ALUMA-HYDE® II Reviews & Ratings
Reviews Summary
Aluma-Hyde® II garners mixed feedback, with many users appreciating its cost-effectiveness and ease of application, while others encounter issues with nozzle clogging and inconsistent color matching, particularly with the FDE variants. Durability after curing is generally praised, though some users report chipping and flaking over time. Overall, users recommend proper prep and caution for the best results.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Application Process
70%
Many reviewers emphasize the importance of following the application instructions precisely, including thorough cleaning and allowing adequate cure time. Users highlight that successful application often requires shaking the can extensively and avoiding excessive heat when curing.
Durability
65%
The durability of Aluma-Hyde® II is frequently mentioned, with many users noting it holds up well under regular use. However, some express disappointment when experiencing chipping or wear, especially in high-friction areas.
Color Match
60%
Color consistency is a significant concern. Several users report discrepancies between the color on the cap and the actual paint, particularly with variants like Coyote and FDE. Aluma-Hyde II is described as closer to Sage or light tan rather than the expected hues.
Nozzle and Clogging Issues
55%
Numerous reviews highlight issues with the spray nozzles clogging shortly after use, leading to spattering or inconsistent application. Users recommend purchasing extra nozzles as a precaution.
Value for Money
75%
Despite the mixed feedback, many users find Aluma-Hyde® II to be a cost-effective alternative to professional coatings like Cerakote. The majority feel that it delivers adequate performance for the price, especially for DIY projects.
Customer Photos & Videos
Awesome Product
Very easy to order & use. I did use the clean out nozzle before use after reading the reviews. Not sure I needed to but went ahead anyway to be safe. The paint went on real even and came out looking great. It’s still curing so I can’t say how well it holds up yet but so far I would give it a 10/10.
Dark Parkerized Grey
I wanted a dark grey for a GAU-5 clone build and this fit the bill. I have many hours of carry/use with this gun. Travels in the truck not in a case and this finish has held up very well. No chipping or scratching. I let it cure for 14 days and the wait was worth it.
Would you recommend this?
Yes, I would recommend to a friend
Alumahyde 2 applications
Great stuff! Have used this product many times and always gives me a great looking and tough finish. Prep is everything.
Good stuff
Matte black was exactly as I expected. Worked great with single medium coat. Be sure to use cleanout nozzle when finished, then put on regular nozzle and clear it also.
Quality!
I purchased several colors of this for various projects and achieved GREAT results! Thanks!
Will Brownells bring these back?
Aluma Hyde 2
I have used this on many things made of aluminum tin ect. I have found that if you heat up water to boiling pull it off the heat set can in it for a couple minutes dry can well and shake TF out of it . Keep 10-12” from what you are spraying and it will lay on consistently. I not only do firearms with this product. I do countless motorcycle parts that I want. Blacked out 91% alcohol is what I used to clean the parts off with before spraying.
Great option opposed to regular spray paint.
Went on smooth . The can is higher pressure than your regular rattle can paint. Easy to put on too heavy. Although i haven't tested durability. Dropped parts and minor bumps did nothing to finish. Excellent on polymers and stuff lioe magazine. Very flat if prepped properly.
Great Paint
I painted a new carbon steel barrel without sand blasting. I just thouroughly wiped it down with TCE degreeser before painting. It was 65 degrees out, which the instructions say is the minimum temperature to paint. WARNING: The first glob of paint that comes out is a mess, so don't immediately start spraying the object. I had to wipe it down with TCE and start over. I did several light coats, hanging the barrel vertically, and it turned out great. The finish is semi-flat, and kind of looks as if I bead blasted the metal, but I didn't. I let it dry for about an hour, and then put it in my kitchen oven at 195 for three hours, as instructed. Keep in mind it says you don't have to bake it, but I figured it couldn't hurt. It didn't stink too bad, but I had the stove fan on full blast. I hung it with bailing wire from the two threaded ends, and when I removed it the next day, I accidently was reckless with a sharp end of the bailing wire, but it didn't even scratch the paint. When I installed the barrel, I used leather in the barrel vice, and torqued to 45. I had no slippage, but the process left no marks on the paint. I could not be happier, especially for the price. I didn't want to spend too much, but I'm happier with this Brownell's Aluma-hyde than I was with some Duracote that I used before. I can't speak for solvent resistance, but that wasn't important for my application. Mine also came with an extra nozzle, which I didn't need.
The Good Stuff
This is likely the toughest paint you can get for guns. It sticks, it cures and it's seriously permanent. This epoxy paint is the good stuff.
Toughest spray can
Pick your favorite color, follow Caleb’s video clips and paint away. Durable for a spray can finish against normal gun cleaning agents and oils. Turned at least 4 of my stainless guns a bit more subtle for hunting. Tape off what you don’t want covered and go for it. My only gripe is color differences of the actual paint aren’t as dramatic as the caps between FFE, ODG, & Coyote Brown. Desert Sand is very light. Good quality finish if you follow instructions.
