Quick Tip: Choose Your Aluma-Hyde Color

[@CalebSavant]

Alright! Hopefully this answers some questions, I added chapters to the video to make thing a bit easier as well. Also, stick around to the end of the video, there is an addendum to the Magpul color.

[@viniciusbergamo9230]

Is this paint more definitive or its like rustoliun camouflage ? plz bring to Brazil !

[@damonbfriendly]

Ok Caleb, this is swell and all, BUT when are you making the definitive "how to" video on how to paint your rifle with Alumahyde?

[@tonyben3]

Any plans to do a chocolate brown? I have M14 handguards I want to refinish but there's no brown that's even close in this video. -Tony.

[@mrshort2379]

Let me ask a question where you had painted those mags completely are they still usable without hanging up in the magwell? Because I have painted mags before but could only paint the lower half so they do not hang up in the magwell. I would also like to repaint my pistol mags completely can you use Aluma-hyde to paint them?

[@CalebSavant]

@@damonbfriendly soon

[@bisleyblackhawk1288]

The “clear” Aluma-Hyde section cracked me up 🤣🤣🤣

[@alvinmorris5404]

Gonna paint my house and truck with it tax man can't see it he can't tax it 😂😅

[@crunchyknees3622]

The reason why I hit the like button

[@ZeroTooL88]

People need to embrace the blend of shades/tones

[@williamgeorge2591]

These colors are so similar to each other it seems they would be difficult to make effective shades/tones with. I’ve seen two brown spray paints have differences in color and brightness than all the colors compared here. I really like that they make durable paint, but it seems like they flubbed the colors. Tell me I’m crazy.

[@jensenmiller6410]

Caleb, you still owe us a "painting your AR video"! Suggestion for that video: Do a couple of "wrong" ways of painting and show what finish or symptoms appear so people can see how technique affects the finish. That way instead of blaming the product right away people can identify if they were doing something wrong while spraying it. I gave the FDE alumahyde a shot on my rifle and it seems to have an attitude depending on how full the can is. I got a can straight from the brick and mortar store in Grinell so it was relatively new at least. After a good 5 minutes of shaking I gave a couple long sprays on some garbage before starting on the handguard. Even after the precaution to protect from any chunks that hung on to the straw after 3-4 passes and ~45 seconds in it let out what's best described as a "paint shart" and lobbed some globs of paint at the prepped surface. It did it once more about a minute later but I wasn't going to risk wiping and runing the finish any further. I laid it on thick to hopefully blend it but even with some thick close application it went on grainy and has an almost house foundation paint esque sandy finish over the whole part. If you look real close its almost like there was some micro bubbling after the paint was on the surface (I have no idea what may have caused it). I did the upper the next day and this is where we get into the attitude of the can changing. Same process of prep, shaking, and two coats but this time the finish is smoother and comparable to what you guys show in the videos. I was waiting on tools for the lower so time will tell how the bottom part of the can acts.

[@ThePatriotParadox]

Yes!!!!! And great ideas

[@5jjt]

The grit texture is caused by spraying too far away. This causes droplets to partially cure while they're suspended in air. For the shart, shaking longer will help. Talc powder is in the mix to give a flat appearance and can clump if not mixed well enough. Next time, try soaking the can in hot tap water, them mixing for a long time. Consider getting one of those Sawzall attachments that shake paint cans. I have one and it's fantastic.

[@YuTbCensorship]

I'm very happy with the Aluma-Hyde Grey Parkerizing. I used it on some early Retro AR15 Builds I did. I was planning to do a Late 1960's Vietnam War AR15 with Dark Parkerizing to look closer to the Black Triangular Handguards, Grip and Stock. Thanks for showing what they look next to each other. I put this Video in my Saved File to Reference when it comes time to buy the Paint.

[@3wheelmannc860]

Very, very helpful to have this side-by-side viewing.

[@markcmann]

Great video as always. One suggestion, you should do a complete video (or series of videos) of the complete process of painting an AR with Aluma-Hyde, in Wolf gray of course, including the preparation, masking and any other tips to ensure a quality outcome. Thanks Caleb! 🇺🇸👍🏻

[@newdefsys]

Ive been researching FDE color paints for a week and there's a lot of videos out there but none of them are nearly as comprehensive in their color comparison as this one. Thank you for the extra effort as it really helps me.

[@metaldave556]

ive done quite a lot of alumahyde spraying and it all has a sheen to some degree. a thin layer of rustoleum dead flat really kills the shine nicely.

[@ETHRON1]

To match Dessert Tan... I used Rustoleum "Taupe"...it came dam close to matching perfectly...

[@BlackTongue.]

