Aluma-Hyde 2 Epoxy Based Firearms Finish Aerosol Can Matte Black

I've used the previous iteration of Aluma-Hyde with good results, so picking this was a no brainer. I wiped down my shotgun barrel and the metal part on the hand guard with several passes of acetone. Once dry, I hung the barrel up in the back yard and started spraying. It covers VERY well, not needing my paint at all. I then hung it in a spare room for two weeks to let it fully cure. It looks spectacular and should protect against rust. A week or two later I sprayed a .22 pistol slide with it and got some clumping. I shook it well, so I'm guessing it had to do with the nozzle being partially blocked from when I painted the shotgun barrel. Regardless, the finish still came out smooth. The next test is durability. The original formula is durable so I expect this one will be as well. If not, I'll edit this review. For now, it is a winner!

This is my third time purchasing Brownells Aluma-Hyde II, and I have been very happy with the results. It sprays evenly and blends well when applying multiple light coats. I used the Flat Dark Earth color on a pistol slide to match a PSA lower, and while it was not an exact match, the color was reasonably close and looked great once assembled. It has worked very well on the metal firearm parts I have painted. I normally bake the parts in my oven after spraying to speed up the curing process, and the finished coating has been tough and durable. Just make sure the parts are completely disassembled, properly cleaned, and degreased before applying it. The coverage is excellent. I have not used an entire can on one project, but I believe one can could easily cover at least two completely disassembled AR-style rifles when applied correctly. I have not had any significant leakage problems, although cleaning the nozzle and storing the can upright after use is important. Considering the amount of coverage, the quality of the color, and the durability of the finished coating, I think it is a very good value for the money. I will definitely continue buying it for future projects.

Two cans in a row of the Parkerizing Gray option were defective. These items are also "non-refundable" and not able to be returned for a replacement; absolutely unacceptable. OD Green was a little more muted than I expected but still decent. Faded Dark Earth also had the same problem being a little too muted but still decent coloring. Overall, the amount of effort to "properly" apply this paint doesn't justify the quality of the actual result. I roughed the surface and even baked the whole thing just to be wildly underwhelmed with the durability afterwards. Would not recommend, very low value.

Works very well, looks identical to magpul fde color. Easy to use. If you leave it to treat how the instructions advise you to, it adheres perfectly to metal. Can’t scratch it off after 3 hours in the oven at 195.

I've used this stuff on a few guns, and when it works, it works great. This last time it worked perfect while I was at work on an 870. I gave it a few hours dry time, it felt dry, and foolishly I layed the receiver and barrel on my truck seat and drove home. It wasn't dry enough evidently and left a fabric mark in the paint. So I wait 30 days for it to cure, hit it with some fine sandpaper, and shoot it again. The paint had clogged the can up. In frustration, a few days later I try it again, and the can worked. I was just finishing up and got a splatter, 30 days wait time again before sanding out. This time I put regular camo paint over the top of it. The base coat is Aluma-Hyde, which is very durable, and that is where I left it at. Some of this was my fault, so no complaints, and I'd do it again as this stuff is good.

Brownells make a great epoxy spray. I will continue to use them in the future.

Just letting others know, you'll probably read a lot of reviews about how the texture is bad or the paint is sprayed inconsistently. Just know that most of the issues mentioned in those bad reviews are entirely user-error. Watch the Brownell's youtube guides, prep properly, shake the can WAY more than you think. You can't just go town in 5 minutes like with regular rattlecans, do it right. It works great, and is a lot tougher than standard spray paint. For the color, do some freaking research, don't just look at the name or cap. Also I would recommend dissasembling whatever you are going to paint, don't just hit the whole piece. It won't turn out as well as if you took the few extra minutes to prep properly.

You have to know how to use a rattle can, I looked at all the bad reviews and tried it anyway. Every single bad review is from someone that clearly doesn’t know how to use any form of spray paint. Absolutely nothing wrong with this product whatsoever and am very happy with the results. Goes on thicker than a regular spray paint and due to using small amounts just like any other spray can just clean the nozzle surface off when you’re done.