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.
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.
Green, Straight Up OD Green
I gave it 2 stars, because Alumahyde II is a great product. The reason I deleted 3 stars was because of the color. Years ago I bought dark grey parkerizing and ended up with a green M37 shotgun. Again, that was years ago and I read reviews that like it, so I assumed the color formula had changed; been corrected. Now I'm working on a retro AR15 and really wanted a grey parkerized rifle with black furniture (I have original furniture). But, as soon as I shot a coat on the receiver, I realized it's green. My options are to strip it and repaint it or repaint over it, because there is no way I'm waste all the money to get everything perfect and have it be green and black.
Not at all what I was lead to believe.
I received this product under the assumption that it was going to match my Magpul FDE AR build. Wasnt even close to the actual color. Very dissatisfied customer here. Not to mention, I couldnt get ANYONE one the phone to rectify this issue. I would not recommend this to anyone in need of a close match.
This is a Gloss finish, not Semi-Gloss
First off, this particular color has a very bright shiny gloss finish. It is not what I would consider, Semi-Gloss. The color of the cap on the can has a semi-gloss finish, but the cap has considerably less sheen than the actual product when cured. The spray is very thick. For best results, hold the can far away (at least 1 foot but preferably further) from the item you are coating and make several passes until you get full, even coverage. The end result will have a pebbly textured finish to it. The finish will not be smooth. If you spray too close, it will go on too thick and will not cure, and the finish will appear very bumpy and uneven. The biggest problem I have with this product, is that this paint may be solvent resistant, but it is NOT solvent proof by a long shot. I would barely consider it "resistant". After fully curing, the paint will have a hard durable surface. However, getting only a little CLP or gun oil on the paint will cause it to get soft and tacky. Once oils have been absorbed the paint becomes prone to rubbing, peeling or scratching off. This is no alternative to professionally applied spray on finishes like Cerekote or Duracoat. It is merely a step above hardware store spray paint. If you are OK with these limitations, than this is an OK product.
Not Brown
The cap indicates the color to be a darker hue of brown but this is not the case. It is only slightly darker than FDE. Not worth the money it cost and shipping. If you are looking for a darker brown, look elsewhere cause this is not it.