I've probably purchased and used 30-35 cans of Alumahyde 2 for various projects over the past 4-5 years. 90% of those were Matte Black and the other 10% Earth Brown. Out of those 30-something cans, probably about 8 or 9 of them were defective. What I mean by defective is that no matter how long I would shake the cans (15 mins sometimes) the paint would ooze out of the nozzle, periodically sputtering globs of paint. Doesn't matter if I use pick up tube clear out nozzles or new nozzles, they were just defective and each time that happened I was out $20 - $28 - not to mention the disappointment. Now the rest of the cans that were NOT defective, worked like a dream. Nice even fine mist and after thoroughly prepping, spraying then baking the final result is usually perfect. Since Alumahyde replacement nozzles are perpetually out of stock, I actually prefer the black/yellow nozzles that Duracoat uses with their aerosol cans. They're called "Montana flat jet medium" and can be purchased at a variety of online art supply stores for around $.25 cents per cap/nozzle. And they work just as good, if not better than Alumahyde nozzles. (You're welcome for that info, hope I helps) Anyway my point - when Alumahyde spray cans work, they work amazingly - when they don't, it sucks!

[@jakespeckman1]

Caleb, Thanks for doing this topic. I spent days looking for something like this. In the end just got 5 cans and tested. One thing I would like to see added to this topic is Aero FDE, SI, Oden works, Geissele, and others vs Aluma-Hyde FDE shades ( I get they are not all the same but would like to get an idea how far off they can be. Show us the "50 shades of FDE") . I can say the "Earth Brown" is the closest to Aero. Also, would like to see a flat white added to the line to use as a base for a winter camo. But after doing one AR in "Caleb" wolf gray I see why you have it as your main color.

[@chadwik4000]

My favorite shade of fde is on my cloud defense REIN, before they "fixed" it, which color changes as it is anodized aluminum. It is a beautiful rose-gold fde that can appear Lilac or different shades of purple. I think of rose gold alumahyde two for a rose gold fde alumahyde two would be awesome.

[@ratagris21]

All of the colors to simply put off color variations of what your looking for. Thank you for pointing out that you have to paint all to match exactly. The variations of different color to make a good camo patterns. Thank you for all you do. ♠️🎩🇺🇲🏹

[@stevegillespie6424]

I LOL'd over the clear thing. haha that was good dad humor. Kudos.

[@xSP3CTREx]

I needed this, about to paint some of the new toys. Thanks Caleb!

[@davidherbst]

I'm one of the 17 people who miss Foliage Green. You ever make Aluma-Hyde in that color, I guarantee I'll buy a can. That should be enough to secure a run, right?

[@chadwik4000]

Rust-Oleum makes a decent foliage green looking green, but it's just Rust-Oleum, not alumahyde 2...

[@davidherbst]

@@chadwik4000 that’s what I ended up using on my hand guard. Rust oleum, dark green self-etching primer. It’s a little light, but pretty close.

[@OpCharlieBravo]

That's cool if they don't match exactly. I build an AR all FDE thinking it was going to look nice but it was actually pretty boring. I ended up buying new furniture in coyote tan, and an anodized handguard just to change it up, im happy with the results. Im looking for and OD green paint so if it don't match exact, it's ok.

[@davidgaines8607]

This was like a home improvement show for guns.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Very helpful, think of things I can use as an excuse to try out some wolf gray!

[@ethan5.56]

I painted an upper with alumahyde 2 in magpul fde to go with my KE Arms KP15 FDE lower and it didn't match perfectly but it looks good enough for me. 50 shades of FDE ftw ❤😂 great video as always

[@Shoots-A-Stick79]

Clear all day for me! Ah, the transition period! 🦄

[@SpartacusColo]

Thank you for making this video. It's very valuable to my decision-making process on which colors to go for.

[@mobilegamersunite]

Painting my living room next month, thanks! 😉

[@user-ho5vz5tg3r]

Camo!

[@jeffwerner1291]

Thank you so much for making this video... This really helped out alot as far as me picking colors..

[@mattfleming86]

You've made a LOT of great videos, but this one was SOOO needed. I'll be adding some to next order since you answered some questions for me (color anxiety is real!) Still wishing Alumahyde was available in quarts or pints non aerosol.

[@alexmaurice4274]

This is really helpful tbh. Wish like other companies of paint showed this more

[@williamgeorge2591]

The colors seem to similar. I’d like to see more drastic differences of light and dark versions of greens and browns. Also some flat dark earth/tan color between the “desert tan” and “magpul tan” cans.

