Powder Coating Brembos Tutorial

In this video, Chance will walk you through the process of effectively powder coating disassembled Brembo brake calipers, applying high temperature decals, and top coating with a clear powder. All prep-work was done before the video to save time. You can use high-temp vinyl tape to mask all areas that you don't want to powder coat.
Always remember, there are many ways to accomplish the same task, this is the way I did it, and this was over a year ago and the brakes still look great.
General Items Used:
-Bench-top powder coat oven (Walmart toaster oven)
-Redline EZ50 powder coat gun (eBay)
-Central Pneumatic 3-gallon "hot dog" compressor (Harbor Freight)
-Prismatic "Hot Yellow" powder (base coat)
-Prismatic "Clear Vision" powder (top coat)
-Custom ordered high-temp "Brembo" vinyls (eBay)
*Please note that taking apart Brembo calipers is a very bad idea if you do not have the right tools or know how. Some require very special sockets, torquing devices, and torque sequencing. Also note that some models have TTY (torque to yield) hardware that is NOT reusable once disassembled. Also, some Brembo calipers have small o-ring like gaskets that seal the two halves, you CANNOT purchase these from Brembo, or anywhere for that matter, so make sure you keep them in a small plastic bag with brake fluid in the freezer.*

[@Inner_Sanctum]

I re-uploaded this video back on June 2 2017, but this video is MUCH older than that. It was on my old account many years before this. Things have changed a lot since then, and I have learned a lot since making this video. I plan on making a MUCH needed update video that goes a little more in-depth on how to do things. Here's another video I did regarding calipers, torque specs, and safety stuff. Starts at about 7:43. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZuUhKFoar2cgrc Cheers!

[@onesikm3]

This is the highest quality work I’ve seen someone do on brake calipers! I saw a recent one of your videos using the vht spray cans and based off that I could already tell we share similar goals and strive for perfection and I needed to come as far back as I could in time to join the channel and see what your first video involved you doing! Lol and sure enough it’s another caliper video haha 😂 I did notice a bunch of sr content I my peepers caught as I scrolled over down to the bottom 👀 I’m sure I’ll enjoy watching them if they are anything as good as the two I’ve seen so far! Nice work brother hope to see more projects

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Another, more recent, video I did regarding calipers, torque specs, and safety [starts around 7:43]: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZuUhKFoar2cgrc

[@kichawatvinijchaikul3180]

I remember doing fod walk with Chance on the flightline in Okinawa. Great tutorial.

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Thank you sir!

[@flexxin_daily5127]

Ok, what did you apply to the mating surfaces where the calipers meet to make them black? Once blasted mine are bright silver in those spots. Yours are first set ive seen black right there.

[@Joseph-ex9kh]

This is so proper. Not just a spray can paint

[@X6itx]

Really high quality work i like that dude 💛

[@Michael-lo3ht]

Listen to it with headphones or ear buds. The music comes through too loud. Thanks for the video. Good to see something different done besides the usual mugs.

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Yeah, I was really new to making videos back then. I actually migrated this video from my other channel a while back. This video is actually several years old.

[@jodylarue2312]

Do you know of an aftermarket or brembo part for replacing the sight glass windows and seals on the master cylinders?

[@bluemoth1879]

Niceee…:) job. Very professional. Was wondering can you use an acrylic clearcoat to paint over decals on powder coated calipers. Or What would you recommend?

[@unforgiven101inc]

why didn't you plug all the holes with the threads is that going to ruin it or make it harder to screw it back together

[@Inner_Sanctum]

I did, I used silicone plugs, and I had zero issues.

[@sicwitit1981]

2 questions, where did you get the replacement seal kit, and where did you get the dust boot to protect the bore and fitting threads? I want to redo my old GTR calipers.

[@Zspeed]

Awesome video!!!

[@3030rey]

Hi, good tutorial, but I have a question I always had problem when I trying to put a second coat like clear coat it’s don’t want stick well to the part I use a ez 50 like you and I have a good ground rod , in order to apply the clear coat I need to heated up the Parts before apply the clear coat ? Any help I will appreciate

[@bigboibkyln]

might have to turn up the kv on the gun and also check your ground.

[@jshbryan]

I just ordered the Redline EZ50 yesterday. Is there a guide or training vid that describes what KV and air pressures to use on each coat? Also, looks like little to no orange peel. Who's colors do you use/buy from?

[@AjKaArjun]

Is it special heat resistant decal or just regular decal?

[@Inner_Sanctum]

I have always just used Oracal 651 on my calipers. Never had any issues.

