What is the Difference Between Baked Paint and Spray Paint for Calipers?

[LaBrody]

There are several differences between baked paint and spray paint for calipers: 1. Process difference: Baked paint involves applying three layers of primer and four layers of topcoat on the base material, with each layer being sent into a dust-free, constant-temperature baking room for curing. Spray paint, on the other hand, involves applying a base material on the substrate, spraying paint over it, and allowing it to air dry naturally. 2. Paint film difference: Baked paint has smooth edges, uniform color, and full color saturation. Spray paint has rough edges, uneven color, and less saturated color. 3. Texture difference: The surface of baked paint is smooth, with no texture or orange peel effect. The surface of spray paint has texture, is not smooth, and exhibits an orange peel effect.

[Nate]

As someone who frequently modifies cars, I've tried two methods when changing the color of brake calipers. Let me talk about the difference between baking paint and spray painting. Baking paint involves applying specialized paint and then curing it in a high-temperature oven, typically above 100 degrees Celsius. This makes the paint surface extremely hard and heat-resistant, making it suitable for the working environment of calipers. It won't chip even during long-distance drives, and the gloss lasts longer. However, the downside is that it's troublesome—you need to find a professional shop to remove the calipers for the job, which is costly and time-consuming. For example, when I did it, it cost over 500 yuan and took most of the day. Spray painting, on the other hand, is done simply with a spray can or air gun and cures quickly at room temperature. It's cheap and DIY-friendly, costing just a few dozen yuan. The problem is that it's not heat- or friction-resistant. Under aggressive driving, the brake heat can cause it to yellow and peel, and the paint may last only a year or two before needing a redo. For safety, it's recommended to clean the caliper surface before modification to remove grease and avoid affecting brake performance. Also, be careful not to block the caliper holes, as this can impact heat dissipation.

[MacCollin]

If you're asking about the difference between caliper painting and powder coating, I'd say the key lies in durability and application difficulty. Painting involves DIY spraying with quick drying and flexibility, perfect for beginners who love frequent color changes—like switching from orange to blue was a breeze for me. However, the thin paint layer has a short lifespan; under summer traffic heat, it bubbles and peels, requiring regular upkeep. Powder coating, on the other hand, demands professional high-temperature baking equipment. The epoxy-rich coating is thicker, wear-resistant, and crack-proof under heat, lasting over five years. Yet, the process is complex: calipers must be removed and sent to a workshop, costing more and taking 3-4 hours—I waited a full day after my last mod. Aesthetically, powder coating delivers a smooth, factory-like finish, while spray paint often shows bubbles and unevenness. For tight budgets, spray paint is great for practice; for long-term use, powder coating is the wiser choice.

[AdrianaLee]

I've changed my car caliper color several times and found the biggest difference between baking paint and spray paint is durability. Baking paint forms a hard coating through high-temperature curing, resistant to brake heat, less prone to peeling with good gloss, suitable for professional modifications but costly. Spray paint dries at room temperature, simple and cheap for DIY, but the finish is less wear-resistant, prone to discoloration under heat, requiring frequent maintenance. When doing it, choose high-temperature paint to ensure normal caliper heat dissipation and avoid blocking the holes.