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ALUMA-HYDE® II

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.
Customer Photos & Videos
1
Color was great, product quality wasn't
I read negative reviews of this same product at another retailer due to the quality, so I decided to purchase directly from Brownells. The color match was awesome, however the paint came out chunky and splattery. I even tried a fresh nozzle and getting a consistent spray going before trying again, same thing. It went from a perfect spray to chunky garbage. This product is a huge miss.
1
Silly String
I saw the youtube videos on this and rushed to buy 4 cans. I was mid spray when this paint splattered gobs of goop all over my work piece ruining about $200 worth of gear. I shook the hell out of this can for close to 45 minutes, and applied the paint at an outdoor temp of 75 degrees. I hate to rate this so low, as I love the company and it’s products, but I absolutely couldn’t recommend this to a anyone, and it just left me pretty mad and disappointed. I’ll have to sand the work piece down and use some other brand of paint. Sorry Caleb From Brownells. You still have the best hair in the game.
1
Disappointing
Followed the instructions to the T, but it came out like a popcorn ceiling. I must have shook the can for an hour, but it didnt help at all.
1
It wouldn’t spray
I bought two different colors of this paint and neither one would spray…. You’d think at the price you pay for this product it would actually spray from the can….
1
Trash
Left a Terrible textured finish ruined my AR now I’m left with spray-painted gun, super unhappy with his product do not buy it. brownell sent me some clean out Tips didn’t help didn’t work wasn’t given a refund product wasn’t replaced.
1
comes out clumpy
Second time ordering. First time product was great and easy to use. This past order is not even workable. Every time first few seconds comes out smooth and water them comes out in clumps or blobs. I have tried several thing I had to stripper my lower 3 times to remove such an uneven/ level spray. Came out in splatter, tried changing sprayer nozzles nothing helped. I still have two cans of unused Aluma-Hyde II 12 oz Matte Black Aerosol scared to try for a 4th time. Al the time spent trying to get a good coat on lower just to have to strip taking hours to remove Spent almost $68.00 for 3 cans. not to mention 2 can of thinner to strip lower every time the spray can decided to spit instead of spray. Beware
1
Very disappointed
I sandblasted and degreased my handguard the same way I would for Cerakote and ended up with a glossy bumpy mess that looks like roll-on bedliner. Now I have to sandblast this garbage off so I can apply something else. What a waste of my time and money.
1
Rough finish
Despite following all the instructions and shaking the can very throughly, the can repeatedly started throwing globs of paint. The first attemp was so bad that I had to strip it off. The second attempt was better, but still wound up looking like bed liner. I think I can sand the worst of it once it cures, but it’s never going to look Krylon would have been a better choice.
1
Don’t bother
Not as durable as Cerakote. Save yourself the headache and just pay to have it done. The heads clog up fast. Replacement ones they sell don’t fit and sometimes the spray comes out smooth, other times it spits out and ruins whatever you’re doing.
1
Sometimes it doesn't work...
I've used Alumahyde quite successfully a number of times in the last 20 years. Great finishes that have lasted for decades. I must have gotten a really old can. It would not mix. Thick, ropey discharge, then granular. Then clog. I had i bought a pack of clearing nozzles, usually do, when i bought the Alumahyde, but could never get it to mix after a zillion shakes and tries. Ended up using the can for target practice with an FAL build. Disappointed, but was a fitting end. Be careful before you apply to your work. Sorry, Brownells, but my last can must have rolled under pallet shelves for a few years. I know you can do better. Cheers, Gaspipe