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.
Good but not as durable as Cerekote
Rebuilt a 20 year old Mossberg 500 that was in pretty bad shape. For 13 bucks it was worth a try. Sand all scratches in the barrel and then hit them with a filler primer. Excellent results. Based on previous reviews I heated the paint and shotgun parts.horrible results. I originally coated the shotgun with flat black and I believe because the paint was heated, the finish ended up being extremely rough, rough as 220 sandpaper. I decided to sand it down and recoat with Magpul FDE. Did not heat the paint or shotgun and the finish came out beautiful. 3 light coats followed by a final coat within an hour. Let the parts hang for 24 hours and then baked at 195 for 4 hours to speed cure. The Magpul FDE matches perfectly with the ATI shotgun furniture. Love the way this turned out.
Color is perfect
The shade of grey is perfect! (About 2 shades darker than "haze grey" for you squids.) Looks like this will blend in nicely to the background in the Mid-Atlantic/Appalachian regions for sure; and probably other regions of the U.S.
Easy product to use
Purchased a 590a1 barrel/magazine for my tired Mossberg 500A. I wanted to do a different finish on the aluminum receiver. Disassembled. De greased with brake cleaner. Applied two coats within 15 minutes. Easy.
Brownell's Matte Black Aluma Hyde
I have used this product before so with that in mind, I shook the can really hard for 5 minutes and made sure it was warmed up properly. After prepping the rifle as directed, I pre-heated the metal with an electric heat gun, very warm to the touch. I first sprayed some of paint out into the air to make sure the nozzle was up to the task of delivering the paint properly. After the first few spurts and squirts, it finally started spraying just right. Once I get it going I like to keep it going until I finish the first coat. After the first coat is on, I like to go over it with the heat gun again, but on the low setting. Once it starts to dry, I stop, put the project up for at least 24 hours to dry. They say it resists bore cleaners and solvents, but it don't. I got some Montana Extreme bore cleaner on the end of the muzzle and it took the coating right off down to the bare metal. A quick touch up took care of it, so be really careful with your bore cleaners and solvents. OK.........it's good for what it's intended.
Brownell's Parkerizing Gray Aluma Hyde
I have used this product before so with that in mind, I shook the can really hard for 5 minutes and made sure it was warmed up properly. After prepping the rifle as directed, I pre-heated the metal with an electric heat gun, very warm to the touch. I first sprayed some of paint out into the air to make sure the nozzle was up to the task of delivering the paint properly. After the first few spurts and squirts, it finally started spraying just right. Once I get it going I like to keep it going until I finish the first coat. After the first coat is on, I like to go over it with the heat gun again, but on the low setting. Once it starts to dry, I stop, put the project up for at least 24 hours to dry. They say it resists bore cleaners and solvents, but it don't. I got some Montana Extreme bore cleaner on the end of the muzzle and it took the coating right off down to the bare metal. A quick touch up took care of it, so be really careful with your bore cleaners and solvents. OK.........it's good for what it's intended.
Nice
Applies easily, seems lighter than the color of the cap. If you want to darken it, spray matte clear over it.
Works better than expected!
This coating is so easy to apply, just need to have patience and the proper prep work. For best results follow the instructions and put four or five coats on. I used one or two on some small parts and chipped the coating while reassembling the firearm. With four coats, I hit the surface with a two-sided hammer and it left no visible marks at all. Be sure to let it cure though. One to Two weeks is a must.
It's more "Olive Green" than "Park Gray"
The color on the cap isn't even close. It looks more Olive Green than Gray. Other than the color, the paint gets as hard as a rock when baked in an oven at 195 deg. for 3 hours. Good quality coating... But it's NOT Gray.
Pay attention to recommendations
I can testify to the fact that this product will be problematic to use successfully if you do not go the extra mile with it. The epoxy is quite viscous and clumpy. I learned a couple pointers which helped but still will have some frustrating issues. I purposely placed the can on the dash of my truck in direct sunlight to thoroughly heat the paint for the full day, occasionally shaking the can. It was pretty warm by the time I got ready to go home for the day. I then shook the can all the way home (30) then periodically shook it until I used it shortly after getting home. I could tell a noticeable difference in the viscosity of the paint, as the marble flowed through the paint much more easily. Then blew out the tube with a clean out nozzle from Brownells. Spray was much more fine in mist and coated well. You NEED to continually shake the can between sprays. The product will start to clump and the spray tip will start spitting. I got an acceptable coating but not perfect. I then placed the parts in an oven at 180 degrees for 50. The can recommended 195 degrees for 2 hours but I felt the slightly lower temp would allow the paint to self level a bit before hardening. Not sure if it had any effect or not. Will allow it to cure then decide about final quality. Ceracote may be a better option but cost more. Good luck with your efforts.
So far so good
My finished .22 rifle and scope project looks great. The Magpul FDE is a super color. The spray was so easy to use. One note: Turn the can upside down. Spray until paint stops coming out between each full coat. This will clear the nozzle and eliminate splatter from the spray nozzle when the nozzle starts clogging. Just waiting to see how durable the paint job is and how long it will last.


