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.
paint gummed up
The can would not spray when I got it. There was a thick glue-like material that came out as if the paint had started to gel. I had to use a piece of wire to push down with the nozzle off to get the gel to come out. I was sort of like silly string. After working on it for several minutes, I got the paint to spray freely. It made quite a mess, but in the end, I put a new spray nozzle on and could paint my parts.
Alums-hyde
Whatever you do don’t use without a clean out nozzle. This stuff will come out terrible and the only way to fix your problem is to refinish it. I found out the hard way, even with a brand new can.
Almost
Color match was very good. The main issue was spraying. After shaking the can for longer than recommended, it first sprayed a clear glue like film. After more shaking, the spray came out in clumps. Finally, I was able to get fair results.
OD green
Paint color is way too light and the durability is not there. Chips and flakes off to easy. Especially since it was used on properly prepared surfaces. Could be potentially be user error but the color is less than satisfactory.
Came out Chucky
Please take my advice and spray the first few seconds into the wind or someplace anywhere away from your project. I've seen other videos and reviews with similar comments but it still left chunks on my project. It actually left a nice texture as a result but the resell value definitely tanked after this mess up.
Coyote
Coyote was a light green. Disappointing.
I’m so far as how the paint flowed from the can, I couldn’t ask for anything better.
Magpul FDE color is closer to "B5 FDE"
Bought a can of the Magpul FDE color because Magpul FDE the closest to a "standard" FDE. Also it's pretty close to what Aero does on their FDE coated parts, which is what I was hoping to match with this paint.
Sprayed a black magazine to test it and it is NOT Magpul FDE color. Even after oven curing per the instructions it was lighter and more yellow than Magpul's FDE (compared both magazines and furniture). But then I compared it to a B5 FDE stock and it's much closer to B5's FDE. It's still a hair lighter and a little more yellow than B5's FDE, but WAY closer. Bummed that they're calling it Magpul FDE, because it is not. Referencing their youtube video it seems like I got the coyote color even though I double checked the can said Magpul FDE.
All that being said, it's quite durable so far (took some sandpaper to it to test it's abrasion vs other spray paints I know). And it's nice that you can do a pretty low temp speed cure on it rather than the 10-14 day air dry time.
Start with caution
A word of caution: after you're through shaking the can, do a test spray before you get anywhere close to your project. I didn't and got the biggest glob of paint goop you ever saw all over my project.
Mystery Color
I ordered Magpul FDE and received Magpul Tan. (If you’re ordering this product, you likely already know the hoops you have to jump through related to getting as close as possible to Magpul’s FDE.) It took two emails before I got a call from Brownell’s customer service. The rep was extremely nice and told me the most recent lot of Aluma-Hyde (in Magpul FDE) had been mis-labeled as Magpul Tan. Sheesh. The product works reasonably well, being one step above regular spray paint, as long as you follow the directions. However, if you’re looking to get closer to Cerakote, there’s better products out there. Ultimately, Magpul FDE is the right color to “match” Magpul products.
needs to be a little darker
This isn't OD green, it matches up pretty well with Ranger green which is lighter in shade. Next to Magpul or real traditional Vietnam era web gear OD green it is way too light. Darken it up brownells, make it better.


