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.
Terrible spray
I ordered this paint to restore an old shotgun, read the instructions followed the video on Brownell's website. Shook the can in a paint mixer for 20 min then shook in my hand for another 5 min. First spray was on paper right off the bat a stream of goo then a nice mist. Sprayed the shotgun next and was doing well then stream of goo from out of can big blob on the barrel. I cleaned the nozzle like instructed and tried again smooth at first then goo. Complete waste of time. This product is worthless wish I could return all the cans but now stuck with them. Don't buy!!
Matte Black
Well thought this stuff would make covering a firearm pretty simple. Shook the can in a small paint shaker for 30 minutes. First spray was a stream of black goo thank goodness I pointed it at some cardboard. Tried to spray a short barrel and halfway through the first pass another stream of black heavy spray. If you don't mind blemishes in your finishes it great. Not great for consistent quality for customers. I'm going to try the gloss black once it ever comes in and see if it works better.
Colors
I have used this item to paint a lot of things. The colors don't match the lid and name on the can coyote is a light green and so on. So I started using cerhecote and just spraying the right color you are expecting
Clogs up
Use 1 time. Now worthless. Either no propellant left or clogged up inside. Tried everything but now got a whole wasted can. Love it when it worked.
Not close to Coyote brown or FE-200
Not even close to real coyote brown or CeraKote FE-200. I bought this hoping it would be at least close to Coyote brown of my issued equipment. But no it's not even close to the federal color swatch sticks either. It's closer to a dark brownish gray with a touch of green hue. Glad I tested this first, even with 6 coats the color improved but still no match. Might be ok if it is the color you want, but it's not the official coyote brown. It did closely match my old USArmy issued plate carrier(obsolete equipment), but that is not coyote brown. Wish I could return it, waist of money. CeraKote FE-200 is the closest I have found. If you can find a photo of the old USArmy issued plate carrier, than you have a good representation of the actual color.
Doesnt match the cap at all
This is a coyote grey leaning towards green/bronze...
Not coyote
I gave it two stars because its a durable finish but it is NOT coyote brown. If I could describe it I would say it was a coyote green.
To shiny
This is not flat paint. I was doing a WWSD build and my ke arms polymer lower was fde so I bought this to make the whole rifle monochromatic. The color match wasnt perfect, but not as bad as some of the other reviews, but after the paint dried (2 full weeks according to the directions) it was shinier than the polymer was before I painted it. I ended up painting the whole thing again with good ol Rustoleum camo paint. If you want a semigloss look it seems like good paint. Not sure you would want that on a rifle though.
It's green
I just wanted to paint the black metal housing that came with my coyote colored Sig Romeo Zero sight to match. This does not match. This is green. Can you please add a better color sample to your listings?
Not recommended.
While using Alumahyde II, the paint began to come out of the nozzle in multi-color globs, and resulted in spotting on my rifle that I painted. The paint also began to glob onto the junction between the nozzle and can during this, which began half way through applying the paint. I watched the application tutorials on Brownell's website, and made sure to shake the can thoroughly for 15 minutes prior to application. I made sure to spray in low humidity and at moderate temperature (85 degrees Fahrenheit). I'm not really sure what went wrong (the nozzle didn't clog, and I was able to spray over the globs, so the finish is usable and looks decent, but is not satisfactory). My two cans of Alumahyde II were ordered last year, so perhaps they've gone bad during that time? Overall, the experience was quite frustrating, and in hindsight I'm wishing I would've gone with something else.
