Brake Caliper Specialists Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 This is purely an advice post. As we sell brake caliper decals, this is something we get asked over the phone at least once every day. Question: Can you sell me some VHT lacquer so I can lacquer over my decals? Answer: We'd love to take your money off you, but you shouldn't ever lacquer over decals. Why? Well, unless you are applying your decals in space then you can't guarantee that there isn't even the slightest bit of air trapped underneath the decal. When your brakes get hot, so does the air and this will expand. When you see your lacquer peeling off after a couple of months it will be because there was some air trapped underneath. If you are buying good quality decals, then keep your money in your pocket and don't worry about the lacquer, because the glue should be of a good enough quality that they should stay stuck in place for years, so long as you're not overly enthusiastic with the jet wash. If the paint is good enough it will be glossy enough, so that won't benefit from the lacquer either. That's all folks, enjoy. Anything else you need, just ask! BCS Team. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samsniss350z Posted November 12, 2014 Share Posted November 12, 2014 Thanks for the info as I've been thinking of changing the red decals on the standard Brembo's for something a little brighter and have been wondering as to whether to apply lacquer just to give a little extra protection. Will be in touch soon to see just what you offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIXXERUK Posted November 12, 2014 Share Posted November 12, 2014 Never used lacquer, never had a problem with the decals, good advice Good quality decals is key Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Bradders- Posted November 12, 2014 Share Posted November 12, 2014 Lacquered over mine, no issues in 3 months so far Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIXXERUK Posted November 12, 2014 Share Posted November 12, 2014 Lacquered over mine, no issues in 3 months so far its a ticking time bomb I think the post is saying, it can cause problems and isn't necessary (waste of money/effort) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Bradders- Posted November 12, 2014 Share Posted November 12, 2014 only thing though i literally done 1 quick coat just over the Brembo bit, not like a full coating or anything, just thought it would keep it stuck down lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rock_Steady Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 (edited) I can remember reading somewhere on here, I think it was a post from a Mod, of a place you can buy the exact colour match for the Gold Brembos. Does anyone know where and what it is?, for the life of me I can't find it in the search. Apologies for the hijack. Edited November 13, 2014 by Rock_Steady Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humpy Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 I can remember reading somewhere on here, I think it was a post from a Mod, of a place you can buy the exact colour match for the Gold Brembos. Does anyone know where and what it is?, for the life of me I can't find it in the search. Apologies for the hijack. Paints4u do it i believe 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humpy Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 I can remember reading somewhere on here, I think it was a post from a Mod, of a place you can buy the exact colour match for the Gold Brembos. Does anyone know where and what it is?, for the life of me I can't find it in the search. Apologies for the hijack. Paints4u do it i believe Don't remember the code off the top of my head but will be easily found if you use the ole search function as it has been asked a fair few times Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rock_Steady Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Thank you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humpy Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 For touching up your brembos - humbrol gold paint No.54 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brake Caliper Specialists Posted November 13, 2014 Author Share Posted November 13, 2014 Lacquered over mine, no issues in 3 months so far its a ticking time bomb I think the post is saying, it can cause problems and isn't necessary (waste of money/effort) only thing though i literally done 1 quick coat just over the Brembo bit, not like a full coating or anything, just thought it would keep it stuck down lol Hi all, There is really a couple of reasons it isn't really a good idea. 1: You're only human! If there is any air at all underneath and you haven't lacquered over them, then it is able to expand when hot and contract when cold without the restriction of the lacquer which won't flex anywhere near at all. If the caliper gets especially hot, it is likely to crack the lacquer over time. Perhaps it depends on the type of driver you are. Aluminium takes longer to heat up that cast, so Brembo's are probably less likely for this to happen to. 2: Brush Marks: So you have taken the time to paint your calipers and you're really happy with the results... Now you have your decals on. Do you really want to splurge lacquer on top? Lacquer is less forgiving on poor prep, so will show up any sins you may have left that were perhaps not as visible as before. In short, instead of buying lacquer to protect budget decals. Just buy good quality decals and make sure the surface is completely clean before applying. Also, if you can apply them to a warm surface, they will stick better to begin with. We use the best quality vinyl you can possibly get. The vinyl copes with high temps but more importantly, the glue is a high temp specific glue. I have never had a customer tell us that theirs have fallen off and we've been using this stuff for nearly 5 years now. By the way, if any of you are looking to buy our caliper paint, please see the link below. It is the same material we use at our premises for our customers brake calipers. Brake Caliper Paint We are also looking at selling our decals soon, we'll probably post on the forum once they are available. All the best guys, hope this helps out! Richard BCS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Lacquered over mine, no issues in 3 months so far its a ticking time bomb I think the post is saying, it can cause problems and isn't necessary (waste of money/effort) only thing though i literally done 1 quick coat just over the Brembo bit, not like a full coating or anything, just thought it would keep it stuck down lol Hi all, There is really a couple of reasons it isn't really a good idea. 1: You're only human! If there is any air at all underneath and you haven't lacquered over them, then it is able to expand when hot and contract when cold without the restriction of the lacquer which won't flex anywhere near at all. If the caliper gets especially hot, it is likely to crack the lacquer over time. Perhaps it depends on the type of driver you are. Aluminium takes longer to heat up that cast, so Brembo's are probably less likely for this to happen to. 2: Brush Marks: So you have taken the time to paint your calipers and you're really happy with the results... Now you have your decals on. Do you really want to splurge lacquer on top? Lacquer is less forgiving on poor prep, so will show up any sins you may have left that were perhaps not as visible as before. In short, instead of buying lacquer to protect budget decals. Just buy good quality decals and make sure the surface is completely clean before applying. Also, if you can apply them to a warm surface, they will stick better to begin with. We use the best quality vinyl you can possibly get. The vinyl copes with high temps but more importantly, the glue is a high temp specific glue. I have never had a customer tell us that theirs have fallen off and we've been using this stuff for nearly 5 years now. By the way, if any of you are looking to buy our caliper paint, please see the link below. It is the same material we use at our premises for our customers brake calipers. Brake Caliper Paint We are also looking at selling our decals soon, we'll probably post on the forum once they are available. All the best guys, hope this helps out! Richard BCS Excellent news Richard, shall keep an ete out for further news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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