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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.

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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.

Customer Photos & Videos

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Magpul FDE is actually light green

This is a very durable color coating. The ONLY problem is that the color is claimed to be Magpul FDE. It's not even close. It's more of a light green shade. So if you don't mind that it really isn't Magpul FDE, then get it.

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

by Enrique E on May 24, 2026

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Not totally dissatisfied

Everything was going well until the spray pattern started to spray random blobs of paint while I was in the initial coat. Normally depending on the project I wouldn't care but this was a carefully prepared Ka-Bar Becker BK2 knife blade. I cleaned the paint off, followed the cleaning instructions on the can and re applied the finish with the same results.

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

Nice product, but color is a bit meh

I bought this in the dark gray parkerized to finish a H&R upper/lower combo I bought for a retro build. The H&R receivers were both supposed to be gray, but were so different in color that I wanted to find something to make them match better. I eventually gave up and decided the only way I could make it work was to paint both parts, and I had heard good things about the aluma-hyde so decided to try it. The good - the paint goes on very well, and covered just fine with one coat. The not-so-good - the finish is not even close to a true parkerized gray, and the texture has more of the appearance of a annodized finish than a parkerized one. I know the second part may be unavoidable with any spray-on finish, but the color... well, you decide.

by ERinVA on March 10, 2026

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Hard to pick a color

Ultimately, I’m happy with the product itself. Application was easy as long as you shake it well and stay close to the surface you’re painting. My disappointment is in color selection. Man, it is hard to get the color you’re after. I debated on all the different versions of tan/fde/brown. I watched brownells videoed, YouTube videos, and read through forums before settling on coyote. I still didn’t get it right and the color came out more tan than I really wanted.

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

by John Carroll on September 06, 2025

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Great one time use can

Bought three colors. Fde, earth brown, and of green. Sad that fde & earth brown are pretty much the same exact color. Tried layering brown over fde and could even tell earth brown was sprayed on the fde. So waste of $20 on a can. Also od green is the lightest green on the planet. So another $20 waste. However when using the fde, it laid flawlessly. It looks amazing. Only downfall is you can only use the can once so spray everything you need to all in the same smallest time frame possible. They dont do well after being used and stored for a week. Buying other caps to reuse the can is useless. It will be blotchy or oversprayed. Happened to all 3 i used so $60 for using 1/2 of 1 can. Learned from my mistake. Only get fde or earth brown and make sure you use the whole can in one quick sitting with multiple parts to paint and youll be happy as all get out how perfect it lays on.

by Kelin Fenton on May 04, 2025

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colors are WAY off

Works as advertised, but the color palette is way off. I bought, earth brown, Magpul FDE and coyote, they are all the same. Now i'm off to fix my rifle colors.

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

by JD Langw on April 04, 2025

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Leaked terribly around the nozzle pin that enters the can.

Wasted a lot of paint.

by DREW BOLES on April 02, 2025

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Satin finish, not flat.

The paint sticks amd covers well, but not flat finish.

by Denny Tudman on January 30, 2025

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Good quality, wrong color

Cap does not indicate color, as one would expect. The paint color is dark grey, with a dash of OD green. I've had a lot of good experiences with alumahyde, this time it did not come out as expected.

by Michael Matthews on March 13, 2024

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Watch out

Look durable. But first try should be on some item you can throw away. My can spit. I did shake hard and long. My first piece ia a bit of a mess. Next time I will warm the spray can in warm water then shake longer then test spray. If I get an even spray mist I can continue. Otherwise this goes to the garbage. Coating will end up being thick. Watch for the tight spots.