ALUMA-HYDE® II

ALUMA-HYDE® II Reviews & Ratings

Brownells Aluma-Hyde II is a durable, epoxy-based aerosol firearm finish developed to resist bore cleaners, solvents, cleaning chemicals, and everyday wear. Formulated with a hard-curing epoxy base and high-density pigments, it provides a protective, abrasion-resistant coating for properly prepared aluminum, steel, alloys, and synthetic surfaces.

Unlike conventional finishes that can be damaged by aggressive cleaning chemicals, Aluma-Hyde II offers increased chemical resistance after fully curing. It is resistant to many common bore cleaners and solvents, although particularly aggressive copper-removing solvents may affect the finish.

Available in a variety of colors, Aluma-Hyde II can be used to refinish firearm components, synthetic stocks, and other compatible surfaces. No primer is required on properly prepared bare metal or anodized surfaces.

Aluma-Hyde II Features & Specifications

  • Hard-curing epoxy-based aerosol finish
  • Resistant to common bore cleaners and solvents after curing
  • Durable, abrasion-resistant protective coating
  • Adheres to properly prepared aluminum, steel, alloys, and plastics
  • Suitable for compatible synthetic stocks and fiberglass surfaces
  • No primer required on properly prepared bare metal or anodized surfaces
  • Available in multiple colors
  • 12 oz. (340 g) aerosol can
  • Includes a Clean Out Nozzle for clearing the pickup tube

Aluma-Hyde II Colors & Finish Examples

Compare Aluma-Hyde II colors applied to actual magazines. The examples below show how different finishes appear on the same type of surface.

Brownells Aluma-Hyde II color comparison showing different finishes applied to firearm magazines
Aluma-Hyde II colors shown on coated magazines. Actual appearance may vary with lighting, screen settings, surface preparation, and application.

View more Aluma-Hyde II colors and finished project photos in our product spotlight.

How to Apply Aluma-Hyde II

Surface preparation, application temperature, and curing all affect the finished coating. Follow the instructions below and consult the product label and safety information before use.

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Surfaces must be completely dry and free of oil, wax, dirt, loose paint, and other contaminants. No primer is required on properly prepared bare metal or anodized surfaces.

Clean previously painted surfaces with a suitable cleaner or degreaser. If abrasive blasting, ensure the blasting media is free of oil and silicone. Always test a small area for color compatibility and adhesion.

Preparation varies by material:

  • Unpainted Aluminum: Abrasive blast to achieve the desired surface texture.
  • Unpainted Steel: Remove rust by sanding or abrasive blasting.
  • Fiberglass: Sand lightly, then wash with soap and water or a quality cleaner/degreaser.
  • Wood: Seal or fill the surface before application. Aluma-Hyde II can be applied over polyurethane and varnish finishes, but not over linseed oil or tung oil finishes.

Watch our Aluma-Hyde II surface preparation video for a demonstration of proper preparation techniques.

Step 2: Prepare the Aerosol Can

For best results, apply Aluma-Hyde II at temperatures between 70°F and 90°F. Do not apply below 65°F.

Shake the can vigorously until the mixing ball rattles, then continue shaking for an additional two minutes to ensure consistent color and texture.

Use the included Clean Out Nozzle before each use. Remove the standard spray nozzle and install the Clean Out Nozzle. Point the can in a safe direction and depress the valve to clear accumulated paint or residue from the pickup tube.

Once the discharge is clear and consistent, remove the Clean Out Nozzle and replace the standard spray nozzle before applying the finish. The Clean Out Nozzle is not intended for finish spraying.

Step 3: Apply Aluma-Hyde II

Hold the aerosol can approximately 12 inches from the prepared surface and fully depress the spray valve. Shake the can periodically during application to maintain consistent color and texture.

If additional coats are required, apply them within the initial 30-minute recoating window. After that window has passed, allow the coating to cure for 10 to 14 days before applying another coat.

Watch our Aluma-Hyde II application video for additional spraying techniques and application tips.

Step 4: Allow the Finish to Cure

Allow the coating to cure fully before putting the finished part into service. Drying and curing times vary depending on coating thickness, temperature, and humidity.

