Fall Build Fest Continues - 15% OFF GUN PARTS THIS WEEK
Use Code: PARTS15

1-DAY FLASH SALE - 10% Off Fusion Firearms Competition 1911s! Use Code: FUSION10

ALUMA-HYDE® II Reviews & Ratings

ALUMA-HYDE II

The special feature of Aluma-Hyde II (and the reason for its development) is its increased resistance to bore cleaners, solvents and other cleaning chemicals, even trichloroethylene. Today’s family of fast, aggressive bore cleaners really do a terrific job getting dirty gun bores sparkling clean, but they can wreak particular havoc with any other finish they contact. After full cure, Aluma-Hyde II proved solvent-proof to all but the most aggressive, copper-removing bore solvents. Aluma-Hyde II is formulated with a hard-curing epoxy base that contains additional, high-density pigment for a durable finish that sticks to all properly prepared aluminum and alloy surfaces, steel and plastics - it’s great on synthetic stocks. Aluma-Hyde II is available in a variety of colors to help the gunsmith match the vast number of applications found in the average gunshop. Aluma-Hyde II dries to the touch in only minutes and reaches full cure in about a week. Absolutely no primer coat is required for a tough, durable, abrasion-resistant, rustproof finish that blends beautifully and compliments all gun finishing applications.

Each can of Aluma-Hyde II is now supplied with a Clean Out Nozzle, required to be used before each use of the paint to prevent clogs in the Nozzle and Pickup Tube. Aluma-Hyde Clean Out Nozzles allow nearly unrestricted pressure to flow through the pickup tube and nozzle to clear out any semi-hardened paint that may be in the pickup tube. Once clear, replace with the original spray nozzle and start your project. When used correctly, this will ensure a smooth, sputter free paint application free of clumps or inconsistencies.

Additional Clean Out Nozzles can be purchased as singles, 430107431, or in a 12-pack, 084179004. Clean Out Nozzles are not intended for finish spraying.

SPECS: 12 oz. (340 g) aerosol can.

INSTRUCTIONS:

PREP THE SURFACE: NO priming required on clean, bare metal or anodized surfaces. Surface should be dry and free of oil, wax, dirt, loose paint, and any other contaminants. Painted surfaces should be washed with a cleaner degreaser. If cleaning parts with abrasive blasting, make sure blasting media is oil- and silicone-free. Test a small area for color compatibility and adhesion.

• Unpainted aluminum: Abrasive blast to achieve desired surface look/texture.

• Unpainted steel: Remove rust by sanding or abrasive blasting.

• Fiberglass: Sand lightly, then wash with soap and water or clean with a quality cleaner degreaser.

• Wood: Seal or fill surface. ALUMA-HYDE II can be applied over polyurethane and varnish finishes but not over linseed oil or tung oil finishes.

PREP CAN: For best results, use between 70° F and 90° F (not below 65° F). Shake can vigorously until the ball inside rattle; then shake for 2 minutes more to achieve correct color and texture.

INITIAL CLEARING SPRAY: Before spraying work surface, point can in safe direction and depress valve. Press until spray is consistent in color and consistency. The cleanout nozzle can be used in this step for previously used, or even new cans. The cleanout nozzle is used to ensure any residue or buildup is easily ejected from the can. Simply pull the standard nozzle upwards off the can and press the cleanout nozzle down in its place (be careful to point can in safe direction when pressing downwards, as can may discharge spray).

Cleanout Nozzles are included with each can of Aluma-Hyde purchased from Brownells and is available separately. Search item number 430107431.

SPRAY IT ON: Hold can approximately 12” away from the work surface and fully depress valve on top to start the spray. Shake can periodically during application process.

LET IT CURE: This is a critical step in getting a truly tough, long-lasting finish! If a second coat is needed, it should be applied within 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, Aluma-Hyde II must be allowed to cure 10-14 days before recoating.

• Dries to a light touch in approximately 10-15 minutes. Wait 24 hours or more before extensive handling.

• Complete cure time caries depending on film thickness, temperature, and humidity

• Cure time can be reduced by circulating warm air (90°F max.) or placing part in direct sunlight.

• Aluma-Hyde II can be “speed cured” by baking the part for 3.5 hours at 195°F. Allow part to cool before applying another coat.

View Product

Write a review

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.

