A lifesaver instrument always should be present in good-looking shape. The brake caliper is a vital component in the braking system of your vehicle. It fades the cooler very soon because of the dust and other things on the road.
Giving a damn look by painting it with a bold color can make the component unique and gleaming. Many people don’t have an idea how much it paints a brake caliper and how to do it easily.
We’re going to lay out the typical price ranges in this area to give you a better idea of what to expect when making your decision.
How Much Does it Cost to Paint Brake Calipers?
If you take it to professionals the average cost to paint a brake caliper is anywhere near $250 to $550+ in 2024. If you go for DIY the cost comes to near $50.
If you want powder coating in your brake caliper you have to $800 to $900. It means you have to pay $200 to $225 for each brake caliper in recent years.
It will take to 6 to 7 hours to finish the work. A brake job is technically 2 to 4 hours of labor. Depending on the brakes the labor can charge from $40 to $160 per hour.
Brake Caliper Painting Cost Summary
This section provides a summary of the cost so that the article can be understood in its entirety.
| High Heat Spray Paint Costs | $10 for each can |
| Per Square Foot Cost | $32-$46 |
| DIY Cost | $50 |
| Caliper Painting Kit | $20-$60 |
| Labor Cost | $40-$160 (hourly) |
| Paint Cost | $250-$550+ |
| Powder Coating Cost | $800-$900 |
Average Per Square Foot Brake Caliper Painting Cost in 2024
There are different sizes you will find in the brake caliper. Some are small and some are big. But compared to other components of the car the brake is small.
We experts measured that the largest brack caliper is about 2 to 3 square feet. So in total, it is 8 to 12 square feet.
Our experts check that most auto technicians take 2 to 4.5 hours to paint the caliper. Most auto body shop charges from $260 to $600.
So, $300 total cost / 8 square feet = $37.50 per square foot.
The brakes are a bit bigger, so we’ll say 12 total square feet for painting calipers with multiple pistons.
$600 total high end cost / 12 square feet = $50‬ per square foot.
An average brake caliper costs around $38 to $50‬ per square foot to paint.
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Professional Brake Caliper Painting Average Cost
Brake caliper painting is easy but you have to separate the caliper first which is a little tricky. Most people don’t have any idea or tool for completing the task.
They can easily hire a professional to paint the caliper for them. The estimated cost to paint the caliper from a professional is around $200 to $560 in 2024.
This cost can go up to $800 because of the sufficient labor and increasing the kit cost. At this price, you will high quality prep work, high-temperature resistance paint, and the addition of decals that can add to the overall cost.
If you don’t have don’t time and interest to do the task you easily hire a professional. They will finish the task smoothly.
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Average DIY Brake Calipers Painting Cost
Painting the caliper with a professional may be a little bit costly. You can easily complete the task if you have the right tools and basic knowledge about cars. After you have partially removed the calipers, you can buy caliper cleaning supplies and paint for under $50.
Painting the caliper is simple compared to other customization parts of the vehicle. Before painting the calipers, you must remove them from the wheel, protect everything to avoid overspray, and then clean them. Click here to learn the overall process.
When choosing paint, be sure to buy high-heat paint, as calipers are exposed to high temperatures during the braking process. A can of high-heat spray paint costs about $10. You might also want to buy a basic face mask and protective eyewear to protect yourself from paint fumes while applying spray paint.
You can buy a caliper painting kit if you don’t want to buy supplies separately. They are between $20 and $60 more expensive than purchasing supplies separately. If you use caliper painting supplies, you’ll be sure they work.
These kits sometimes don’t include cleaning products. For a powder coat job, you will need other tools like a powder coat paint gun. A 16-ounce bottle of powder-coat paint only costs about $20.
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Brake Caliper Powder Coating Cost in 2024
The use of powder coating is increasing day by day. The use of powder coating can be an alternative to traditional painting your calipers. Powder coating provides better chip and scratch resistance than regular paint.
If you want powder coating in your brake caliper you have to $800 to $900 for getting it done through a professional. It means you have to pay $200 to $225 for each brake caliper. It can go up to $400 for each if your vehicle is a truck or SUV.
6 Major Cost Factors of Painting Brake Calipers in 2024
There are several factors related to painting the brake caliper. For these factors, the total cost may change. They are the Condition of your caliper, labor, types of vehicle, location, customization, and last regular paint or powder coat.
1. Condition of The Caliper
If your caliper is new then it will take less time to paint. But if the caliper is old and used for several years it will take more time. Because you have to clean the caliper first then you can paint them.
If you don’t clean them the paint won’t last long. The extra time the mechanic takes to clean and get ready for them to paint the cost will increase gradually.
2. Labor
Labor cost is the highest cost that influences the average cost job. If we compare the DIY and professional cost then you can easily understand the reason why labor is important.
