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.
Fast low-cost refresh
I used this to do a refresh of an old Universal M1 carbine. After 4 coats I cured it in the barbecue. Came out with what seems to be a tough even finish. The dark gray park color complements the rifle very nicely, that gray color having a slight tint of green. Definitely looks better and more authentic than anything that ever left the Universal factory. AH2 does like to clog the nozzle; having extras on hand is a good plan.
Amazing results, very impressed.
I did a lot of research before attempting this camouflage paint pattern. It was very easy. I did it in my garage with a makeshift paint booth. Here are the steps I took. 1. Degrease with brake cleaner 2. Red scotch bright pads to scruff the surface 3. Lightly sand with 320 grit sand paper 4. Rinse with water 5. Heat in oven to remove water and bring remaining oils if there are any. 6. Wipe down with IPA 7. Heat in oven to get parts warm 8. Paint. I sprayed about 12-15 inches from the part. 9. Bake in oven at 195F for 4 hours 10. Most important step for a great finish. I used steel wool grade 0000(after full cure). This helped blend the two colors together and to get rid of any ridges from the paint and stencils. If I didnt not do this step I think I would not like the texture. The texture was rough before this. Also, make sure to buy extra tips. It helps. The colors I used are OD green and Matte black.
Good product
Used the FDE to paint my .300 black out. Using many thin coats paint tip coved well and evenly with no drips or runs. Headed parts in oven then painted, then left in 90* sun for two days. Everything looks good . Handling parts ok but waiting for part to cure fully before hydrodiping. Really good product will buy more and already recommended to many at gun shows.
Great color for UZI
Very good color for an UZI. I shook the can 2 minutes at a time for 30 minutes. Ambient temp was 88 degrees. Almost immediately the nozzle clogged. I sprayed CRC Brakleen into a plastic cup and put the nozzle completely into the liquid. Shook it around. Put back on the can and the spray came out really good. As soon as the nozzle started to clog, put it into Brakleen. It makes a huge difference in opening up the nozzle. This color applied much smoother than I expected. Very few droplets once I cleaned the nozzle.
Follow up to color scheme
All Alumi-Hyde epoxy. Buffer tube stainless steel, upper/ lower desert tan, hand guard wolf gray.
This stuff should be more popular
I have used this on so many things. It's far better than I expected. One can lasts so long that it makes the 13 dollar price such a great deal. I even use this on plastic. I find it better than other spray paint because it dries so fast and doesn't scratch off. Pretty good color selection as I have used the OD green, Coyote, parkerizing grey, dark parkerizing grey and black. It would be nice if they carried this in even more colors.
Nice dark gray
This wolf gray will spray on looking like the Aluma-hyde stainless steel epoxy. No worries as it will darken while drying, I used Wolf Gray along with Desert Tan to color an ar15 similar to the Maxium PDX.
M1 Garand
Parkerizing Gray, Mfr Part: 1A29S900. This is one of the most amazing paint I have ever purchased. I have an M1 grand but-plate that was dinged up, sprayed on two lite coats and it is perfect, absolutely perfect, I highly recommend this paint. You can not tell the difference. Thanks for a great product.
Awesome stuff!
I've used this on a couple of guns and I feel that it is very durable and easy to use. It is very forgiving when applying. I don't know why there are a lot of comments about the tips clogging. The only time the tip clogged was when I first tried to use a new can and only one can. As soon as I sprayed it, it came out very thick and immediately stopped spraying. I sprayed it off with Walmart brake cleaner and sprayed it from the bottom side of the nozzle. Then i wiped the nozzle off. I put it back on the can and used it for my application. I always wait until it is hot outside to heat the can and then shake it for a very long time. When I'm done I tip the can upside down and spray until nothing comes out. Then I clean the nozzle with the Walmart brake cleaner as mentioned above. I use the same can over and over again. Never a problem.
Good stuff
Easy to apply, durable finish. I normally warm up paint by placing in pan of hot water for 20 minutes before using and shake the living heck out of it before and during application. Important, Make sure ambient temp is over 70 degrees. Goes on very uniform with no spatter, and 3.5 hours in oven at 190 degrees for cure and once cooled ready to use.
