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.
Customer Photos & Videos
Absolute Garbage
This stuff is absolute garbage!! I couldn’t be more disappointed. Followed all the directions to the letter but when I started the application this stuff sprayed out like silly string. Couldn’t get it corrected. Emptied most of the can but nothing changed. Extremely disappointed. I would not recommend this to anyone.
ALUMA-HYDE II
The paint is un-usable. It comes out as a gluey like substance even after shaking, shaking, and shaking. I think I read where this problem had been resolved but apparently not.
Stay away this paint is junk
Tried to return ordered 2 cans used one and it came out okay after rifle was almost painted and then it just splattered as it sprayed out and cost me hours of cleaning my rifle off and there offer was they would send me replacement cans after this happened no sorry not spending hours cleaning my gun after I spent 43 dollars on junk paint
Not worth the risk
I’ll keep it brief, out of all of the paints for temperature coating this is the worst. The paint solidifies into a thick glue that either oozes out or comes out in chunks even after vigorous shaking. 2 new cans sprayed out chunks that ruined both coatings on my rifles. I would consider other paint products and cannot recommend this to anyone.
Still Junk
This is my second review of both the OD green & Coyote. Brownells sent me a replacement for each color after the first two cans proved to be defective. The replacement cans came from separate batch dates and the ball rattled which the previous cans did not. I bought a paint mixer and set the cans to mix for about 5 min. Once again the Coyote would not even spray, they are completely clogged and I have already used all my spray out nozzles on the original cans. This product is absolute junk. If you want to spray your guns use Rustoleum or pay for Cerakote. After you factor in the cost of the paint, clear out nozzles, and extra spray nozzles because they clog even on cans that supposedly work you are spending nearly $40 a color. In my opinion, I'd rather just cerakote. Alumahyde just doesn't spray well, even after clearing out the nozzles with a metal pick and thoroughly mixing the product it still sprayed horribly. I don't see how Brownells continues to promote and sell a product that is defective. I've been painting for nearly 3 decades and this product is by far the worst I have ever used by a substantial margin. Save yourself from the headache and disappointment, buy Rustoleum Camo or Cerakote.
Bad paint in the can
I received the paint can that was clogged up before spraying the first drop. Customer service refuses to answer the follow up to the email that they sent me. I've now got a gun that's disabled, half painted and I can't hunt.
Aluma-Hyde Matte Black paint
Purchase Aluma-Hyde Matte Black paint in May of 2023. Did not try using until December. My mistake. Paint wouldn't even start to spray. Can was stored in my house and was never exposed to cold weather. Shook can for over 10 minutes and tried warming it up in hot water, with no success. $20 bucks down the drain.
Aluma-Hyde Magpul FDE
I should have listened to the prior reviews. Purchased and received in a timely manner, but application was terrible. Followed all the instructional videos Brownell posted and even went as far as to heating the can up in 110 degree water, timed shaking the can for over 10 minutes, but paint splattered to the point I had to sand it all off. I am not a rookie at painting with a rattle can. I have had great success with all of Brownells products in the past. One note that may be of importance. The can was delivered on a 35 degree day, so the paint may have froze, at some point, during transit.
DEFECTIVE
After spending nearly 10hrs stripping, prepping, and disassembling several firearms I decided to try a few test sprays of the OD green & Coyote. The Coyote wouldn't spray at all. It was completely clogged despite warming the cans in hot water and shaking for nearly ten minutes. The OD sprayed a foam like silly string then clogged immediately. I used 6 of their clear out nozzles trying to get the cans to work but they just clogged. I finally gave up and contacted Brownells to have the cans replaced. They are sending out a replacement order however, the Alumahyde product is hit or miss. The 2 min mixing directions on the can are a total joke. You need to shake these things for at least ten minutes just to get them to spray, I requested a different batch number and will post another review given the replacements actually work.
Lots of hope but big disappointment.
I searched for a paint on the web for my AR and this was recommended. I watched all the Brownells' videos. I bought the paint and did all the prep work per the videos. I shook the can for minutes. What a mess! Goo squirted out of the can. I shook, cleaned the tip, sprayed again and again. I tried to paint the parts but the paint would not lay on smoothly. It was more of a bumpy lumpy mess. Days of prep wasted.
