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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.

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great product

Easy to use and the end results are great. I painted my pistol and rifle magazines they all seem to be holding up great after about 6 months of use at work, as long as you follow the directions there should not be any problems.

Great product for the money

I have used this on shotguns,1911's and now a ptr91. It is very resistent to chemicals and holster wear.

MATTE BLACK LOOKS GREAT

I PAINTED AN OLD SHOTGUN AND HAVE PLANS TO COAT OTHER GUNS/PARTS AS WELL. THIS STUFF COATS WELL AND LOOKS GREAT. IF I DID NOT KNOW ANY BETTER I WOULD SAY MY 12GA IS A NEW GUN. WATCH THE TUTURIOL VIDEO ON THIS SITE IF YOU PLAN ON USING. THE ONLY REASON I GAVE IT 4 STARS INSTEAD OF 5 IS BECAUSE I AM NOT SURE YET HOW IT WILL HOLD UP.

Great camo

Used this on my M4 upper and lower receiver, great results, very durable, coated the barrel and held up even under rapid fire. Almost identical to Magpul FDE. Only thing is M Pro 7 WILL break this down, quite easily I might add. Careful when cleaning.

Great STUFF

This stuff is great. If you can read and follow simple directions you will have nothing but great results with this stuff. Brownell's outdid themselves with this product. I use it on my AR15's, my hunting rifles, my glock pistols. I recommend getting the clear matte as a finishing layer, as it wears a little, the colors start to look a little shiny. touch them up with some clear matte and its good as new. Im pretty hard on my hunting guns in middle TN, and dragging them through the woods year round and they dont get a scratch. I use the OD green, Coyote, and matte Black for camo, and it does a great job. Make sure and get a dozen of the replacement nozzles, and the cleaning nozzles, as it does clog sometimes.

paint

I got 2 cans of alum hide from you one worked great the other was just okay

by FRANCIS M. on July 29, 2026

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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 C. on September 06, 2025

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