Faded Calipers

[bryanviper]

Hello All,

I have a 2007 VW GTI with factory Red Calipers. Over the years they have started to fade. Now if I wash them or even put a bit of wax on them the deep red colour comes back a bit so I'm wondering if I was to buff/wax them with my GG 6" DA if that would help bring back the color?

If so how would I go about doing that? Would wax fix this issue or should I be using 3D AIO or something similar?
Also should I just be using a black pad or white/Orange?

Thanks

 

[Desertnate]

You don't even need to use a DA.

I have a 2014 GTI with the same problem. Last year I had my wheels off, so I thought I'd play around with the calipers while they were easily accessible. I found simply polishing them by hand easily brought back the original factory color. The single stage paint used on those parts is really easy to correct.

I actually used Griot's Garage One Step Selant instead of a dedicated polish as it was the mildest stuff I had on hand. Any mild finishing polish should do the trick for you as well. I applied the product to a small foam applicator pad.

 

[bryanviper]

Great, thanks for the info I will give it a try in the spring.

Also I was considering putting cquartz UK on my calipers but not sure if it can take the heat or not?

Thanks

 

[Ebg18t]

Polish then apply a coat of dLux.

 

[Lt1xL82]

The polishing idea sounds like a good idea. The wax idea not so much...brake calipers can get very hot.

 

[bryanviper]

I'll probably end up using the HD SPEED - All In One Polish & Coat it with Cquartz UK if it can handle the heat (emailed them asking)

Thanks

The polishing idea sounds like a good idea. The wax idea not so much...brake calipers can get very hot.

 

[oldmodman]

I had a little worse situation. My Ford Cobra calipers were quite faded after ten years.

So while i had them off the car and totally disassembled I powder coated them. And after the color coat i put on a coat of high gloss clear. Then hand painted the lettering with VHT 1100 degree paint.

They look much better than new.

 

[lawrenceSA]

Agree with the advice on here so far.

Polish with a finishing polish or AIO and try either seal, or go with a coating (haven't used any coatings on calipers so can't really offer any advice in this regard)

 

[Desertnate]

While I like the idea of painting them and then adding a clear coat, I wonder how well brake caliper paint like G2 holds up. Anyone use it?

 

[bryanviper]

So this past weekend I ended up putting on my summer rims and also cleaned my wheel wells, calipers, polished my calipers which made a big difference & then put Cquartz UK on it to give it an even more glossy look.

Soap Wash
IronX
HD Speed Polish
CarPro Eraser
Cquartz UK

Second Last picture was the clean faded caliper, the others were either after being polished or with the Cquartz UK coating on it.

Turned out great! Thanks guys