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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.

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Aluma-Hyde ll

Ruined a scope using this stuff. Followed instructions to the letter and finish came out so rough I’ll have to sandblast the entire thing and probably rattle can it FDE again. Nozzle clogged and finish is consistent with Linex Berliner. Looks terrible. Might work great for texturing a rifle stock but not a scope that has to be set with precision inside the rings. Definitely would not recommend unless you’re using it on a throwaway part. Also, like many other reviews state, the nozzle clogs after about 20 seconds of spraying. I had to remove it and blow compressed air through it and even that didn’t produce an even spray.

Garbage

Got halfway through the first coat on a brand new optic and adm mount, and something happened to the valve and or tip. Complete trash, Surprised brownells would put their name on this. Took hours with acetone and qtips and still only got it 80-90%cleaned off.

Don't Buy.

I bought 1 of each matte color. This OD green is an ok color, but it is NOT matte. It is glossy to the point that after drying it is still sticky and if you press on it, your finger print will indent into it. It is not a nice flat, smooth, powdery coat like the Rustoleum or HSC, etc. Further: Brownells Matte Brown Earth is advertised as a dark brown, but it is really just a light FDE. It is glossy and has a weak bond (you can run your fingernail across it and peel a latex-like layer right back off your gun, or press into it and get a fingerprint to remain). Magpul FDE is near identical and reflects it is so shiny, and coyote is near identical but flat - they are all the same color though pretty much. Wolf Grey is a cool color and flatter.

Not fde in color

Used on a lower receiver to match a Areo Precision upper. Color turned out gold in color horrible color match. Had to completely strip the lower and now I am out $25. Not happy at all.

IT DOES NOT MATCH MAGPUL FDE!!!!!?????

You would think that it would match but it doesn't not even close. I don't know why they're even selling this it's not even close and it is GLOSSY

COLOR isn't even close

Color dries as an magpul FDE color....It doesn't even nearly match the color that is on the cap.

Is SEMI-GLOSS not Matte!!

Bought a can of this, tried on two separate applications. Both times it resulted in a semi-gloss finish. I also tried a can of the Coyote color and that one did come out in a matte/dull finish. Brownells did send me a second can of FDE to try, but again resulted in a semi-gloss finish. If you want a dull/matte finish, don't buy this product!! Reviewed Dec '21.

When it works, its nice

3 of the 4 cans I bought stopped working mid-use. When they worked, I thought the product was great. I love the colors and finish, but I wasnt able to do all I wanted because the cans stopped spraying long before they were empty.

Don't Waste Your Money

The color is not even close to Magpul FDE. Mine looks like OD Green. Buy a different product if you want to match Magpul FDE. Quick cure is the only good feature.

More green then gray.

Brownells need to remove this product. Color has a green tint to it, not even close to dark gray. If you like the color I found it easy to use and cover well. I will be stripping product off, so I have no clue how it wears.