How to Restore Faded Porsche Brake Calipers with Paint and Decals
Over time, factory-painted Porsche brake calipers can fade, chip, or lose their original luster due to heat cycles, brake dust, and exposure to the elements. Restoring them is one of the most impactful ways to refresh your vehicle’s appearance and maintain that signature Porsche performance look.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to completely restore your Porsche brake calipers using high-temperature paint and OEM-style caliper decals—without needing to purchase an expensive brake upgrade system.
Why Restore Your Calipers Instead of Replacing Them?
| Option | Cost | Time Required | Visual Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Brake Upgrade | $3,000–$8,000+ | Professional only | Very High |
| Caliper Paint + Decals | $50–$200 | DIY friendly | Very High |
| Touch-Up Only | $20–$40 | DIY | Moderate |
Painting and applying decals delivers 90% of the visual impact of a full brake upgrade, at a fraction of the cost—making it the preferred choice for Porsche owners looking for OEM quality with budget efficiency.
What You Need
Tools & Materials
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High-temperature caliper paint (red, yellow, black, or custom)
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Brake cleaner or degreaser
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Masking tape and protective plastic wrap
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Sandpaper or wire brush (optional for prep)
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High-temp Porsche logo caliper decals (link your product here)
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Clean microfiber cloths
Step 1: Prep the Brake Calipers
Preparation is critical for proper adhesion and a professional finish.
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Remove wheels to fully expose calipers.
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Clean thoroughly using brake cleaner to remove grease and dust.
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(Optional) Lightly sand areas with chipped paint to smooth surface.
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Mask off surrounding areas to avoid overspray.
Tip: Do not skip cleaning. Any residue will prevent the paint and decals from bonding correctly.
Step 2: Apply High-Temperature Paint
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Shake the paint can well.
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Apply light, even coats—start with a tack coat followed by 2–3 full coats.
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Allow drying time between coats according to manufacturer instructions.
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Let paint cure fully before applying decals.
Most Porsche owners choose red, yellow, or black to match OEM factory colors such as GT3, Turbo, or GTS models.
Step 3: Apply Porsche Caliper Decals
Once the paint is fully cured:
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Clean the caliper surface again to remove any oils.
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Position the decal using transfer tape.
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Press firmly for 20–30 seconds to activate adhesion.
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Carefully peel back transfer tape, ensuring the decal remains in place.
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Let decals cure for 12–24 hours.
High-temp vinyl decals are specifically designed to withstand brake heat cycles and deliver an authentic OEM finish.
👉 Shop Porsche Brake Caliper Decals (Insert link to your product page)
Step 4: Reassemble & Inspect
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Reinstall wheels.
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Torque lug nuts to factory specs.
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Take the car for a short drive to heat-cycle the brakes and set the paint.
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Inspect calipers for adhesion and appearance.
The result is a clean, factory-correct finish that enhances your Porsche’s exterior styling and overall presence.
Benefits of Restoring Your Calipers
✔ Improves vehicle aesthetics instantly
✔ Protects calipers from rust and corrosion
✔ Maintains or increases resale value
✔ Replicates OEM GT and Turbo model appearance
✔ Affordable and fully reversible
Final Thoughts
Restoring faded calipers with paint and decals is one of the most rewarding DIY projects for Porsche owners. With minimal tools and a modest budget, you can achieve a showroom-quality finish that dramatically enhances your vehicle’s performance look.
If you’re ready to start your restoration, Quality Prints USA offers high-temp vinyl Porsche decals in multiple sizes and colors—engineered to fit a wide range of Porsche brake calipers with OEM precision.