Sort by Filter by rating

Better than expected

I agree with the positive comments posted and don't see a negative unless it might be down the road with durability and that's the reason for 4 stars. Time will tell. I had to use 2 cans because I coated my entire sg and all accessories, with a little left over for touch up later. The matte is a perfect color for me. Get the extra nozzels! The white nozzel is a fan tip and wastes too much paint.

great but not enough

this is a great item but there isn't enough. the finish is beautful but even after a week, break cleaner will take it right off. for one barrel ok 1 can is good but if you want to do a whole gun 2 cans is in order. other than that i loved this product and would recommend it.

Patience is Worth It

I used Flat Dark Earth, Coyote, and O.D. with Bulldog Industries' Extreme Digital stencil (sold by Brownells)to camo my SOCOM 16. It came out great, even though the colors were not the shades I expected. Earth Brown is more green than brown, and the Coyote is a much lighter shade than I expected. That being said, the combination is attractive and a good match for local conditions. PATIENCE IS REQUIRED! Prep the stock and make sure it is clean -- degreaser and soap and water was all I used. I let each color cure a week, the average temperature at the time being 85-95 degrees F. Order extra spray nozzles and clean-out nozzles, and throw the one that came with the can away. It WILL be clogged. Trust me. And wear rubber gloves. Hold the can at least 18 inches from your work and use light coats. Otherwise the finish will not be completely flat. Having done this once and experiencing the bugs, I expect to use this again. If you take your time it's easy and simple to produce a very good-looking and durable result.

Great stuff

I sprayed another one of my pistols with this stuff. I had the steel slide parkerized and the aluminum frame anodized. Degreased everything, sprayed and it was good to go.

Great Product !! Be Patient

I found after practice, the product is great. Definately apply in small, think coats. If you apply to much, it changes the dimensions and tolerances of your gun. I found that out on placing to much on a AR15 lower and found the roll pins no longer fit and the upper and lower would no longer fit correctly. Take your time, let it dry, dry, dry before handling. Oven baking does speed up curing time. When order, buy extra nozzels as once it begins to spit at your gun..it leaves small blobs. I hang and spray outside. Have done many guns now and really love the product. Extremely durable !!!

Worked for me

This is my third can of Alumahyde II Coyote and it was a little different than the last two. It's a little more green but more matte. The previous two cans were very close to Magpul's FDE but more of a semigloss finish. No issues with tip clogging since I always spray the can upside down for a few seconds when I'm done to clear the tip. This last can didn't seem to go as far as the previous two did, not sure why but not a major issue. Could have just been how I was applying it. All in all, I'm pleased with the results and work involved to use it.

870 Refinish

Read the other reviews and look up the [...] videos for Aluma Hyde II. Tons of good information there.Stripped and sanded all the metal parts with 400 grit sandpaper then wiped everything down with acetone. The finish went on very easy.Definitely spend the $3 on the bag of extra nozzles. The nozzle on the can didn't work at all. I'd recommend throwing it away immediately and using a fresh nozzle every for each period of application.Unless you have the means to bake the finish, don't touch your work for 2 weeks.

Great finish just needs a better can.

I was able to get my AR finished in it. Great durable finish. I didn't wait 2wks. I baked at 275 for 2hrs per coat and it is just as durable as the original anodizing. Couldn't give it 5 stars though. The derned tip on the can came clogged. IT ARRIVED CLOGGED! I had everything prepared and ready to go, pop the top off and instant disapointment. So after cleaning my only tip in lighter fluid I got it going smooth. Really Brownells you guy should just throw in a couple tips with each can if they are left to clogg when they are installed on the cans.

Great paint!

The color is top-notch. I am also impressed that this doesn't require any baking or heat-treating. It is very convenient in that regard. However, the spray can clogged a few times and when it did, it would spit large droplets of paint onto the work piece. Also, the can didn't go quite as far as I'd expected. Some reviewers were able to get three guns out of one can. I was only able to get one long gun, the furniture from another, and a holster. All in all, a good product. Ordering a few more cans to finish the job, but will be prepared for less than stellar performance out of the can.

Just applied yesterday

Ok first thing get some Laqueur thinner, you will need this to soak spray tips as this stuff dries quick and will foul spray tips quickly. Do that and you will be happy with how it turns out. Now I just have to wait for a week to cure which will be tough. Did 2 AK's, turned out very nice. Will need to touch up a little. Remember do not touch up till cured (one week). I hope that this stuff is solvent resistant after cure.