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.
Takes forever to Dry!!!
This was My First Time Using Aluma Hyde II, I applied it to a Properly De Greased and Cleaned Galil ARM Mag and after 2 coats within 5 minutes of each other it still isnt Dry!!! Like 2 Hours Later... Minutes to dry to the touch My Butt!!! SMH... Mind You its 105 degrees out here today so Usually stuff dries pretty quick..
Garbage product.
Dont waste your time on this product, youd be better served with a parkerizing kit. I prepped my pistol by taking all the way down to metal. Baked it to get all the oil out. Waited for a warm day to spray it, degreased the pistol yet again. Warmed the can and shook it vigorously for about ten minutes. Went to do a test spray and the first thing to come out was a paste. After clearing that out and cleaning the tip I conducted yet another test spray. The paint came out clumped. I figured it clear out after it flashed so I applied the first coat. After it flashed it still looked like garbage. I applied two more coats and no matter how far or close I got it came out looking like garbage. The nozzle clogged half way through the third coat. Stay away from this garbage and get a parkerizing kit. Those are labor intensive and take a bit longer however you only have to do it once. Now I have to take my pistol all the way back down and start over again. If brownells wants to give me a refund the order number is 1471071500, Id gladly send you back whats left.
Earth Brown is not Brown
This paint is not brown and not even close to it. It is magpul FDE which is a mixture of green and tan. If you are looking for a brown coating, look elsewhere!
Complete Garbage!
I only bought this stuff because they were out of spray PTFE/MOLYCOAT. This junk spit and spewed chunks all over my rifle ruining many hours of prep work. I followed all the directions to the letter and it made no difference.It looked like I was spraying a textured ceiling. It took about 2 hours, 20 rags, and about 50 cotton swabs to clean the mess off. Never again! If there was a negative star rating I would have selected that!
OD Green
Always had a love/hate relationship with Alumahyde. Have used it over past 20 years. It's always a 50/50 gamble when you order it as to whether you'll get a good batch of it that will properly spray or you'll get a clog-o-matic. Gambled this time and lost. Prewarmed the spray can and did all necessary vodoo rituals. Shook it for a minimum of 5 minutes. Heck, even shook it while spraying. Got the splatter finish, which took additional coats to somewhat smooth out. This as I refinished an HK stock set, which was not cheap. I do not know why quality control is so poor when producing this product. Especially when this problem has existed since it's inception. Better yet, instead of making profit for extra replacement nozzles, how about including them with the product.
Loses aerosol
Used on some grips and planned to use it to paint a stock went to use it the aerosol was gone had no propellant at all can is almost totally full of paint
Not Matte
Not matte, way too shiny. Waste of time and good money.
Not even CLOSE to Coyote
"Coyote" Aluma Hyde is actually a light Sage Green. It will not even remotely match anything tan/earth/coyote/brown/FDE, so dont bother. I can't believe there's no quality control before this stuff gets canned and shipped out.
Color on cap / in can not remotely close
The color on the cap is not even close to matching the color that comes out of the can. The result was a very light khaki tan color. I called and spoke to customer service and was told that they were really sorry, but there was nothing that they could do about it. I've still got 80% of the can left. Like others have stated, save yourself a headache and purchase the extra nozzles. Just take your time, have a lot of patience, use a few light costs. Remember, prep is the key here. But, if your looking for a darker brown, look for something else. This isnt even remotely close to matching the cap.
TIPS ARE JUNK
I watched the video on how to do it properly but on the third coating the tip began to spurt and spit globs. Not sure about the product but the tip last two coats and then began spitting the epoxy. I am very disappointed that Brownell's would use such a TERRIBLE tip. Thought it was a company that made sure the products were of quality and this lasted nothing at all. I am not happy.