  • Touch Dry: Approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Handling: Wait at least 24 hours before extensive handling.
  • Recoating: Apply additional coats within 30 minutes, or allow 10 to 14 days of curing before recoating.
  • Air Curing: Circulating warm air up to 90°F or placing the part in direct sunlight can help reduce curing time.
  • Accelerated Curing: Existing product instructions specify baking the coated part for 3.5 hours at 195°F. This method is appropriate only for heat-tolerant components and must follow applicable product safety instructions. Allow the part to cool before recoating.

Clean Out Nozzles & Maintenance

Each can of Aluma-Hyde II includes a Clean Out Nozzle designed to clear partially hardened paint from the pickup tube and help prevent clogs, sputtering, and inconsistent spray patterns.

Additional Clean Out Nozzles are available separately:

  • Single Clean Out Nozzle: Item #430107431
  • 12-Pack Clean Out Nozzles: Item #084179004

Clean Out Nozzles are for clearing the pickup tube only and are not intended for finish spraying.

Aluma-Hyde II Application Guides & Videos

Brownells Gun Tech Caleb Savant demonstrates surface preparation, application, camouflage patterns, and other finishing techniques in our instructional series.

Watch the complete How to Paint Your Firearm video series

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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
5
Great tough finish!!!!
Watched videos on how to. Followed them carefully. I did a camo pattern on an old pattern TT-33. The bluing was awful. Sand blasted with 240 grit. Acetoned it sprayed on Aluminum-Hyde FDE earth and ODGreen. Let it bake in my cheap toaster oven. I am very pleased with results. So far everyone thinks it looks great. My first try. Next time it'll be even better. Pretty easy to work with! It is very durable! No solvents or scrubbing have bothered it by. Use extra nozzles and clean out nozzles. If an old shakey man, me, can do it so can you!!!
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
THE. BEST.
I absolutely love the Aluma-Hyde II line of coatings, high quality stuff, just pay attention to the instructions and watch the videos.
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
👍👍
Tried out the Magpul Fde, and the shade matched pretty spot on. Went on smooth and even. Durable after curing. I will 100% be buying more
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
Great
Magpul FDE color match was spot on. Go slow and do multiple light coats. After a week it dried to a hard smooth finish. Bout as good as it gets next to cerekote.
5
Excellent if prep and process are done as directed.
Used aluma-hyde paint to do a multicam paint job on my AR and with the right prep with acetone and scuffing the areas that needed it. The process went great. Shaking the can is a must and is 99% of your issues with how the paint is laying, it will tell you how much more you need to shake the can.
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
Excellent product step up from regular spray paint
Used alumabrite to do a 5 color plus the clear to do a multicam paint job on my AR riffle. I wanted something better then spray paint but not as involved as cerakote so I tried this and I have to say as long as your prep is good this is way way WAY better rought to go over standard spray paint as long as you follow the cure times this stuff is real easy to apply same as spray paint, cure time is 10 to 14 days and it looks amazing if I could post some pics I would.
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
Better than I thought
I had been told by individuals and read articles saying that this stuff wasn't any good. It wasn't very durable. Not true I painted a few GI 3o caliber ammo cans that I stack and slide them in and out on top of another one. The paint has proven its more durable than every one has stated.
5
Excellent metal treatment
Shake the can and shake it some more!!!! I've used several cans of Brownell's Aluma-hyde II on firearms. Cure takes a while (the hardest part) but it's well worth the wait. Instructions are on the can and Brownell's has a few videos on the application of Aluma-hyde II. This application of Olive Drab green was sprayed on a Ruger 10/22 that I treated with Aluma-hyde (OD) back in 1992 or 93. It had some hard use and needed a touch up and new stock. The "Green Hornet" looks great and has a Volquartsen Drop-In Hammer, Extended Magazine Release and William's Ace In The Hole Sight System.
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
Looks beautuful
Followed the directions and the refinishing job turned out great. Refinished an old Chiappa 1873 .22 revolver and now it looks like new, right out of the box.
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
Good deal
This was all around good deal. Great paint! Great pricing! Free shipping! Couldn’t ask for more
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend