Why Does Caliper Painting Take 3 Days?
3 Answers
Because caliper painting requires applying three coats of primer and four coats of topcoat to the caliper. Each coat is baked in a dust-free, temperature-controlled oven, making the process quite intricate, hence the 3-day duration. Below are the differences between baked painting and spray painting: 1. Process: Baked painting involves applying three coats of primer and four coats of topcoat to the base material, with each coat baked in a dust-free, temperature-controlled oven; spray painting involves applying putty to the base material, then spraying paint over it and allowing it to air dry naturally. 2. Paint film: Baked painting results in smooth edges, uniform color, even paint film, and rich color; spray painting results in rough edges, lighter color than the door panel, uneven paint film, and less rich color. 3. Texture: Baked painting produces door panels with a smooth surface, free of texture or orange peel effect; spray painting produces door panels with texture, not smooth, and exhibiting an orange peel effect.
I just finished the caliper painting job, and now I know why it takes three days. The first step is to thoroughly clean the brake calipers, removing oil and rust, which takes half a day. Then, the surface needs to be sanded to ensure it's smooth, otherwise the paint won't adhere properly. After applying the primer, it needs at least eight hours to dry for strong adhesion. The topcoat is applied in several layers, with each layer requiring over four hours to dry completely. During the curing phase after applying the clear coat, high-temperature paint needs 24 to 48 hours to fully harden, preventing peeling under braking heat. Throughout the process, you also have to check for any imperfections and rework small bubbles. The entire process can't be rushed, otherwise the paint may crack or flake, affecting safety, which is why professional shops schedule three days for it.
Last time I had my car's calipers modified, the shop insisted it would take three days. On the first day, they disassembled, cleaned, and spent a long time sanding before applying the primer and letting it dry initially. The second day was for the topcoat and drying phase, which could take longer if the weather was humid. On the third day, they did a final inspection, reinforced the clear coat, and made sure everything was secure. The mechanic emphasized that calipers operate in a high-heat environment, and if the paint isn't properly cured, it can burn, discolor, or peel off, which is dangerous at high speeds. I've personally seen cases where rushing the job resulted in botched paintwork, leading to costly rework. Waiting an extra day ensures the paint lasts a year without fading—totally worth it. Now, my bright red calipers have been holding up perfectly for over half a year.
