If you require a quick answer, the best paint for brake calipers is the Foliatec Set, which comes as a complete painting kit and is available in 20 different colours. The paint itself is heat resistant up to 300°C and it provides a long-lasting gloss finish. However, if you would prefer to spray the paint onto the calipers, the MOTIP Spray is the best alternative.
To rate the brake caliper paints within this article, we based our recommendations upon testing multiple paints, plenty of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the choice of colours, finish, drying time, resistance to heat and chemicals, coverage, ease of application and value for money.
Brake Caliper Paint Comparison
| Brake Caliper Paint | Type | Colours |
|---|---|---|
| Foliatec 2160 Set | Painting Kit | 20 |
| E-Tech EBCP Kit | Painting Kit | 10 |
| TechniQ High Gloss | Painting Kit | 8 |
| MOTIP Spray | Spray Can | 3 |
| K2 PRO Paint | Spray Can | 5 |
| Hycote Perfect Finish | Spray Can | 2 |
In terms of the application, you have the choice of brushing or spraying the paint onto the calipers. Application by brush is the easiest method as it won’t cause runs whereas spraying the paint can provide a better finish if applied correctly. Whilst using a spray can, it’s advised that you spray multiple light coats to avoid paint runs. If you’ve never painted brake calipers before, we created a tutorial that covers the application with the calipers removed or still installed to the car.
Below is a list of the best paint for brake calipers that can withstand high temperatures, chemicals, oils, brake dust and weathering for a long lasting finish.
The Best Paint For Brake Calipers
1. Foliatec 2160 Brake Caliper Paint Set
By far the most popular brake caliper paint kit in the UK is by the Foliatec brand and they offer a choice of 20 different paint colours. It’s designed to be brushed onto the caliper using the provided paint brush and there is no need to dismantle any parts, which is very desirable for many people.
It’s a complete kit that comes with a brake cleaner and wire brush for cleaning the caliper before painting. Also included is a paint hardener, which easily mixes with the paint for a hard and shiny finish.
Other features of the Foliatech Caliper Paint Kit include:
- Solid gloss colour
- Choice of 20 different colours
- Easy to apply and requires no dismantling
- Heat resistant up to 300°C
- Chemical, corrosion and oil resistant
- Supplied with a wire brush, gloves, stick and brush
The Foliatech Kit is a high quality brake caliper paint that’s available in a range of colours and won’t disappoint. Although more expensive than some of the alternatives, it includes everything you require for preparation and painting.
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2. E-Tech EBCP-R Paint For Brake Calipers
Another complete kit for painting your calipers is the E-Tech EBCP and it’s available in over 10 different paint colours. Unlike the Foliatec kit above, this paint requires no mixing or priming, which makes it easier to use and less messy.
In terms of what’s supplied with the kit, it includes a 250 ml tin of enamel paint, 500 ml aerosol of brake cleaner and a paint brush for the application.
Other features of the E-Tech EBCP Kit include:
- Brushed application
- Over 10 colour options
- Long lasting finish that’s easy to clean
- No dismantling of parts
- Resistant to brake dust and chemicals
- Fast drying formula
Overall, the E-Tech EBCP is an excellent all-round paint for brake calipers and also one of the easiest to apply. It leaves a high quality and long lasting finish to the calipers and the complete kit is suitable for all four calipers.
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3. TechniQ High Gloss Brake Caliper Paint
One of the cheapest brake caliper paint kits that’s actually worth buying is by the TechniQ brand. It’s available in a choice of 8 different paint colours and the kit includes a brake cleaner, professional painting brush and the paint.
Other features of the TechniQ Caliper Paint Kit include:
- Choice of 8 colours
- High gloss finish
- Can be painted over in 30 minutes
- 4 hours to completely dry
- Resistant to chemicals and easy to clean
- No top coats or clear lacquer required
- Heat resistant to 260°C
Overall, the TechniQ Kit is a high quality and easy to use option that also offers great value for money. Another great benefit is that the paint is fast drying, which allows you to put multiple coats onto the caliper for a more durable finish.
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4. MOTIP Brake Caliper Paint Spray
Another popular paint for brake calipers is the MOTIP spray, which the brand claim provides a professional grade finish. It’s available in a choice of red, yellow or blue and each tin contains 400 ml of paint, which is more than suitable for multiple coats upon two brake calipers.
Other features of the MOTIP Caliper Paint Spray include:
- Easy to apply with good filling properties
- Long lasting high gloss finish
- Scratch-free and shockproof
- Resistant to petrol, chemicals and weathering
- 400 ml tin and choice of three colours
The MOTIP brake caliper spray paint is an affordable option that’s easy to use and provides great long lasting results. Although preparation is required beforehand, it only takes minutes to apply and it shouldn’t crack or peel for many years.
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5. K2 PRO Brake Caliper Paint Spray
Another highly rated brake caliper paint is the K2 PRO, which is a premium spray paint that’s quick and easy to use. It’s available in 5 different colours and it also comes in a large can that goes a long way.
Other features of the K2 PRO Caliper Paint include:
- Heat resistant to 260 °C
- Only requires 10 minutes between coats
- High gloss finish
- Resistant to brake dust, chemicals and salt
- Protects against corrosion
- 400 ml spray can
Although expensive, the K2 PRO is a highly rated brake caliper paint that produces outstanding results straight from the can. It’s also one of the fastest to dry between coats (10 minutes), which allows you to spray multiple coats for a more durable finish.
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6. Hycote Perfect Finish Caliper Paint
The Hycote Perfect Finish is a relatively affordable caliper paint that’s available in either blue or red. It’s a fast drying formula that can withstand temperatures up to 100C and it also has excellent resistant to sunlight and colour fade.
Other features of the Hycote Perfect Finish include:
- Red or blue finish
- Easy to use and fast drying
- Highly durable and resistant to weathering
- 400 ml spray can
Overall, the Perfect Finish brake caliper paint by Hycote is ideal for those on a budget and it also benefits from being easy to apply. The main drawback is that it’s only available in two colours but they are the two most popular options.
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How We Tested & Rated The Brake Caliper Paints
Painting brake calipers is a modification that we do to most of our cars and its certainly something anyone can do. As shown in the images below, we masked up the surrounding area of the caliper and added a primer ready for paint. In this particular example, we went for a red caliper paint but you are able to paint your calipers in any colour you wish.
As well as testing a range of brake caliper paints, we also based our recommendations upon hours of research and multiple factors. The factors that we considered included the choice of colours, finish, drying time, resistance to heat and chemicals, coverage, ease of application and value for money.
Conclusion
Before painting your brake calipers, it’s crucial that you prepare them beforehand. This involves using plenty of brake cleaner and a wire brush to remove any tough dirt or areas of corrosion. You can then proceed to paint the calipers and apply multiple coats for a more durable finish. It also important to allow the caliper plenty of time to fully dry out after painting before driving the car. Most brands recommend a few hours but we’d advise that you leave them overnight for peace of mind.
All of our recommendations above are suitable for all brake calipers and are available in a wide range of colours. Although paint that’s dedicated for brake calipers costs more than standard paints, it’s worth paying the extra for the heat and chemical resistance that’s required for a long lasting finish.