[@MrPrince2289]

What type of yellow is that powder. I'm looking for that's exact color and not a lighter yellow

[@Inner_Sanctum]

MrPrince2289 Prismatic Hot Yellow PSS-1623

[@MrPrince2289]

@@Inner_Sanctum thanks a lot.

[@Theaveragemechanicpr]

Did you ever put out the video of the assembly?? You mentioned you had a torque value for them.

[@alunakoliva9648]

thank you for the information

[@N0b00st]

Where are you located?? Can I ship GT350 calipers to you

[@zipstuff]

What do you use for a torque spec for the bolts that mate the two halves together? Any thread locker on it?

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Here's a video I made more recently that will answer all your questions and then some: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZuUhKFoar2cgrc&ab_channel=InnerSanctumInnerSanctum

[@codyloughhead5320]

How much powder did you use total for the 4 calipers? Also how much clear did you use?

[@shadorealm7929]

What gauge copper wire did you use to hang them from?

[@stevenroby5393]

Partner, can you give me an idea on torque numbers putting the calipers back together. It seems like it’s a classified secret from Brembo. I’ve just done my front 4 pots and rear 2 pots. I believe the front bolts are M12. And the rear are M8. I appreciate any help. Thx STEVE

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Brembo does not want anyone taking calipers apart for any reason. Some Brembo calipers utilize torque-to-yield hardware that you need an angle wrench for, and some do have a re-torque spec, but you’ll never find it. I do not remember the spec I used for these calipers, but I remember it was extremely difficult to find. Note, this video is much much older than the posting date. These Acura ones luckily were not torque-to-yield. Which I found out after the fact. Could have been an issue for sure since Brembo doesn’t sell their TTY hardware either. I actually had to call a buddy that worked for Centric to find out. Even their rebuild kits do not come with the replacement o-rings for the halves. Sorry I can’t give you the info you’re looking for.

[@TriangleSquare52]

how much to do mine

[@manriquedijeres1026]

Do you use an especial kind of paper to do the stickers? Can a normal Sticker be used under the transparent without melting?

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Sorry for the ultra late reply. Getting this channel back up. Yes, I used a special high-temperature vinyl in this video. My supplier was just a random person on eBay selling high-temp vinyl. I ordered the vinyl and cut everything at home on my plotter. You can just as easily find folks on eBay that sell "Brembo" high-temp vinyl decals that will work. This is what I did at the beginning. Just make sure you get the correct sizes. I'd especially order a "variety pack" of small to large decals and talk with your supplier. If it means continued business, they will happily send you a sample pack of sizes with corresponding numbers. Then when you find the sizes that fit your projects, you send them the corresponding numbers back with a quantity. They will send you the exact sizes you need every time. Hope this helps.

[@j.d.7321]

Nice work! I'm inspired. Just one question how much powder did you use and how many calipers did you powder?

[@Inner_Sanctum]

You can usually do an entire set with less than 1/4lb of powder total.

[@gikser4869]

it would've been helpful if the process of installing the brembo decal on the caliper dead center was included in the video. this is one flaw of video uploaders tend to miss, attention to detail.

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Gik Ser well, I guess there’s always next time. This was the first tutorial/video I ever made. The upload date shows about 2 years old, but this video is much older from a previous account. Cheers to learning new things!

[@GstarCurtis]

Can you put down multiple layers of base and clear, when powder coating?

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Of course, just make sure you read the powder manufacturers instructions regarding it.

[@peterxavier5695]

Just curious as to what torque spec did you use on the 4 bolts that clamp the 2 halves together?

[@Inner_Sanctum]

I don’t remember off the top of my head for these specific calipers. They are all different. You can research torque specifications for Brembos, but they are getting a little harder to find now since splitting the halves is not considered “serviceable” anymore due to liability purposes. Brembo doesn’t want or recommend you splitting calipers anymore. The info is out there, but you have to dig. Also, it IS very important to torque to spec. Don’t ever guess.

[@TheIronKurtin]

Beautiful result. I like your methodology as well. A couple questions if you don't mind. 1) What vinyl are you using for the decal to withstand the heat? I have not done a sandwich layer with a decal before, however, when I use my adhesive vinyl by cricut for stencils it begins to smoke after a few minutes. 2) Can you recommend a good all purpose adhesive vinyl for powder coating (possibly high-temp), not necessarily just for sandwich layers. Thank you

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Sorry for the super late reply. Thank you for watching. I used to have a person here in San Antonio that would make my vinyls in bulk. I told her that they needed to withstand up to 500 degrees before deformation. She was able to track down just the stuff. Unfortunately I no longer do this (powder coating), and she passed away from complications during a surgery. I don't know where she purchased the material. Sorry Kurt.

