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.
Durable spray paint!
I've painted 2 AKs and an AR with this paint and am very satisfied with Aluma-Hyde II paint. When surface preparation and application steps are followed as described in the Brownells video, the result will be a professional and durable finish. Be sure to allow for complete curing of the paint. I searched youtube for pattern ideas and am pleased with the result. I get compliments every time I go to the range. Krylon doesn't even compare.
Forget about rust finger prints!
Amazing uniform finish, much better than cold bluing. The restoration of my daughter's Ruger Mk II is just superb. Just be sure to follow the instructions.
Very close match of Magpul FDE
Great stuff. Just give it time to fuly cure. A lot cheaper than Duracote etc. and sticks to about everything.
Matches Magpul FDE furniture
Have used Aluma-Hyde II in Coyote, Earth Brown, and OD Green. Coyote is the closest match to Magpul FDE furniture, the Earth brown is much dark than the Magpul stuff. The OD green is much lighter than Magpul furniture but makes a great two-tone when used with it. I'm in the process of doing a multi colored camo with all three, I hope it comes out as good as the single colors did!
Be patient
This is a great product, but you have to remember do not touch it at all until it is dry! I did a bolt handle and a floorplate. After they hung for 24hrs, I placed them on a piece of aluminum foil, on the dash of my car, and left it in the sun for a week. It was like an oven, and it baked on. Like was posted prior, once it quits smelling it is done. This stuff is addicting, I am now going to paint a barrel and rings too. I have had stuff Teflon, Gunkoted, and Cerakoted, and they wear regardless and are 10x the cost. After spraying, turn can upside down and spray to clear nozzle. Then take a qtip with acetone on it, and wipe down nozzle. I have not had a nozzle clog yet.
Good Stuff
It's hard to beat this stuff for the price. I sprayed an AK, a couple of Blackhawk Serpa holsters and a couple of SOG knives with this stuff. Provided you follow the directions (degrease, thin coats, let it cure), it is very tough. I tried to scratch the stuff off of the plastic I shot and was unable to do so. It seems hard as a rock. I'd recommend you buy some of the spare nozzles as they do clog after while.. NOTE: DO NOT get this stuff near Gun Scrubber or Easy Off. It removes enamel finishes!!!
Great for synthetic stocks!
This paint worked great on my synthetic stock. My advice is to buy the additional spray nozzles. When you get the paint, discard the white nozzle it came with and put on a black one. Shake the can vigorously and apply in three to four light coats. Let your item bake in the sun and don't touch for a week. I would have tried to bake it (210F) but the stock would not fit in the oven. I may have damaged the stock if an oven was used.
Very Nice
Used this on an AR to match the dark earth anodized free float tube to the MagPul MOE stock and pistol grip. I took the plunger and spring out of the stock and wiped all the plastic down with acetone and scrubbed the hand guard with soap and water, used several light coats to cover with within the half hr drying time and hung by a wire in front of a portable bathroom heater for a few hrs. Results were excellent! Color was excellent! It did take a few weeks to cure good and hard but after that its durable and it doesn't scratch off. I did spay a plastic forward grip without wiping with acetone first and it did scratch right off, but after re-doing it and using the acetone to prep it with its there to stay now.
great alternative to bake-on finishes
I've used this product on barreled actions, AR mags, moving pistol parts, and just parts in general that see a lot of frequent friction. I even did the bolt on my bolt action and after 100 rounds or so it doesn't even show wear marks. In fact, a coat on the bolt tightens it up in the action a little, giving a better fit. I used it on mil issue aluminum M16 mags and there is no wear on the portion that goes in the mag well. I find that impressive from a spray-on coating. For the price, this stuff can't be beat.
Great alternative to bake-on finishes
I've used this product on barreled actions, AR mags, moving pistol parts, and just parts in general that see a lot of frequent friction. I even did the bolt on my bolt action and after 100 rounds or so it doesn't even show wear marks. In fact, a coat on the bolt tightens it up in the action a little, giving a better fit. I used it on mil issue aluminum M16 mags and there is no wear on the portion that goes in the mag well. I find that impressive from a spray-on coating. For the price, this stuff can't be beat.


