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.
Nice tan, not pink like cap.
Cap of can makes you think it might be pink, but its a nice shade of tan. I like it better than Magpul FDE color.
Gives old rifle new life
I had bought an old Browning A-bolt long ago and camo painted it with Krylon paints . The finish was coming off so I decided to strip it and redo it. I didn't want to spend $200+ to cerakote it as this was my lightweight woods rifle I usually took deep in the woods and used with my climber. I decided on the Aluma-Hyde 2, cleaned and prepped the surface and sprayed with non-chlorinated brake cleaner and wiped down. The paint went on super easy and actually covered in one coat, although I applied 2 coats 15 minutes apart. Rifle is still hanging in curing stage as of now.
Excellent Product
I painted an older Remington 870, that I use for turkey hunting. I tried a vinyl wrap product but wasn't happy with it. This product gave me great coverage, it lays down smooth with an even color and is very easy to apply. Make sure your gun is oil free and spray in a dust free environment. I'm very happy with the outcome.
A pretty good match for NiB coatings
I used this to spray some parts (plastic and metal) to approximate the finish on the NiB parts kit from WD Guns. It gave me a matte color which was closer than previously applied Rustoleum Metallic Satin Nickel, which wasn't flat enough. Follow the instructions if applying multiple coats and allow it to set before using the device. I have also used the Magpul FDE shade. The Aluma Hyde II sets into a durable finish. It can be removed, depending on the surface it was applied to. In my case I sprayed a mount, then wanted to remove it. Turpentine soak, followed by scrubbing with a brass brush works to remove it. It may take a couple cycles depending on the amount of coating, etc.
Look great
This stuff is awesome, Ive used it in the past and its such a durable coating when you give it the time it needs to dry. On color matching terms this magpul fde is a couple shades lighter than the magpul furniture, its still a pretty close match though. All I sprayed in the picture was my stock so it does match closely.
Good Quality Product for The Money.
Took me a good long while of using this to see what I can get away with, so here we go! Prep your piece to work, don't just spray and say good. blast it, or sand it. Wipe down with acetone or air blast, both is good. SHAKE THE CAN UNTIL YOUR ARMS ARE NUMB, seriously. Dust and dust to build the coat. Let flash and repeat, I use a heat gun sometimes. The moment you are not using the can throw the nozzle in acetone, that's where mine stay, I use these paint cans off and on for months and all original nozzles still work. Cure temperature and cure time have a big say in how it looks when done. I tend to cure at 450 for 15 mins then kick down to 400 for the remainder of a full 2 hour cook time. I find this gives a decent rich color. If I bake longer at say 250 to 300 the color is lighter than I like. If you don't like how it turns out, play with it and find what you like. at the end of the day THIS IS NOT CERAKOTE stop bombing this product. its meant to be affordable and something to maintain. Given it can be a real pain, but that's the name of the game. The picture is as follows, b5 stock in coyote, b5 grip in coyote, mag is trans fde, handguard, epc, and scope mount are Aluma-hyde Earth Brown, the pistol frame is Brownells P80 in coyote. I have used coyote, earth brown, park grey, dark park grey and wolf grey. these colors can vary so I suggest you get a few test them out, and see if its what you want or spend more.
Amazing stuff.
Amazing stuff used 1 can... 4 coats on my upper, lower and rail 16 radical Wolf Gray
Definitely IS a match to magpul FDE
After reading conflicting reviews from multiple sites on if magpul FDE is actually a color match or not, even calling Brownells to verify, it seems to match nearly perfect. I am very happy with how it turned out. Seems like most of the color-match complaint reviews are from several years back. Nothing recent, but I can vouch on the color matching.
Awsome spray paint
Sprayed this on a rifle and it it seems very durable. Sprayed very well and didn't seem to run as easy as a lot off spray paint's. Worth the money to me.
Best Paint at the Best Price
I only paint firearms that need it bad and have little to no collectors value such as an SKS, AK or old Remington 11-48.. With that in mind, I have tried several versions of Duracoat and Aluma-Hyde II beats it hands down. Duracoat can produce a good finish but at $39 a can it is just too expensive for what it is. After I prepared the finish to a Chi-com SKS, I painted it with Aluma-Hyde II then baked it in my homemade oven at the temperature they recommended (I think it was 225 or 250 degrees for 1.5 or 2 hours). My 'oven' is simply a school locker with insulation and an electric grill element in the bottom. After one year the 2 guns I painted look great.