[@TheIronKurtin]

I appreciate you getting back to me and I'm sorry to hear about your suppliers surgery complications. I'll keep looking, if you have any clues you can give me, feel free. Either way, thanks for the awesome video.

[@Inner_Sanctum]

My best advice is to look on eBay and buy one set of vinyls from different supplier's claiming "hi-temp decal". Once you receive a few different decals in the mail, I would powder coat a small steel plate, once cooled apply the different decals. After that, throw on a clear top coat and bake in the oven to whatever tha manufacturer of the powder recommends. Once cured, take them out of the oven and see which set performed the best. When you find the best one, stick with that supplier and order what you need exclusively from them. Here's a "hi-temp" claim on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Brembo-Brake-Caliper-Decals-Sticker/dp/B010OT1RSA Give it a go! Hope this helps.

[@RingYoBell]

One recommended vinyl to use in high-heat temperature applications is Oracle 651 vinyl. I also would recommend a "low temperature cure" clear.

[@RingYoBell]

+Inner Sanctum great video! By any chance are you selling your powder coat gun? Thanks

[@mandeepgill4116]

How long take to dry the paint

[@silvergrandam2002]

When you put the bolts back in what you do for them not being the same. Color

[@Inner_Sanctum]

You can do this a few ways: 1. You can clean up the hardware and run it in it’s raw metal color. Some like to just media blast the hardware to clean it up and install it. I personally think it looks just fine. It’s a bolt. 2. You can mask the bolt shank [including threads], and leave the bottom of the bolt exposed and the top of the bolt exposed, then coat the exposed areas of the bolt, and install. Most of the time the bolts thread from the back [inside] of the caliper, so minor scuffs due to torquing them are not showing when installed on the car. 3. Although not recommended, if you have calipers that have external balance tubes and have no seals between the caliper clamped surfaces [Ex. 1st Gen CTS-V calipers], then you can keep them together and just remove the piston seals, pistons, and etc., mask, then coat the part without separating them into two pieces. However, not a lot of calipers allow this.

[@NHEFF09]

only to find out that the bolts, now wont fit through the holes ?

[@Inner_Sanctum]

NHEFF09 What bolts won’t fit through the holes? These, and every other set I’ve done go back together just fine. You can always add 15 more steps to any process. At some point, you need to just do the work. There’s no need to add a bunch of extra steps that don’t add value to the equation. To be fair, I need to make a better video. This is at least a few years older than the posting date. I just merged it to this channel awhile back.

[@lopilloevo]

Where did you get the sandblasting cabinet?

[@notchcoupeful]

Really well done...... How good is that powder coating gun... I was trying to purchase that same gun thanks..

[@Inner_Sanctum]

I apologize for the insanely late reply. I'm just getting this channel up and running again. The Redline EZ was an excellent gun starting out. Honestly, if you are looking to get into PC, there's not a better option for the $$$.

[@alexisb5993]

Hey man. I saw that you don't do powder coating anymore but wondering if you know anyone who does in the San Antonio/Austin area.

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Hey, I would personally try San Antonio Powder Coating. However, if you are looking for top notch work, then take your stuff to Tirado Custom Coatings. Carlos Tirado is easily one of the best in Texas, but it's going to cost you. Also, getting ahold of him initially is tough because he's constantly inundated with work.

[@THESICKSILVERADO]

What kind of air pressure are you running?

[@mclovinnz]

bro what did you cover the piston bores with??? im wanting to blast mine but the sand will rip through regular tape? cheers

[@Davis9596]

I think he removed the pistons from the calipers. If I´m correct you can see it at the beginning.

[@Denis-bo8ms]

tdogusackit1 you can use regular duct tape. Ive also used 3M high quality masking tape to cover mine and no problems

[@Inner_Sanctum]

I used 3M High Temp Vinyl masking tape. It's designed specifically for powder coating. Look up "powder coat masking tape" on Google and you'll find it. It's a transparent green tape.

[@michaelboibodas]

What did this job cost?

[@zacharygilbert7947]

What do you do with the rubber parts in the furnace? Do you remove them? Or are they ok in the furnace?

[@zacharygilbert7947]

Or the black parts? Are those rubber?

[@Denis-bo8ms]

Zachary Gilbert all the rubber parts like seals have to be removed prior to out-gassing or they will melt. You will have to buy new seals

[@RanGer-498]

Zachary Gilbert rubber parts such as seals or are you talking about the plugs?

[@vincentlonbird1806]

RanGer498 I'm curious about them seals, I do have to remove them right? And the plugs, they are meant to keep powder away from unwanted areas, like threads. Right?

