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.
Awesome Product
Used this on a 1987 Remington 11-87 that has been my go to gun for 26 years. Follow the directions and it will last. The finish has seen 3 years of hard use and is holding up very well. In some high use areas it has worn but it is still protecting the metal from rust. Wear a mask and cover your skin and clothes, it will stick to those as well as it sticks to the gun. Will be purchasing more to do an AR for coyote hunting.
I don't know why you's use anything else
I love this stuff. I've re-finished AR parts with it to get a uniform matte black appearance and even used it on household projects, such as re-finishing outdoor house numbers, where a tough, long-lasting, consistent finish was needed. It's great on phosphate steel and, of course, aluminum mags. After applying, I bake parts and mags in a toaster oven after it flashes off to speed the cure. It is tough when bake cured. By the extra nozzles though and use a fresh one for each project.
GOOD STUFF
I used this product several times and learned some things along the way. Read and follow directions. Clean with laquer thinner than denatured alcohol. Alcohol must be used because laq. thinner has petroleum in it, it must be completely removed. This why 90% of people have trouble with finish, poor prep. I accidentally over heated a can of this stuff one time in front of a heater, shook it for about 5 min. and began spraying. It came out perfectly no splatter maybe that's the secret because everytime I use it I heat can until warm to the touch, and I get great results. You still need to keep extra nozzles on hand. You must let it cure at least a week. I actually like spraying in a warm garage in the winter than put items near heating duct in house. Three coats using heat gun in between each coat. Plug all pin holes or tape off where there are tight tolerances. This is really good stuff just give it a chance. Outcome is only as good as preparation.
Works great!
I finally broke down and bought the Aluma Hyde II, I used another brand to paint some factory furniture and, although good, I was not completely happy with the color. The nozzle did clog, I took a safety pin and scrapped the inside of the nozzle and piece of dry paint came out then it worked fine. I am ordering another can in desert tan so I can do a two tone paint job on my Ruger P85. Now that I am aware you can add some extra nozzles I am going to do that. Like other said put on in light coats. I put mine in the oven for 4 hours at 150-200 degrees.
BEST AEROSOL GUN FINISH
Degreased a completed 80% anodized AR lower with a can of wally world break parts cleaner, heated the part in a little chief meat smoker to 165 degrees. No abrasive blasting necessary. Degrease 100% and handle only with gloves. Applied a thin coat over the part and let dry for 10 minutes, then a second light coat. Let air dry for an hour. Then baked in the meat smoker at 165 degrees for 8 hours. Then assembled the small parts and upper. The finish came out as hard as a rock, does not chip, peel, scratch, or fade. It is resistant to all gun solvents and oils. The dark park finish matched fairly well with a vintage 1970's colt upper. You can't tell the difference when oiled. Much cheaper than reanodizing. If you can spray paint and have a week to wait or a meat smoker or oven you don't mind stinking up, this is easy.
Works as advertised
Used to refinish a Ruger Blackhawk grip frame. Worked great with nice finish with no orange peel.
excellent product,the stuff in the can
the color i ordered was as it said, it does NOT need a primer,just clean surface.it turned an old has been into a new creature,totally recreated it.love this stuff.bought another bottle.
Aluma-hyde Coyote = MAGPUL FDE
Although this isn't exactly coyote, this is a perfect match if your looking for MAGPUL FDE. I just finished a customer's glock frame, and it looks amazing. Aluma-hyde is an awesome and durable product when applied propperly.
Best of the best spray on aerosols
Used on a couple of old badly pitted rifles, and it gave them a very nice, durable and rustic finish. It was very easy to use with minimum metal surface prep. If you are looking for a nice looking and tough coating for one of your shooters, this is it!
Great Product
I have read lots of comments on this and the other Aluma-Hyde colors and I'm puzzled. I have used the Matte Black, Semi Gloss Black, Matte Earth, and Matte Ruger Gray. The only thing I have done differently from the directions is buy extra fan spray pattern nozzles from Brownells. I have coated dozens of pistols, rifles, and even the hood of a Ford Ranger pick-up (Mine, just to see), and have not had any complaints. Is this as hard as a high-quality, baked-on finish? NO. Is this what I would use for an expensive rifle or custom pistol? NO. Is this the best finish you can buy for very little money? YES!! Is this just about the easiest finish you can apply? YES!! I use a heat box which is nothing more than a box with 8 100watt light bulbs, and allow the part to cure for 72 hours. (In Afghanistan, all I did was hang it outside in 127 degree sun for two days) I have NOT had typical "spray bomb" results, even on the hood of my truck! In short, this is just about the best darn way to finish a weapon rapidly, inexpensively, and well.


