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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17376

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
Brake caliper paint
I am in the process of overhauling a set of calipers which I removed some time ago from my Defender. They've been stored for some time since I removed them and were pretty scabby when I started.

So far I have shotblasted them to get the rust and crud off, and today removed the old pistons (a challenge which entailed splitting the calipers, drilling a hole in the centre of the old pistons, tapping it with and M12 thread, and using a bolt as a jackscrew to force the piston out).

The next step is a final thorough clean, and then paint, then reassemble with new gallery seals, piston seals and stainless pistons.

However I have no experience with any of the many caliper paints or other VHT paints on the market, and wondered if anyone here has any advice or recommendations (I want a rattle can paint if possible) for paint and primer?

Also is it true that I gain extra horsepower if I paint them red? Rolling with laughter
Post #965308 17th Sep 2022 5:39pm
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Screbble



Member Since: 26 Apr 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2102

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver
I like your method of removing the old pistons Thumbs Up

I’ve used various rattle cans over the years but prefer the brush application for VHT paint.

The well known high street motor accessory chain beginning with H sells some good VHT paint, but my most recent purchase was from a motorcycle store. It’s lasted well.



Click image to enlarge


Blue = +5bhp
Red = +10bhp
Yellow =+20bhp
Gold = warp factor 9
Post #965310 17th Sep 2022 5:51pm
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The Zee



Member Since: 26 May 2019
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 289

United Kingdom 2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Indus Silver
I believe that Brake Caliper Speclists (BCS) sell the paint they use: https://www.bcs-automotive.co.uk/high-temp...per-paint/

I've used them to overhaul a set of calipers for my previous SAAB, they did an excellent job of a complete rebuild, in a custom colour; OEM satin black. Thumbs Up Zaid-M
www.DefencePhotos.com
2014 Defender 110 Utility, 2.2 Puma, Indus Silver
Not just transport more like a religion
Post #965314 17th Sep 2022 6:12pm
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17376

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
Thanks Screbble, the jackscrew method was the only thing that was going to shift these pistons, and although the pistons a majorly corroded the caliper bores are fine.

Did you prime before brushing or just apply to clean bare metal?

I was looking at the BCS website, they seem to know what they're doing!
Post #965315 17th Sep 2022 6:15pm
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The Zee



Member Since: 26 May 2019
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 289

United Kingdom 2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Indus Silver
Blackwolf,
there is a primer from BCS, I'd be inclined to prime, then 2 coats of your colour of choice. the primer both providing the bonding interface between surface and colour coat, but also smothing the surface of the caliper so hiding any imperfections and providing / resulting in a better final finish. If you can get a gravity feed small spray gun or airbrush for best results (the type used for small smart repairs like ChipsAway)

As for colour; (Caveat : in my opinion, no offence )

Silver - looks like nothing has been done Rolling Eyes
Red - Trying to hard to look like Brembos Confused
Yellow - Trying to hard to look like Porsche Neutral
Black - Nobody will see your hard work Sad
Gunmetal / anthacite - perfect compromise Cool Zaid-M
www.DefencePhotos.com
2014 Defender 110 Utility, 2.2 Puma, Indus Silver
Not just transport more like a religion
Post #965316 17th Sep 2022 6:29pm
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Screbble



Member Since: 26 Apr 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2102

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver
I didn’t prime but did very thoroughly degrease and ‘roughen’ up the surface. The directions that were supplied with the VHT paint suggested to apply direct - but ordinarily I would have applied primer.

I agree with Zee regarding the colours and when it’s time to change I’ll be opting for anthracite 👍
I suspect that might only increase BHP by >2.5% Laughing
Post #965321 17th Sep 2022 6:40pm
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kenzle8a



Member Since: 12 Feb 2020
Location: None
Posts: 1074

 
Most vht is primerless and in my exp goes on very well, the best trick I’ve learned on cast steel parts is to heat them with a mapp torch before painting as it lifts all the oils out of the rough
Post #965325 17th Sep 2022 7:20pm
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Mossberg



Member Since: 29 Feb 2020
Location: Lancs
Posts: 553

United Kingdom 1993 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Aintree Green
Just incase you are as tight as I am, Lidl currently have high temperature matt black in a rattle can for £4
Post #965333 17th Sep 2022 8:18pm
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Dinnu



Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3414

Malta 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black
How about re plating them?
I have my small diy zinc plating bath that want to eventually try re plate my calipers.
But probably paint is longer lasting (as long as it can resist minor spills of hydraulic fluid during bleeding) as the zinc is kind of sacrificial. 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black
Post #965345 18th Sep 2022 2:20am
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LR90XS2011



Member Since: 05 Apr 2011
Location: bickenhill
Posts: 3641

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Galway Green
I've just used Hammerite smooth on all my cars with no primer but good prep, and it has lasted very well.

Did the landy 9 years ago and look as good as the day I did them (although it is low mileage and lives in a garage)

I used the gold that looks a bit like an anodised calliper. DEFENDER 90 TDCI XS,

I hope everyone is well and your land rovers make you happy
Post #965346 18th Sep 2022 5:46am
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rustandoil



Member Since: 08 Sep 2012
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 738

England 2005 Defender 110 Td5 XS DCPU Bonatti Grey
I don't know about prices but for another company to do the work for you have a look at https://www.biggred.co.uk/
I've not used them myself but seem to offer a professional service
Post #965347 18th Sep 2022 6:26am
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17376

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
Thanks all, some interesting and useful suggestions here.

I'm not sure that plating is a good idea since I wouldn't want to plate the machined galleries, seal recesses, nor cylinders, and I don't see how this could be avoided.

If I'm honest I'm painting them for protection and longevity not looks and bling (my Defender is functional not decorative!), and certainly not for the mythical extra performance!
Post #965354 18th Sep 2022 7:24am
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Screbble



Member Since: 26 Apr 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2102

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver
Absolutely right Blackwolf!

At times like this I ask myself “what would Kahn do?”

And then I do the opposite.

(Except for blingy red calipers which I do like because of other red themes going on on my truck…)

Anthracite it is then Blackwolf Thumbs Up

Don’t forget to book the Dyno… Rolling with laughter
Post #965357 18th Sep 2022 7:31am
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Dinnu



Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3414

Malta 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black
Just mask, same as you would do for painting Wink 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black
Post #965358 18th Sep 2022 7:32am
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Mossberg



Member Since: 29 Feb 2020
Location: Lancs
Posts: 553

United Kingdom 1993 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Aintree Green
Just one note, some paints may require you to bake the paint on, so it may be worth you doing the painting before building. This even goes for the Lidl £4 stuff.

I got a tin of black paint on brake caliper paint. I de-greased the Britpart calipers with brake cleaner, scotchbright then paint thinnerswipe down. Painted them with a brush and was very disappointed with the result. Paint was coming off as I added another coat.

I then replaced my rear calipers. Cleaned them with IPA, scotchbright, IPA then painted with the Lidl paint. It went on easy and gave a nice even matt finish. Unfortunately I couldn't bake them as I had nothing to bake them in.

I can't give you feedback on how well they last as I don't use the truck enough, but I would say preparation is a major key.
Post #965372 18th Sep 2022 9:14am
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