Re: best brake drum paint

Posted by BH On 2009/3/8 14:58:24

Seems like people have been painting brake drums (and rotors) for as long as there have been wheels that left them exposed (like Cragar mags), but I've only noticed special paints available for drums, rotors and calipers in recent years. Painting hasn't always been to make them factory correct, though; I've seen some fluorescent colours used. To each, their own - I guess.

VHT makes a specialized paint for that purpose, but I don't know if a product like that is necessary for drums, especially when hidden by the stock wheels.

I'd think a high-quality spray-on engine enamel would work just as well on brake drums, but surface preparation will be more of a factor in achieving good adhesion and durability.

For years, I've painted drums and rotors with nothing more than thinned down RustOleum (and before that, whatever black automotive paint I had on hand). I applied it by brush, but tried to avoid getting a heavy build-up of paint that might interfere with heat transfer. All I did for surface prep was wire-brush 'em by hand, then rinse with aerosol brake cleaner, and let dry. I might have had to touch 'em up a little whenever I had the tires off for other work, many miles later.

Yet, since the OE drums on the Packard V8s have a formed steel web between the friction ring and the hub, you might want to use a compatible primer or something else to give a little "tooth" for the paint.

Perhaps others will chime in with details of their experience in this area.