Caliper painting

[Garauld]

I've already noticed the cheap zinc(?) plating on my new 2025 OT has already started to tarnish. It hasn't even seen any NY winter salt yet! I went down to the local RC model shop and picked up a couple on mini tins of Revell model airplane enamel: gold and brass. I thought the gold was too yellowy so I airbrushed some brass paint on one of my rear calipers. I like it enough so I will do the other three calipers when I have a dry day.

 

[incognito.gx]

This is what my brakes looked like after 6 months in the South Florida salt air. Thankfully, Lexus replaced them for free

 

[Garauld]

A winter in NY would initiate that effect which is what I'm trying to avoid.

 

[munkeeboi]

will that model paint hold up to the heat?

 

[Garauld]

will that model paint hold up to the heat?

Good question. Probably. Unless I were to drive around in Sport+ mode trying to run moonshine. My general experience after racing motorcycles for years has shown that rattle can paint (usually enamel) tolerates heat well. Since it is not a shade of white, I do not expect to see much of a change in color - time will tell. A $3 tin will paint 2 calipers and I can buy more 1.5 miles away. Here's a front caliper I painted today.

 

[nartmot]

@Garauld did you take the caliper off before painting?

 

[Garauld]

I intended to but when I removed the rear caliper I found that, with it's size and attached electric brake gizmo, it was just too heavy and cumbersome to paint. I put it back on and used masking tape and poster board to contain the overspray. It's not perfect but it's a lot better than letting the caliper tarnish and rust. I left the front caliper on as well - it was easier to paint than the rear.