.
For this primer coat, contact PM Industries located in NJ. The number is 1-800-833-8933.
PM Industries offers an aluminum-rich primer that adheres very well to the calipers
called Mastercoat. MasterCoat is a single component moisture-cure aromatic urethane.
For the topcoat, use a urethane paint, as nothing else will retain its shine
or stand up to the harsh environment. PM Industries has a two-component aliphatic
urethane that is very tough. This paint can handle being doused thoroughly in
brake fluid and still shine like it was new. If they have the red in stock,
it is called AG111. The primer sells for somewhere between 30 and 40 dollars.
The topcoat should be very close to that also.
If you have any further questions, you can contact
Kevin Klotz. Kevin has experience as a lab technician at a paint company
and he supplied the information for this page.
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