[Graybeard]

Some people powder coat their calipers, because they get rusty, and for show. I am a little concerned, because it appears the OEM use little or no protective paint on calipers for some reason.

Powder coating goes on typically .010" thick, and is a heat insulator. I wonder if coated calipers could overheat due to lack of heat radiation? The seals would fail, right?

That brings up the thought that badly worn pads - even metal to metal - might overheat the piston and cook the seals.

What's the tribal knowledge on this?

[Dominick]

I found this link my thoughts are that it is a lot of work with not much advantage
How to Powder Coat Brake Calipers | eHow.com

[Canuck623]

Yeah it is a lot of work for a little color. Hi temp caliper paint would give the same result for a fraction of the cost.

[Skyhawk]

I would be more concerned about boiling the brake fluid than melting or distorting the seals. If you do a lot of towing, mountain driving, or "heal and toe" driving then use a higher temperature rated brake fluid, say DOT 4. Ditto the above. The high temp paint works just as well for a lot less money and a lot less work. Mask the piston boots. The paint can dry out the rubber. Do the caliper mounting brackets while you are at it.

[mark v]

I have seen them zinc plated and also rattle can painted with high temp paint. I would assume as long as they were prepared correctly normal paint would stick.