Quick Tip: Do's & Don'ts of Using Aluma-Hyde II

Brownells Gun Tech™ Caleb calls it "the most durable spray-on finish you can get in a rattle can." Brownells Aluma-Hyde® II is definitely one of the most economical ways to get a tough, good-looking, long-lasting gun finish. Aluma-Hyde II comes in a traditional spray can, but unlike "rattle can" paints you get at the hardware store like Krylon® and Rust-Oleum®, it requires some special handling to get the best-possible results. Caleb has some tips for us.

DO shake Aluma-Hyde really, REALLY well before spraying. You want the solvents and pigments thoroughly and completely blended. If they aren't, you'll get a streaky, inconsistent finish. When you think you're done shaking the can - shake it MORE!

DON'T spray your work piece from too far away. If the Aluma-Hyde is landing on the work piece with a rough, grainy finish, it is partially drying before it hits the surface. Hold can closer as you spray. You want the whole surface to be wet and shiny, but not so wet it drips!

DO start the stream of spray off the work piece and move the spray across it in a smooth, non-stop motion, going past the work piece before you turn off the spray. Repeat that process to cover the work piece.

DON'T change the spray direction while the spray is hitting the work piece. You'll get too much Aluma-Hyde on that spot and end up with an uneven finish and/or unsightly drips.

DO use a cleanout nozzle when you're done, if the can is not empty. Inside, a pickup tube runs from the nozzle to the bottom of the can. If you don't clean it out after spraying, the Aluma-Hyde in the tube will harden. The next time you go to spray from that can, it'll be clogged and no Aluma-Hyde will come out. Get a Clean Out Nozzle (we sell them on our website), swap it on the can for the original nozzle, and spray a bit. This will clean out the pickup tube. The cleanout nozzles are reusable.

DO turn the can upside down and spray until Aluma-Hyde stops coming out. This is good to do on ALL rattle-can spray finishes and paints.

BONUS TIP: It's called "ALUMA-Hyde" and it works great on aluminum, like AR-15 receivers. But it works just as well on ANY metal.

Hang on! A complete "How To Apply Spray-On Finishes To Your Gun" video series is coming.