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Stencil Your Brake Calipers

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  • Stencil Your Brake Calipers

    Quick DIY for stenciling brake calipers.. pretty straight forward job, but pics and tips might be beneficial to some

    Step 1. Prep for Stenciling

    Spray you calipers in a base coat using caliper paint (available from any auto store - normal paint won't take the temperature calipers reach during braking)

    NOTE: I've used old brake lines as I've some new braided ones to put on, you may want to just use a bolt and some wire to suspend the calipers while you spray them.

    Bake them in the only piece of cooking equipment your girlfriend doesn't own
    (see back of paint can for times.. )
    NOTE: Clean it first to minimize smoke + Temperature doesn't need to be too hot, don't over-cook 'em!


    Get your stenciling supplies ready..
    You'll need:
    -Scalpel
    -Cutting Mat
    -Metal Ruler
    -Liquid Paper Pen
    -Printable A4 Labels (available from Officeworks etc.)
    -Printer
    NOTE: Labels must be matched to printer (i.e. laser vs. ink jet)




    Step 2. Print Your Design
    -Measure the brake caliper to see how much room you've got to play with
    -Choose/make your design on your computer and print it out on a test piece of normal paper
    -Hold it up to the caliper, if you're happy with the size print it out on the label paper
    NOTE: Apologies for the self indulgent choice of design hahah! - I thought it suitable considering VWC often 'stops' me working on the car




    Step 3. Cut out the Stencil
    -Using your scalpel and mat, slowly cut out the areas you want the paint to go
    -A little tip, I always find it quicker/easier to do similar lines at once (e.g. all the vertical lines of the cog teeth)
    NOTE: Contrary to normal stenciling, you don't have to worry about 'bridging' - cut everything out lightly, trying to only cut through the sticky side (doesn't matter too much if you go all the way through though!)



    -Measure a square box around the stencil, marking the centre points, and cut it out - this will help you line it up properly on the caliper


    -Using your ruler and Liquid Paper pen, very lightly (i.e. just a speck of liquid paper) mark the points where your stencil should line up.


    Step 3. Stick it Down
    -Very gently peel the back of the label away



    -Another tip, use your scalpel to hold the label together and to help lift delicate parts of the label back.. take your time and peel of the entire back it's important the label stays together!



  • #2
    -Take your time and stick them down so they're square



    -Now take your scalpel and gently peel back the sections you want to spray



    -Once your done, use your fingernail to push back any burs on the stencil



    Step 3. Spray 'Em!

    -Mask everything off...
    (ran out of masking tape )
    -It's faster if you cut out a square area just bigger than your stencil, then stick down with tape..



    -Spray a couple of coats (10-15mins in between) of different coloured caliper paint - I held the can a little further back to avoid causing runs..


    -Once it's dry, remove the paper and peel back the label to reveal your design (carefully use your scalpel to get the small bits)!



    -If there is any over spray, very lightly rub it off with the back of the scalpel blade or use a polishing tool



    DONE!
    -Bake them again and fit!
    (I gave mine a spray with some caliper clear as well...)

    Comment


    • #3
      Nice clean job.
      I baked mine in mums convection microwave - didn't think to use the bbq ! LOL

      Will you see the logo as it is facing the wheel rim and not out the spokes?
      \( O ) o\====(\X/)=TDI=/o ( O )/ 2011 Jetta Mk5 125TDI - Squidly

      ((o)(O))====(\X/)=TDI=((O)(o)) 1996 Golf Mk3 TDI - Squid

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by Gigitt View Post
        Will you see the logo as it is facing the wheel rim and not out the spokes?
        Nope haha!

        There's no room for anything on the outward facing side + will be fitting Ronal R10s so doubt I'll see the calipers at all!

        Just did it for fun

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