[@randyfrantz7195]

Color matching of gun paints/colors is not different in the world of color matching of other products. If you want to match your existing kitchen tile, as example. Good luck. Carpet? Same thing. Paint stores have computers to get the best possible match for house paints. You take them color samples and they feed that into the computer and out pops a formula for the store employee to mix to get the color. Take that paint home and? Good luck. But that type of color matching is a lot closer than trying to match one brand of FDE paint to another paint brand in FDE. Or match a plastic rifle stock to a can of paint with the same name on the label. Your video definitely helps as long as people keep their expectations within the scope of your discussion. Thank you for the show and tell! It does help.

[@josh48315]

He talks about how the parkerized grays have some green in them, but never thinks to hold the OD green stock up next to them so we could see how they compare to Magpul ODG *rolls eyes in disappointment* Come on Caleb, get with it dude. I did like the clear mag though!

[@caseyjones7641]

I agree. I was really hoping to see what magpul ODG looks like compared to parkerizing gray. I think they may potentially be a good match.

[@duneregent1033]

This is a good idea for a video, very helpful. Thanks!

[@AngloCelt88]

There needs to be a "Battlefield Green" in your line up. I'd love to be able to get that color but with the Alluma Hyde durability!!!

[@ROOSTER-ql5fs]

Love love love that Clear!! Seriously though thanks or another great video. Magpul Tan it is!!

[@AusJackal]

I like the browns.. especially the darker one...

[@luciankristov6436]

You guys need to expand your color options. Alumahyde is pretty kickass !

[@ROOSTER-ql5fs]

I’m not seeing the Magpul Tan online on your website. I am still seeing the Magpul Flat Dark Earth though. Did they change the name back? Thank you in advance !

[@FishKepr]

Probably the most OCD oriented Brownell’s video I’ve ever seen.

[@MichaelLloyd]

How about a video on changing the barrel out on a Ruger American Ranch rifle. I know they put a great barrel on them but it would be nice to be able to watch the process. Using SAC (Short Action Customs) barrel vice would be a bonus,

[@seang1032]

When you were talking about the 2 magpul colors that are the same and said you guys are going through a transition period, I got nervous. It's 2023, you never know

[@ChristianGrest]

Super helpful Caleb! Love the Aluma-Hyde products.... looking forward to my next project using it.

[@gregbeck906]

Cool, my next gun will be full stainless steel grey! Thanks 👍

[@anthonyperotti151]

THANK YOU! I’ve been looking for this EXACT video!!!

[@davidp2968]

Great information, I’m in the process of a build, with Sharp Bros,hellbreaker lower, Matador 5k upper gray, don’t know where to start but I would love to paint the face of the design , probably more difficult than I’m able to do. Good information though.

[@FaddaJoe]

Real Coyote Brown is so difficult to match in a matte or flat finish, but Earth Brown comes very close, so I'll have to pick up a can for my rifle. The closest readily available spray I've found is Rustoleum Nutmeg, which would be near perfect if it weren't so glossy.

[@GodGunsGills]

Yep! I paint everything!!!! Would have it no other way

[@clintmullins8670]

Yes but how does it stick

[@coreyperez13]

Brownells just needs to pony up and make a swatch kit

[@jimziogas8978]

Great idea dude. I’ve been truly been trying to match some stuff forever

[@klm1784]

You should have put the other two parkerized grays up to the magpul stock. You compared the od green to the stock, but not the other two grays with the magpul stock.

[@roul3688]

It would be pretty cool to have camo stencils/templates, if you don’t already.

[@roygaisser9230]

I'm really surprised at how much I like that matte stainless grey. It didn't look metallic at all (at least on this comp screen), just a nice pale grey. I have one that's about the wolfy color I like, even though I'm sure they don't call it that. My mind is racing to fig out something I can paint with the pale---I think I love it!

[@filster1934]

You need my wife for this kind of video. She can pick out subtle shades and hues of colors I just cannot see.

[@johnboivt]

I spray automotive 2 stage matte clear over all of my projects. Looks great.

[@clintmullins8670]

To protect? How durable is aluma hyde itself then with the matte coat?

[@krisgross916]

Been testing out the clear on a few different projects I think it's more durable then the other colors have some hand painted rifles that I then use that as a clear coat over and so far no chipping or anything

[@donswazy]

Awesome video!

[@dtmelanson]

Frequently, when talking about spray painting a magazine, people advise not to paint the part of the magazine that will be inserted into the rifle. To just paint the lower portion of the magazine. I would be interested in knowing your thoughts on this Caleb

[@charleshunt3262]

Yes, Caleb, please answer!!! I've been wondering about this as well.

[@CalebSavant]

Most rattlecans go on much thicker than Alumahyde, I personally do not have issues when painting mags with a singe coat of alumahyde in any of my rifles.

