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
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.
Waste of time and money.
This 'paint' would not even spray. It just spurted. Thick mess with globs of goop spitting out. And believe me I wanted it to work, I had several hours of parts prep and was all ready to go. I honestly shook that can for over 20 minutes trying to get it to work to no avail. I was extremely upset and disappointed. Maybe I just got a dud, I don't know. But at over 20 bucks and over a week waiting for it for nothing, I expected more.
Avoid this product
The was totally unusable. After following all directions on the can the first few seconds it looked like white silly string was shooting out of the can then nothing but brown goop which then caused the nozzle to completely clog. Total was of money and would not recommend.
Should have read the reviews....
Spray head clogged like everyone else has experienced. Sprayed chunks of paint and epoxy all over my handguard. I still haven't been able to remove the dried on residue.... I took my chances and paid for it.
Final sales and cannot return or resolve...:(
Unfortunately
Really wanted to like this product, have bought from brownells for years. Could have had a bad bottle but shook can for 10+ minutes and sprayed chunky and ruined the project. Was slightly cool outside but had sitting in sun for an hour, about 75 outside. Bought 2 bottles dont want to try another project unfortunately.
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.
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.
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.

