How to Apply Caliper Replacement Stickers (Step-by-Step Guide)
Caliper replacement stickers are one of the easiest ways to refresh the look of your brakes — but only if you apply them properly. A rushed job means bubbles, lifting edges, and stickers that peel off the first time it rains. Do it right and they'll last years, even through car washes and British winters.
This guide covers everything you need: what to do before you start, how to apply the stickers cleanly, and how to make them last as long as possible.
What You'll Need
- Your caliper replacement sticker kit (6 stickers in three sizes)
- Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipe or spray — available from any car shop
- A clean microfibre cloth
- A credit card or squeegee (optional but helps)
- A heat gun or hairdryer (optional, for final bonding)
Step 1: Clean the Caliper Surface Thoroughly
This is the step most people skip, and it's the reason most stickers fail early. Brake calipers collect brake dust, grease, and road grime constantly. Even a caliper that looks clean to the eye will have a film of contamination on it that stops vinyl from bonding properly.
Spray or wipe IPA over the area where the sticker will sit and let it dry completely. Don't use household cleaners or WD-40 — anything oil-based will ruin adhesion. IPA evaporates clean and leaves nothing behind.
Step 2: Choose the Right Size Sticker
Your VinylHub caliper kit includes three sizes: 110mm × 22mm, 90mm × 18mm, and 70mm × 14mm. Hold each one against your caliper lettering before peeling anything. You want the sticker to cover the original text cleanly with a small overlap on each side — not so big it wraps onto curves, not so small it leaves the original text peeking out.
Most UK cars (Ford, VW, BMW, Toyota, Jeep) work best with the 90mm size on the front calipers and 70mm on the rears, but check before committing.
Step 3: Peel and Position
Peel the backing paper away slowly — vinyl stickers can be fiddly, especially in cold weather. If it's below about 10°C, warm the sticker briefly with a hairdryer first; cold vinyl is less flexible and more likely to tear or not conform to the surface.
Position the sticker over the caliper lettering without pressing it down yet. Get it aligned, then press the centre down first and work outward to the edges. This pushes any air outward rather than trapping it underneath.
Step 4: Smooth Out Any Bubbles
Small bubbles can usually be worked out toward the edge using your fingertip or the edge of a card. For stubborn bubbles, use a pin to make a tiny hole and press the air out — the hole will be invisible once the vinyl settles.
Don't press too hard on sparkle or oil slick finishes during this step — they can mark. Use a cloth between your finger and the vinyl.
Step 5: Apply Heat to Bond
This step is optional but makes a real difference to longevity. Run a heat gun or hairdryer over the sticker on a low setting for about 30 seconds. The heat activates the adhesive and helps the vinyl conform to any slight texture or curve on the caliper surface. Don't overheat — you want warm, not hot enough to burn your hand.
Step 6: Leave It to Cure
Avoid washing the car or getting the stickers wet for at least 24 hours after application. The adhesive needs time to fully bond. After that, they're weatherproof and will handle car washes, rain, and road spray without lifting.
Which Calipers Do VinylHub Kits Fit?
Our caliper replacement sticker kits are available for Brembo, TRD, Ford, Ford ST Line, Dodge R/T, and Jeep — with more brands added regularly. Each kit includes 6 stickers covering all four corners of most cars, in 54 colour options including standard colours, sparkle finishes, and oil slick effects.
All cut in-house at our studio in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire and dispatched within 1–3 working days. Free UK delivery on orders over £30.