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Zachary, the black parts are the areas I had masked prior to curing the powder. You should NEVER put any seals in the oven with the calipers. The calipers MUST be disassembled and clean thoroughly, then mask all the areas you do want powder on. DO NOT powder coat with any seals at all! Also, I never reuse seals. I always replace every seal.

[@hungryrider7297]

I was wondering how much powder you actually used on all 4 calipers? Im currently looking around to order a bunch of powder, but I'm not sure how much I need!

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Sorry for the SUPER late reply. I just hopped back on this channel. The powder usage is minimal, I'd say no more than 3/4 cup for the base and 3/4 cup for the clear.

[@RLTPDX]

where i can buy the brembo kit

[@timmymoore2]

Is this a company. I have a 2020 ZL1 and I want that exact color?

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Timmy Moore No sir. This is a really old video that I reuploaded to this channel about 2 years ago. I no longer offer this service. However, the color is: Hot Yellow with a Clear Vision top coat from Prismatic Powders.

[@fernandor887]

How much would you charge for a job like this?

[@Inner_Sanctum]

I’m pretty sure I did all 4 calipers for $150, and that included the seals for rebuild. These were off an Acura TL. This is a REALLY old video that I re-uploaded to this channel a few years back. However, I’m pretty sure it was $150.

[@fernandor887]

If i pay you $200 to 250 would you be able to refurbish my brembos. And if so where can i send them i like how yours came out , my brembos are gold for a sentra ser spec v.

[@valkyrie_voodoo]

@@Inner_Sanctum that’s very cheap for such amazing work bro you should be charging double triple if that’s including sandblasting too

[@derbisenda4274]

​@@fernandor887 Send them to me and ill powdercoat them for you.

[@JackStieben]

I noticed that you said you're in SA from the comments, did you sell your oven and equipment to a guy named Taylor?

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Yeah, I sold him all of my old equipment.

[@Madvillian]

Where do you get your brembo decals?

[@Inner_Sanctum]

I make them with my plotter using high temp vinyl.

[@Botirador]

cool!

[@theoriginalpointby]

Just, before you split your calipers in half, call Brembo or Race Technologies and see if they recommend this.

[@Irishluckily]

tahoe1234x Brembo doesn’t recommend altering their products at all for obvious reasons being it’s a safety part and the liability involved. Although everyone does it without issues.

[@konecsveta1]

and brembo does not recommend powdercoating, they paint them. Powdercoating is softening the special aluminium they use

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Brembo used to powder coat all of their calipers and screened the logo on with a special high heat compound. Annealing for aluminum calipers starts around 650* F, the powder is baked at ~400* F. It's not uncommon for brake calipers to reach 400* F in regular track use. So, the information you provided is false. They do not use "special aluminum" for their products. They use a specific grade aluminum that has been heat treated for applications ranging above 450* F of use. There are some materials they use for concept brakes as well as F1 and other one off racing configurations, but you will most likely not be doing a set of those. Take your run of the mill STI Brembos. They ARE powder coated with a gold metallic polyester blend. The red Brembo logo is screened onto the surface. Side note: The newer "crazy looking" calipers that Brembo produces are in fact painted. Maybe even most of the calipers they produce now. They use a combination of epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic. However, that's mainly because of the Faraday Effect and cost. They can paint them much cheaper than they can powder coat them with less error. Powder coating that produces a 100% quality finish is expensive, and the room for error is greater than painting especially when complex shapes are introduced.

[@ericnelsonnn]

Also, you think the calipers don't hit curing temps while being used for racing? The racing brake fluids are made to go over 500F so I can imagine the caliper gets at least that hot.

[@petercar2446]

Do I have to buy a kit to put the brembos back together after painting them? I had a mechanic tell me that. I thought it would be as simple as taking them off the car, prepping them and then putting them back on. Please let me know. I have an 03 350z.

[@gunnerboy29]

They have to be removed before being put in the furnace. But since you have them out all ready you might as well replace them just in case you damaged one when taking them apart.

[@Inner_Sanctum]

I will never put calipers back together without completely refreshing them. It's just not worth putting in the old seals. You have it apart, replace the parts.

[@Pilottony]

What breaks calipers are those??? What car did they come from ???

[@Donyce19]

Greenlabels197 he said Acura TL Type S

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Yep.

[@gstlm7763]

I do powdercoat my self , i got told not to coat rear mounting points Becuase trough time paint & movement will make bolt to loose up. Correct me if am wrong thank you . Check my work on IG @G8STLM

[@Inner_Sanctum]

Yeah, just mask them off.

[@GargiFilms]

What is the torque spec for re-assembly?