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Porsche 928: How to Paint Brake Calipers

Learn how to paint your Porsche 928's brake calipers. The steps outlined will work for both spray or brush painting.

By James Karuga - March 31, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 928 (1979-1995).

A painted brake caliper stands out through the rim of your Porsche 928 by adding rugged beauty to the wheels and a sporty feel. However, if the calipers are aged and the paint peels off, the brake calipers are dull and barely noticeable. A lack of paint also means the calipers are more prone to wear from rust, salt, and other elements on the road. Consequently, painting your Porsche 928's brake calipers also adds to their longevity. This DIY article outlines the costs, skills, and time required compared to garage services.

Materials Needed

  • Caliper paint kit
  • Wire and paint brushes
  • Turpentine
  • Jack
  • Wheel chocks
  • Tire iron
  • Abrasive pad
  • 220 grit sandpaper
  • Painter's tape and plastic bags
  • Caliper cleaner
  • Mask (if spraying paint)

Step 1 – Remove the wheels

Put wheel chocks on the other three wheels you aren't working on to prevent the car from moving as you work. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you're about to remove, then lift the Porsche with a jack, and remove the wheel on which you intend to start painting the brake calipers.

(Related Article: Porsche 928: How to Jack Up Your Porsche - Rennlist.com)

Figure 1. Wheel removed.

Step 2 – Clean the calipers

With a wire brush, scrub the Porsche 928 brake caliper until any dirt/debris on their surface is removed. Then, spray your caliper with cleaner like the VHT cleaners and scrub it with an abrasive pad. Rinse the caliper with soap and water, until it's as clean as it can be.

Figure 2. Spray the caliper with cleaner.

Step 3 – Light sand the calipers

Light sand your Porsche 928 caliper to remove any rough, bumpy spots. Finish off by wiping the calipers with mineral spirit like turpentine with a dry cloth to remove any old paint still stuck on. If you are to spray paint, cover the areas like the rotor where you don't want the paint to stain. A masking tape covers such areas well.

Figure 3. Protect areas that won't be painted with tape, and cover the rotor with a plastic bag.

Step 4 – Paint (or spray) the calipers

When painting the brake calipers, you can apply up to 10 paint layers. After you apply the first coat on the Porsche 928's caliper, wait 15 to 20 minutes for it to dry. Then, apply around 3 more coats while waiting for the same amount of time before applying successive layers. Finally, apply the protective clear coat last on the caliper. The clear coat is not vital to apply, but it nonetheless protects the other paint coats from UV sun rays. You can use various caliper paint kits in the market, like Dupli-Color and Rust-Oleum.

Figure 4. Spraying method shown.

Pro Tip

The advantage of paint brushing rather than spraying is the ability to access the hard-to-reach spots. Most Porsche owners prefer paint brushing. If you do spray on the paint, make sure to wear a protective mask for fumes.

Step 5 – Let dry and re-assemble the wheels

Motoring experts advise waiting four to five hours for the paint to cure and harden, and others advise waiting up to 24 hours before driving your Porsche 928. Once the paint is dry (not sticking to your fingers), assemble the wheel(s) back.

Figure 5. Finished wheel.

Pro Tip

Clean up the wheels to ensure the painted caliper won't get dirty once you plug the Porsche 928 wheels back.

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