The more time it takes the higher you have to pay for the job. Though the actual painting won’t take too much time. You may have a hard time removing the calipers.
3. Type of Vehicle
The Price tag of the caliper paint also varies with the type or model of the car. There are normal, classic, high-end and luxury are in the market.
Their brake caliper size also varies and the color quality is also different. The larger the caliper the more you have to pay.
4. Location
The location also matters. Costs will vary depending on where you live. If your location is a rural area then it’s very hard to find an auto shop or professional.
Sometimes you may have to go to the urban area for that. It may increase the cost. Find an accurate estimate at your local auto body shop.
5. Customization
Everyone has a different choice. Everyone wants to paint their favorite design or color. So different design has a different price tag. A basic paint job will cost less than decals, metallic paint, airbrush art, or two-tone paint.
6. Time
This process is time-consuming. To complete it, you will need 5 to 8 hours. It will take much longer to remove and prep the calipers than to actually paint them. It may take longer if your brake calipers are really rusted, or if they are difficult to remove.
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How to Save Money When Painting Brake Calipers?
You can easily save money on painting the brake caliper. Here are some ways to save money.
First, you can paint your brake caliper by yourself. You can find so many tutorials and articles on the internet about painting calipers. Our recommendation is that if you are familiar with how to rebuild/bleed brakes, you do it yourself. If you are not an expert on cars, you should hire someone who is.
Second, You can find a high-quality product at a low price by analyzing the market price. From Internet tutorials, you can find the right shop for the job, and find the right materials for doing it yourself. You can even learn how to disassemble your brakes and paint them.
Third, You should be flexible in choosing the paint color.
Fourth, You can purchase a bulk amount. After the paint sells the remaining amount.
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Is it Better to Powder Coat or Paint Brake Calipers?
Most people get confused about what is best for their brake caliper. Powder coating is a little bit expensive compared to paint. But the output you get from the powder coating is compared to none.
Powder coating is one of the finest paint. The use of paint is increasing day by day. Most people aren’t satisfied with the regular paint in their caliper. Powder coating becomes the best solution for this treatment. This kind of paint is superior no one is competing with it.
A brake caliper painted in the paint will look stunning at 5 feet. The surface will not be as smooth or as consistent as a powder-painted one. As a result, if brake dust accumulates on your brake calipers, you won’t be able to distinguish between brake calipers that have been powder coated or painted.
Powder coating is called the upgrade version of the painting. You might want to hire a professional if you want the powder coat.
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How Long Does it Take to Paint Brake Calipers?
In most cases, a dry coat or recoat is applied after 70°F and 50% relative humidity. You may need to wait a little longer for cooler weather.
We recommend drying the car for 2 to 4 hours, handling it in 6 to 7 hours, and then fully drying it after 24 hours. Reinstall the wheels 6 to 7 hours later, and then use the car again 24 hours after it has dried.
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Next, I’ll respond to the most frequently asked question (Brake Caliper Painting): FAQ
Is it bad to paint your brake calipers?
Obviously not. Most people paint the whole caliper this is bad for the caliper. If you paint the surface of the caliper it will seize off. You should not paint the rotor/disc areas of the pads. Some paint components can contaminate brake pads and change the friction.
Is painting brake calipers legal?
There is no legal obligation. You can easily paint your caliper with the color you want.
Do body shops paint brake calipers?
They do. Most of the shops do paint the brake caliper. Their price tag varies from one another. Before you get the service from the body shop make sure you discuss the price.
How long does it take to get calipers painted?
Most probably it takes 6 to 7 hours. Because you have to separate the caliper from the braking system. And you have to give the paint time to dry.
Do painting calipers affect insurance?
There is no effect of painting the calipers that could lead to an accident, that could increase or decrease the likelihood of fire or theft, or that would alter the cost of bringing the car back to factory standards.
Can you repaint brake calipers?
It’s not a big deal. You can obviously repaint the brake caliper if you wish. But keep in mind not to paint the brake discs. To prevent paint from splashing on other areas, you can either cover these parts with tape or remove them altogether.
Is it safe to spray paint brake calipers?
It’s Safe. You just need to take the same safety measures when you paint with a brush. You can easily paint the caliper with the spray can. Don’t use regular spray paint, which will flake off with time.
How long do you have to wait to drive after painting calipers?
You must give the paint to dry. Neither can’t perform their best no matter how resistant they are. When you remove the calipers completely from the car, give them at least 24 hours before reinstalling them.
Verdict on Cost-Analysis to Paint Brake Calipers 2024
Choosing the right paint and the right technician is worth the money. We can say the answer of how much it costs to paint your car’s brake caliper depends on what method you choose and other several factors too.
We hope this article will help you to know the ways of painting calipers and their cost too. To know more about brake calipers stay tuned to us. Have a good day.
