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Ford Mustang V6 and Mustang GT 1994-2014: How to Paint Brake Calipers

Do-it-yourself paint makes adding a splash of color to your brake calipers as easy as 1-2-3.

By Charlie Gaston - September 23, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 and Mustang GT (1994-2014).

Painting the brake calipers on your 1994 to 2014 Ford Mustang V6 or GT is an easy do-it-yourself project that requires very little money and absolutely no professional expertise. You will need several hours to allow each coat of paint to dry, but you can also work on your next brake caliper as another one is drying. Or you can begin another DIY modification on your Ford Mustang while you wait. Either way, this is one upgrade you'll want to do yourself!

Materials Needed

  • Rags, cardboard or pieces of plastic
  • Plasti-Dip kit
  • Masking tape
  • Tire iron
  • Brake cleaner spray

Step 1 – Remove wheels and clean calipers

  • Jack up your Ford Mustang, and then remove the wheels.
  • To do this, you'll need to remove each lug nut using a tire iron.
  • It's not necessary to remove your calipers or brake drums to begin painting.
  • Remove contaminants from your calipers using a brake cleaner spray.
Figure 1. This is a brake caliper.

(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Car - MustangForums.com)

Step 2 – Mask off the surrounding area and paint

  • Mask off the surrounding area to prevent paint from landing on areas you do NOT want painted.
  • You may also use rags, newspaper, or cardboard.
  • Be sure to cover the wheel well.
  • Paint your calipers using a steady, even motion.
  • It's recommended that you hold the Plasti-Dip can at least 10 inches from your brake caliper throughout the application process.
  • Doing so will help you to achieve the lightest and smoothest application possible.
  • Apply three to five coats of paint to each brake caliper.
  • It's recommended that you allow each coat to dry for one hour before applying the next coat; always follow the manufacturer's printed instructions.
  • Add a glossifier for incredible, show-stopping shine.
  • Figure 2. Protect surrounding areas.
  • Figure 3. You have several options for protecting surrounding areas.
  • Figure 4. Paint your calipers.

Step 3 – Allow the paint to cure

  • Allow paint to cure for two hours, and then wait 24 hours before remounting your wheels.
  • When remounting your wheels, be sure to tighten each lug nut twice; once while your Ford Mustang is still on the jack, and then one final time once it has been lowered back down to the ground.
  • Adhere to the full curing time to ensure your paint has sufficient time to harden, and therefore deliver incredible results.
Figure 5. This is what the finished product will look like in terms of quality.

Pro Tip

Add decals for added vroom and flair!

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