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.
I restored an antique motorcycle with it
I had great results. Get the spare & clean out nozzles take my word for it. Ive also done a shotgun with it. It is impervious to gasoline and oil and I have touched up rock chips on the spokes and I can not the fix and I did it. Dog
Great product - Greater Supplier
Brownells has always provided the best products at good prices with exceptional customer service. I read the reviews of this product and made my first purchase with some reservations. Since then I have purchased and used this product again and again in different colors. Ive never had any trouble with it. It is necessary to carefully follow the instructions. Proper surface preparation is necessary as much as taking the time to carefully apply thin, even coats and allow for some overspray at the edges. Dont rush the job even if you must let it cure in order to add additional coat of finish. All this is required to get a durable, beautiful finished product. I love the results.
Dark parkerizing grey
It does leave a great and durable finish! After I completely degrease the parts & continuously shake the can periodically while spraying. I had no problems whatsoever. The only downside is that it does take over a week to completely cure. I highly recommend this if you're looking for a long lasting and durable finish!
Perfect Match & Easy to use.
The FDE worked so well, I will now purchase OD Green. The FDE was a perfect match. Great coverage. Three FDE parts in the photo, only one was spray painted. Guess which part I spray painted?
G.T.G.
LOVE THIS STUFF, EASY TO USE!
Quality Pennies On The Dollar
Project: Colt / Umarex M4 Ops 20 Round 22 LR Magazines and Rail Hand Guards (black plastic polymer parts). Application: Used 1 (one) can of FDE color to match the other FDE furniture installed. Coverage: The 1 can was enough for 4 magazines and a set of hand guard rails. Process: Disassembled the magazines (screws, springs, plungers, floor plates,etc). Washed magazine shell halves and hand guards in hot water & Dawn dish soap. Rinsed and let air dry overnight. Masked off the magazines feed ramp block then applied 4 light coats to all parts with 1 hour (changed to new nozzle after each coat). Let air dry for a couple of hours then baked at 150 deg F for 2 more hrs. Further left to cure for another week prior to magazine reassembly. Result: Achieved 95% color match to the Magpul molded parts (painted parts slightly lighter in color). Tough as nails finish acquired at a much less cost when compared to other alternatives such as Cerakote. Will use Alum-Hyde again.
Absolutely Awesome!!!
I bought a can of this about a month ago to Paint a CVC helmet. This helmet before Painting looked absolutely horrible. I prepd the helmet very well and then followed the directions for paintimg (which I suggest everyone does as it's not the same as a $3 can of krylon) you need to follow the directions to get the proper coating and wear resistance this paint offers. And it is awesome and amazingly tough!
Great finish!
I used this to paint different parts on a rifle. The finish is very nice. It seems durable. Prep and cure it correctly. It won't last forever but I think it will wear well!
Excellent finish
AlumaHyde is super easy to use if you just take some care in your preparation and make sure that you warm and SHAKETY SHAKE++ the cans prior to application, and clean the nozzles with mineral spirits and an air compressor IMMEDIATELY after. If you lightly sandblast your parts before spraying, it creates the closest finish to parkerizing that I have ever seen without actually parkerizing. I would recommend the regular "Grey parkerize" if you just want grey, as the "Dark grey parkerize" isn't any darker that I can see, it just has a slight green tint to it like you would see with WWII American MILSURP guns. I completely refinished two firearms and magazines with each color, and both turned out fantastic, but the pure grey VS grey-green is something to be aware of. I will definitely buy more cans in more colors for my refinishing needs.
Works well IF you follow directions
At first I was hesitant to try Aluma-Hyde due to erratic reviews. Thinking the less favorable ones may be due to user error I tried it. It worked very well. However, like most paint products the final result is only as good as surface and material prep, not to mention proper drying. A clean, contaminant free surface is essential. I got excellent results with Brownell's degreaser. Application directions are also key. 3-4 light coats, with a "flash dry" using a heat gun between coats followed by 3.5 hours at 195 degrees. A convection oven worked great. I leave it to cure a few more days at room temperature. With proper drying and curing the finish is durable. Is it cerakote? No. Better than spray paint? Absolutely. My only suggestion to Brownells is to make the directions even clearer and bolder. Would likely save a number of negative reviews. Then again, some people don't read them and then complain when things go bad.


