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.
Works great
This was my first use of this product and I must say it worked without a hitch. It matched the other Dark Earth accessories on my AR. One trick I used from my past experience with spray can paint is to soak it in hot water and shake it alot and put it back in the hot water bath and shake some more.Let the paint warm up. This is hot tap water,not boiling water. DO NOT USE BOILING WATER. The can could explode.(I will not be responsible for any issues that come from any of these suggestions.) I preheated the aluminum parts and began to spray light coats. Let them flash and spray again until you get the coverage you want. If you want it non-glossy don't put it on wet. Worked great and I plan to use it more. How well it will hold up I don't know as of yet. But I treat my firearms with care.
083-002-112 WB
I have used this product and it is easy to use. Just follow the instructions on the spray can! It works GREAT on Firearms,and ever thing i habve sprayed . It Bonds great ,Last a long time. I have a Pistol that i sprayer 10 years ago and it still looks great.Brownells has good products , Service,Warrant ,Great people to deal with, Fast shipping when the product is in stock. I have shopped with Brownells for over 15 years. Brownells is the first place i look when i ned a product.I thank all employees with Brownells. Custom pistol works. Billy I give this comment of my FREEWILL! !
A happy three time user
This is the 3rd shotgun I've refinished. Follow the instructional video and you will be happy with the results. The optional black nozzles have a better spray pattern. I've found that Aluma-Hyde II sprays best when it's shaken vigorously for 2 or 3 minutes, after being warmed a little. A hair dryer works well for this. Constant shaking during application is also necessary.
Great product, easy to apply
I shook the can for a timed 5 minutes because of all the reviews indicating the tips were clogging. I continued to shake as I sprayed. In applying multiple coats to 2 different guns, I am still using the tip that was supplied on the can. No problems with the tip clogging. Product sprays very evenly and is super easy to apply without runs. My guns look like the came from the manufacturer painted. I HIGHLY recommend this product!
EXACT Same color as GLOCK OD Green
EARTH BROWN is the EXACT same color as Glock OD Green. How do I know? I cut a Glock 78 Field knive down to 3.5" and customized the blade with poor serrations and a tanto style blade. I finished it first with AlumaHyde Coyote which gave a nice contrast. However, I just refinished the blade in Earth Brown and it is an exact match to the handle polymer. Look at the picture attached as a reference. Earth Brown is a Goldilocks color, where it is not too green and not too beige, but rather "Just right". I don't think there is any issue with the spray head; it must be the temp of the paint. The pray head seemed clogged from the get go, however, a violent shaking of the can seemed to resolve this. I think it may be because I had it in my cold garage; whereas when using my Coyote spray can it was warmer weather outside and I didn't come across any issues.
Good stuff
I've used this in the past. thought I'd post a pic this time. This particualr build the stock, lower and handguard were all painted with Alumahyde Coyote. The upper & barrel were done in semi-gloss black. for color reference, the pistol grip is magpul FDE (rubberized) and the rail panels are magpul xt in black & FDE. watch the videos online, take your time and you will have a great finished product. The chips on the stock are the result of something hitting into it BEFORE it cured.
Updated Review
Well i guess i spoke too soon when i originally stated that this color looked more like a cross between Magpul's Foliage Green and FDE. It was just the poor lighting conditions. Once it FULLY dried the color is more of a mix between Magpul's Foliage Green and Olive Drab. I am attaching a pic, hopefully you can judge the color yourself. For reference the rail covers are Magpul XT in Foliage & OD, the grip is Magpul Foliage (rubberized verzion). The stock was a black PRS but painted with the Alumahyde OD paint as was the lower receiver and handguard.
Excellent Results
Previous owner of my Winchester 1200 shotgun had inscribed his SSN in the metal more that 25 years ago so I sanded it out and painted it OD green with Aluma-Hyde II. Looks so good that I'm thinking about painting the lower half of my CZ 9mm. I assembled the gun after only 24 hours and it seems very durable. I followed the instructions exactly and love the results. I'll do it again.
Matches Magpul FDE
People that say it doesnt match Magpul FDE either didnt use it right or are color blind. I sprayed my AR-10 upper and compared it to Magpul FDE furniture and its almost an exact match. I didnt sand it down either. I just degreased the anodized metal and sprayed on 3 very light coats, using a heat gun in between, and then a final heavy coat with heat gun after and it came out amazing. This is the cheapest, best looking, and most durable spray can gun finish on the market. Pro tip - when I'm done spraying I flip the can upside down and spray the paint out of the pickup tube. This let me use the can for a few days of spraying before it clogged the nozzel.
as good as Duracoat
Did my Norc 1911 and so far has held up really good. As good as Duracoat and no air brush.


