Brownells 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.

This stuff isnt like your normal spray can, be sure to shake ALOT. hold upside down and spray till nothing comes out when done applying, and remove the cap and soak in alchohol before next use. ive made a custom shaker just for these cans as i use them quite often. dare i say this is the most durable spray finish you can get in a can. apply from about 12-16 inches away. if metal, bake at 300 for 45 minutes for a quick cure, plastics i tend to do at 175 for 3 hours, stuff works and applies pretty thick would not recommend if you're coating precise parts, other wise it does the job for all else. you have about 30 minutes to do the job, if not done in that time. bake, cure, and apply a second coat. if you get an inconsistent finish, thats not because of the coating, that is because you didnt shake the can enough. this is epoxy, its not like your normal spray cans you cant shake it for just a minute and expect decent results. spray nozzles may get clogged from time to time i use beadery wire to clear the nozzles when im done coating, and then soak in alcohol. hopes this helps.

The paint and color are spot on to MagPul FDE, but as others have mentioned, the spray nozzle leaves a lot to be desired. You would think that a $25 can of spray paint would come with a much higher quality spray nozzle. If you're looking for a smooth finish without drips...put another spray nozzle on the can.

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

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.

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.