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
Aluma Hyde ll
I love this product! Easy to use, extremely durable, will use again!
Good stuff
I have used this paint on multiple firearms. The results on all projects were great. The last job, a multi-color camo scheme, was fantastic. I baked the parts for 3 hours at 195 degrees between color applications. The paint is as durable as I could ever expect. Only con is the unavailability of nozzles. They are one time use, in my opinion. The paint is thick and it dries quick. For large projects, you'll want multiple.
Ignore the bad reviews, this stuff is great
Not sure how some people are managing to get bad results with this stuff. My can didn't have a shaker ball so I just shook the can for a few extra minutes and the gun turned out looking awesome. I missed some spots, but that was due to my own negligence NOT the Aluma-Hyde's fault. Buy this stuff if they have the color you want; just make sure you clean all surfaces, check youtube for general practices when using any type of spray paint, shake the hell out of the can, and hold the can a couple inches closer than you might think (just make sure you keep the spray moving across the parts and don't hold in one place). It's not difficult, I think people here are expecting a $15 can of spray paint to look like a $500 cerakote job. If you have real expectations and do you part, you'll be plenty happy with the result.
Renewal of old firearm
Several years ago I bought an old savage rifle that looked like it'd been carried around in the back of a pickup truck for a few years no bluing left no covering of any kind of other than bare metal. I waited for a 90 plus degree day. Taped up the trigger and sprayed the action and barrel. Looks like new to this day
Covection toaster oven is made for this stuff, just don't tell my wife.
I had a reliable inexpensive Taurus PT-709 slim, that I carried appendix carry in the summer under my T-Shirts that rusted the slide from sweat. I replaced that with a new PT-709 Slim and used Magpul FDE on the slide, let it hang dry in the garage for a few days, then baked it in the table top convection oven. Been carrying it off and on for 3 years now and the coating is hard as a nail and not a scratch or sign of rust on the slide. I am contemplating doing an old Colt Officers ACP Lightweight slide as well as it could use a new finish just from age. Take your time with light coats over a few days, dry cure it, don't be in a hurry. Then when the finish is nice and even, bake it on in low heat. Worked for me.
1st time painting Gun slide, barrel & frame
I wanted to give some texture to my barrel, so I sanded the entire barrel with 320 grit. The slide is my first one ever purchased and it’s been blued, then cleaned and buffed to a mirror finish, then blued again. The frame was my 1st P80 and back then I could only get a Tan color? I decided to practice, I cleaned all 3 items, hung from a line & with a wire attached, I sprayed 3. Coats on all. So far I’m impressed!!This was the Matt black. I’ve ordered the Wolf Gray and shiny black for my next build. Great product!
Good advice
Another recommendation is to go visit a body or paint shop and see if you can watch the technique that they use to paint parts. You don’t just hold the nozzle down the whole entire time and move the Cannes around. There is a method to the madness. Once you get it, try it on cardboard outside in an area of dirt or something you don’t mind getting messy practice a few times and you’ll have this down. I’ve painted everything from my old firearms to my collector car. And by trade I’m an airline pilot, so it’s not even my job just watch take your time, and be smooth, and like Brownell‘s recommends, paint the part right through the end and onto a junk piece for overflow, and then turning the Cannes upside down and spraying it out after Will clear your nozzle. Best of luck.
Positive Review
After watching the Brownell's video on what NOT do do with this product, I actually found the results excellent. I shook the can for 5 minutes, got my pieces set up, shook it again for a few more minutes and sprayed. I followed the directions on prep and application and I have no complaints. I was really concerned about how others reviewed their outcomes, but, I was extremely pleased with my results.
Coyote and Stainless Steel
Good coverage. I had a gloss black one. Cant even pick it out of the upper that came already painted. I also only use these on blem raw uppers and handguards. Make it a point to clean the surface and make even passes with the spray. Lastly, let it fully cure
Good stuff I used the FDE and good match to magpul.
Perfect result looks professional. Like all paint cans soak the can in hot water for 10 minute about 80deg water then shake it well at least 5 minutes. I put the can on my harbor freight rock tumbler base and let it roll for a good 10 minutes or you can tape the cap onto the can and put it inside your ammo tumbler and let it stir away. Most important as with all paint cans is heat it up before shaking it will is the key to a good paint job out a can


