Our brake caliper finish options are engineered for maximum corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and visual impact. With advanced technologies like Cerakote, electroless nickel, and hard anodizing—alongside authentic restoration treatments like cadmium plating and preservation finishes—we provide tailored solutions for every type of build. Form meets function at every micron.
Caliper Finish Options
Aesthetic Precision. Industrial Durability.

CHQ INFINITY Finish
CHQ INFINITY Our caliper powder-coating process uses a polyester-based thermoset powder, electrostatically applied and cured to form a hard, uniform shell. This finish offers high mechanical durability, exceptional UV resistance, and corrosion protection that far surpasses typical paint systems. Engineered for high-road exposure environments, it resists chipping, brake dust adhesion, and chemical attack. Color options range from understated OEM satin blacks to custom finishes like candy reds and metallics — each with consistent film build and gloss retention over time.
Corrosion Resistance: 1,000+ hrs salt spray (ASTM B117, with appropriate primer)
Film Thickness: 2–4 mils
UV Stability: Excellent (QUV tested)
Ideal for custom builds, resto-mods, and high-use street vehicles where both form and function matter.
Caliper HQ uses Prismatic Powders for our Infinity power coated finish. For color options visit the PRISMATIC POWDERS website.
Hard Anodizing
Precision Surface Engineering for Aluminum Calipers
We offer Type III hard anodizing for aluminum caliper bodies, creating an oxide layer that penetrates and builds on the base metal for extreme wear and corrosion resistance. This finish is electrically non-conductive, thermally stable, and seals the aluminum surface against brake fluid, road grime, and thermal cycling. Hard anodizing is used in aerospace and motorsport applications for its performance under load, and we match that with options in black, grey, or custom dyed colors for your build.
Surface Hardness: ~60–70 Rockwell C
Thickness: 0.0010–0.0020 in
Dielectric Strength: ~2,000 V/mil
Color Stability: Excellent when sealed
Recommended for any aluminum-based caliper used in high-performance or corrosive environments.
Electroless Nickel Plating
Precision Uniformity. High-Temperature Tolerance.
Electroless nickel plating applies a phosphorus-nickel alloy without electricity, ensuring even coverage over threads, cavities, and complex caliper geometries — crucial for tight clearances and sealing surfaces. We use a high-phosphorus formulation (10–12%) for maximum corrosion protection and thermal resilience. This finish is ideal for aluminum components in motorsports, off-road, or high-duty cycle vehicles. It resists abrasion, prevents galling, and holds up under repeated thermal cycling and chemical exposure.
Corrosion Resistance: 1,000+ hrs salt spray
Hardness (as-plated): 48–52 HRC
Hardness (heat treated): Up to 68 HRC
Operating Temp: 1,000°F+ intermittent
Can be hand-polished to restore appearance after use without compromising base protection.
High-Heat Paint
Thermal Protection with OEM Fit & Finish
This is a ceramic-reinforced, two-part paint system engineered for thermal resistance and long-term corrosion control. Unlike consumer-grade caliper paints, our system chemically bonds to the substrate and withstands sustained thermal exposure without flaking, fading, or softening. Ideal for users who want a clean, uniform OEM look — satin black, silver, or red — with functional durability on the street or track.
Temperature Rating: 900°F continuous / 1,100°F peak
Dry Film Thickness: 1.5–2.5 mils
Corrosion Resistance: 500+ hrs salt spray with primer
Recommended for factory-spec restorations or customer builds requiring thermal performance with aesthetic consistency.
Cerakote
Lightweight Ceramic Armor for Thermal Extremes
Cerakote C-Series is a thin-film, ambient-cure ceramic coating developed for parts exposed to constant heat, abrasion, and chemical attack. It’s used across motorsport, firearms, and aerospace — and for good reason. We start with bead-blasted surfaces to ensure mechanical adhesion, then apply the coating in a controlled environment for uniform coverage. It adds almost no thickness, won’t crack or flake under load, and holds up under extreme heat.
Max Operating Temp: 1,800°F
Film Thickness: 0.5–1.0 mil
Wear Resistance: ASTM D4060 >6,000 cycles CS-17 wheel
Chemical Resistance: Brake fluid, fuel, road salts
Perfect for competition vehicles or street builds that live hard and run hot.
Preservation Finish
Original Look. New Life.
This is our minimalist restoration approach — designed for calipers where originality is the priority. We disassemble, clean, polish, and rebuild the caliper using new seals, boots, and hardware, but we intentionally preserve the factory finish. No paint, no coatings — just a stabilized, cleaned surface that reflects its history.
Finish Integrity: Maintains OE casting marks, texture, and original wear character
Functionality: 100% new internal components, pressure tested
Use Case: Concours restoration, vintage preservation, historical rebuilds
Recommended for vehicles where authenticity outweighs visual perfection.
CHQ SELECT Finish
Short-Term Protection for Storage & TransitCHQ SELECT is a thin layer of moisture displacing compounds that is applied and absorbed into to iron calipers without leaving an oily residue. CHQ SELECT anti-corrosion dip is an environmentally friendly, aqueous-based protective layer designed for interim use before final installation or finishing. It deposits a thin, invisible barrier on the caliper surface that inhibits flash rusting during storage, handling, and shipping. This is a passive coating — not intended for use on a vehicle — but it is essential for preserving clean surfaces before powder-coating, plating, or assembly.
Corrosion Resistance: 7–30 days indoor storage
Removability: Water-soluble, fully cleanable
Use Case: Parts held in inventory, staged for assembly, or awaiting finish
Not a final finish, but critical to keeping surfaces uncontaminated and corrosion-free.
Finish | Substrate | Salt Spray (ASTM B117) |
Temp Resistance | Wear Resistance | Aesthetic Options | Use Case |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Powder-Coating | Steel / Aluminum | 1000+ hrs | 350–400°F | High | High (Custom Colors) | Custom builds, street use |
Cadmium Plating | Steel | 96–200 hrs | ~400°F | Medium–High | Low (OEM tones) | Vintage restorations |
Anti-Corrosion Dip | Steel / Aluminum | 7–30 days | N/A | Low | None | Storage & shipping |
Hard Anodizing | Aluminum | Excellent (sealed) | 400°F+ | Very High | Medium (Tints) | Race & performance |
Electroless Nickel | Aluminum | 1000+ hrs | 1000°F+ | Very High | Low (Polishable) | Motorsport, heavy-duty |
High-Heat Paint | Steel / Aluminum | 500+ hrs | 1100°F peak | Medium | Medium (OEM look) | Restorations, daily use |
Cerakote C-Series | Steel / Aluminum | 1000+ hrs | 1800°F | Very High | Medium (Matte tones) | Track, off-road, endurance |
Preservation Finish | Steel / Aluminum | N/A | N/A | N/A | None (Original only) | Concours, OE purist |