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.
Best Match for Magpul FDE Parts
I used Alumahyde Coyote a few years ago and it was a great match for Magpul FDE but they've changed the formula. I just sprayed a mag this weekend with the New Coyote and it's lighter greener/grayer than Magpul FDE. The New Magpul FDE version looks like it's the Old Coyote and matches real Magpul FDE parts very well. There is a sheen difference as Magpul parts are flat and the paint goes on more satin or semi-gloss. Anyway I had to try a lot of combo's of backgrounds and lighting to get a good pic of the difference. In the pic we have Magpul grip, stock, rail protectors and a Bushnell scope painted the original Coyote. The mag on the left is new Coyote and the mag on the right is Magpul FDE.
THE BEST YOU CAN GET SHORT OF A BAKED ON
I have used several colors for camo or single color coatings on firearms provided you prep the items & allow them to dry properly the finish is very nice this is my 5th can & will not be my last.
Very Impressed with this Paint
I'm a professional painter for over 20yrs. I have seen a d used just about every product out there. So many paints make claims about durability and quality and sadly much to often its complete BS. Prep work is definitely the #1 important thing for a good long lasting paint job and 2nd being good paint applied correctly. Well I wasn't expecting much more out of this Alumahyde then a little better then rustoleum. Well I was very much so surprised and very very pleased. You do need to do your prep work very well and follow the directions on how to apply and if you do you will be extremely happy with this paint. Its 1/4 the cost of Cerakote and pretty close to its equal. It's not equal but it's close. Thus paints durability really surprised me. My buffer tube which gets a ton of friction/movement from the stock constantly sliding up and down it you would thing it would chip or mark up easily. Well my tibe is 4 months old and not a single chip or scratch or anything Its looks perfect. That's impressive. The pic of the SBA3 is the buffer tube I mentioned. I just painted the SOPMOD and it came out perfect.
Overall, pretty good
After reading all the negative reviews about this stuff being hard to use, I was reluctant. But I did a test-spray on a piece of scrap, and it honestly didn't seem much different than any other rattle-can spray paint. Maybe a little bit thicker, but still just spray paint. I shook the can for 3 or 4 minutes, then put it in a bucket of hot tap water for 15 minutes or so, taking it out every 5 minutes to shake it for another minute. I used the Matte Black, so perhaps the sputtering and other weird stuff is just a problem with some of the other colors. I didn't have any problems with clumping or speckling, it went on nice and smooth. It does have a tiny amount of surface texture if you look closely, it's not perfectly smooth like normal spray paint. The original nozzle did clog after about 20 minutes, and then things started sputtering. Changed out to one of the replacement nozzles and it went back to normal. (yeah, if you buy Alumahyde, spend the three bucks for the spare nozzle pack. I didn't get the clean-out nozzle though). As to drying time, I left mine hanging overnight and it was touchable the next day. The two-week cure is a bit of a bummer, but if it makes a durable coating, I guess it's worth it. I'm hanging my parts out in the sun during the day to hopefully speed up the curing a bit - I'm none too keen to risk the wife's wrath by putting this in the oven to speed it up. I can't speak to longevity of the product yet, as I just painted my parts two days ago, but if this really is tougher than regular spray paint after it cures, then it's a good product.
Aluma-hyde 2 FDE
This epoxy paint is easy to apply and after curing it has a very strong, scratch resistant surface. You do need to shake it well and apply it in several light coats. The FDE paint color was slightly lighter than my Magpul butt stock and MDT chassis, but not by much (still better than a gloss black adapter). Overall a great product for a good price.
great product
I was hesitant to get this since a lot of the negative reviews were saying the color was off, but mine was true to color and turned out great. I used it for a camo pattern. Prepped surfaces per the standard, used "Coyote" as base coat, applied stencils, "Parkerizing Grey" for second color, then used "Matte Black" for 3rd color. Finished with a light mist of "Matte Black" to darken it up. I went against convention by only waiting a day between coats, but I did bake for 2hrs at 170* after each coat. I will let it sit for a week before re-assemble.
This stuff is great!
Just dont put it on too thick and keep shaking the can. Dont hesitate to change nozzles frequently. I always test spray on cardboard to make sure nozzle is not clogged. I use a hair dryer for about 5 minutes and leave it alone for a few days. Just wish they had more colors. Better than Cerakote any day. Nothing to clean up. Just use a new nozzle next time.
Great coverage and color match
Great color and durable. I used it for the base coat on a camo job. Make sure to buy the extra tips for multiple uses.
Aluma- Hyde matte black
Worked great on my Beretta 92 compact frame. I had dehorned the trigger guard which left raw aluminum showing. I refinished the frame in matte black which looked almost identicle to the original anodizing. Follow the instructions and you shouldn't have any issues.
TOUGH
I have used every single color. Some observations: The Matte Black is not "Flat", it's Matte. The variation between Coyote and Magpul FDE is a slight greenish for the Magpul, more Brownish for the Coyote. First, my procedure: 1) Prep with MEK or denature alcohol. I soak whatever the part I'm coating overnight in MEK. 2) If previously coated Blast with 150gr AlO2 and then the soak . 3) Air Dry or Blow dry. keep rags away. 4) The Item needs to be >80deg F to coat. Fully allow the Solvent to flash off. You can use a Blow dryer to expedite. 5) I bake mine in a large countertop Convection oven 250deg F for 3hrs. You can leave untouched by insects, etc for 30 days at 80degF.. NOTE: This 250degF limitit is crucial for the Desert Tan and the SS colors. If out go 300>degF the SS takes on a "greenish" Hue. The Desert Tan takes on a "Pinkish" Hue. The other colors are unaffected by temp. When applied as above this stuff is TOUGH!!! Don't think Krylon. Think Cerakote in a Rattle Can.


