Not sure if this is the right place to ask, but here goes ...
I replaced the master cylinder last year, but I noticed recently that the exterior is sure looking like it's getting a layer of rust going. As I recall, brake fluid will take paint off. So, what do others do to keep their master cylinder looking good? Por-15? Elbow grease?
Thanks,
Joseph
Painting Master Cylinder?
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- colnago
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Painting Master Cylinder?
"Sugar", my 1967 Ford F250 2WD Camper Special, 352FE, Ford iron "T" Intake with 1405 Edelbrock, Duraspark II Ignition, C6 transmission, front disc brake conversion.
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- Blue Oval Guru
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Re: Painting Master Cylinder?
i blasted mine with a black spraybomb (tremclad - the canadian version of rustoleum-kinda like mercurys and fords) and despite slopping brake fluid all over it repeatedly,the paint's still intact
- still got my first first car 20+yrs later : 69 f100 sorta kinda pretending its a Mercury M100 w/a 70 f350 sport custom cab (factory buckets) 67 grille with 69 ranger cooneyes 68 merc box and hood,some supercool fiberglass fenders i scored way back when, 76 f150 disc brake frontend..currently running a 90 5.0HO 4bbl/c4 auto & 3.50 posi...originally a 360/c6 f100 Ranger with dealer added towpack (incl. kelsey hays trailer brake),boxside toolbox,behind the seat stowage & belly tank...only original parts left on 'er are the frame,rear end,rear springs,and rear bumper...
- jzjames
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Re: Painting Master Cylinder?
I rub a coat of grease into it. I like to keep the rust away from the brake fluid.
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Re: Painting Master Cylinder?
I use POR-15 for everything that I don't want rust on.......no problems ever with Master Cylinder/POR-15
- robroy
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Re: Painting Master Cylinder?
Good day Joseph,
After unsuccessfully painting master cylinders a few times in the past, using normal hardware store rattle-cans, I tried something new last time.
I hit the new, bare master cylinder with Rust Bullet Automotive sprayed through an HVLP gun. Then, I top-coated with Rust Bullet "Black Shell" enamel.
A few years down the road, it still looks pristine. And I'm using regular brake fluid.
Here's a photo back when the parts were first put together. Note that the booster has Rust Bullet Automotive on it, and the M.C. has that with a top-coat of Black Shell.

Oh and I actually brushed the paint on to the booster and (I think) used the HVLP on the M.C.
If you choose to go this route, remember to follow the instructions and let the Rust Bullet Automotive dry for the proper amount of time before top-coating. If you top-coat too soon, like I did on some parts, you'll get "bubbles" in the top-coat since the original coat wasn't done off-gassing yet.
Robroy
After unsuccessfully painting master cylinders a few times in the past, using normal hardware store rattle-cans, I tried something new last time.
I hit the new, bare master cylinder with Rust Bullet Automotive sprayed through an HVLP gun. Then, I top-coated with Rust Bullet "Black Shell" enamel.
A few years down the road, it still looks pristine. And I'm using regular brake fluid.
Here's a photo back when the parts were first put together. Note that the booster has Rust Bullet Automotive on it, and the M.C. has that with a top-coat of Black Shell.

Oh and I actually brushed the paint on to the booster and (I think) used the HVLP on the M.C.
If you choose to go this route, remember to follow the instructions and let the Rust Bullet Automotive dry for the proper amount of time before top-coating. If you top-coat too soon, like I did on some parts, you'll get "bubbles" in the top-coat since the original coat wasn't done off-gassing yet.
Robroy
- tylerb43
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Re: Painting Master Cylinder?
Eastwood has a paint they call "Brake Gray". It's formulated to resist brake fluid and 400F, and is a cast-iron gray color. I used it to paint my steering box, and will also paint the master cylinder with it. Just FYI. Good luck! 