[@xSP3CTREx]

The hot gases and carbon will do away with any paint residue that may work its way into the receiver, won't effect function. Think that is a true myth to be busted.

[@jimvac77]

It isn't an issue with AR mags. Paint the whole mag, just know that you'll get some wear on the mag where it locks into the mag catch.

[@hwillwright]

Thanks for doing this video. It is super useful.

[@barrycampbell1054]

Hello Caleb, I am disappointed that tech support does not have printed PMS color swatches for me to have on hand for Aluma-hyde.

[@ArceezRC]

I got Home Depot to mix up a small sample container (about $5) of custom paint when I provided the part I wanted color-matched and while that's latex, it has been durable enough on polymer. (Not so much with aluminum parts). Just an idea for some....

[@chadwik4000]

I think you got the coyote and Flat Earth brown mixed up...

[@Edmondson_Avenue]

Yup

[@Russianmafia10]

I wish you put the wolf grey on top of the Magpul grey

[@dfl19034]

I miss the white PMAGS that you could dye.

[@Kaufeetimevideo]

I want to see those Matching plaid pants to your plaid shirt. You'd be sportin !

[@jeffreymichael1154]

Hey Caleb, I talked to Jake a few times now trying to figure out what’s going on with the “Magpul FDE” and the “Magpul TAN”. He said that the tan was a labeling error and that the fde is now the “tan”. I told him that in the video you(Caleb) stated that there IS A DIFFERENCE between the Magpul FDE and the Magpul Tan. I don’t see Magpul Tan as an option on your website. He said choose the fde… is this fde going to be a different formula/shade than the five cans of Magpul FDE I already have on my shelf? Or will I be buying another can of the same?

[@CalebSavant]

The original Magpul FDE from back in the day was no good color wise. It changed to Magpul Tan very briefly and is now listed as FDE again, I stated at the 8:20 mark since there was a bit of confusion.

[@jeffreymichael1154]

@@CalebSavant ok, so is the magpul fde now a different shade than the magpul fde I purchased let’s say 9 months ago? I really like that new shade you showed as “magpul tan”. Just wanna make sure if I buy a new can of “magpul fde” it’s going to be the new shade rather than another can of the fde I have already on my shelf from you guys 9+ months ago. Sorry to be such a pain in the ass, just wanna make sure it’s different. Thanks Caleb, btw- I really enjoy your videos and wish you would do more, more often!!! You have a great way of explaining stuff in a simple yet detailed way.

[@ShepherdOfTheSilkies]

We need a darker brown. Earth brown is basically dirty khaki tan. Coyote looks pretty close to B5 light tan tbh Also what do you mean back in the day. I bought a magpul FDE a month ago lol.

[@dienekes7106]

Is this stuff still being made by Brownells, or was it discontinued? I still see it on the website, but every single color option is out of stock. Hoping to get my hands on that wolf gray color

[@lombanaface1]

So is the Parkerizing grey closer to the Magpul odg than the “odg”

[@Dizzy5996]

Guess I gotta order earth brown now…. I messed up thinking Coyote was darker. 🤦🏻‍♂️ rifle looks good but not quite dark enough for my taste

[@stmichale6192]

I actually like the earth brown, Gives me bronze vibes

[@1982rrose]

The Brownells version of Pantone colors. International shipping of this would be nice. Maybe partner with a business in different countries to be your distributor.

[@rideordietheyretring2tranx382]

No artic white?

[@wvmountaineer69]

Ahh great question!

[@mattfreimark5248]

Great video as always, still waiting for a tutorial. I'm not sure what I expected, but when I sprayed the upper and lower on my 9mm in stainless I expected a different color. Not knocking the product. My plan though is to paint my stock, grip and handguard with it now then once it cures go over it with a "winter camo" pattern, should look good.

[@lucasblanchard47]

They have made a painting tutorial

[@mattfreimark5248]

@@lucasblanchard47 are you referring to the one from 13 years ago?

[@jamesgiammarinaro7019]

Can we please get a more lush green (like Rapco’s carc substitute green) and Field drab (like Rapco’s field drab brown)… would be awesome 😮

[@JasonPew]

If you go to Brownell’s site right now, there is no such color as Magpul Tan. I was excited and optimistic that this video would assist in getting a close match to Magpul FDE. However, what Caleb says isn’t true. Brownell’s site STILL sells the Magpul FDE color and there is no listing for the Magpul Tan color. Ugh.

[@CalebSavant]

Woe woe woe... you callin me a liar!!!??? Just kidding... but in all seriousness, check out the addendum at the end that addresses your concern 8:15. Thanks for watchin!

[@JasonPew]

@@CalebSavant - Caleb, can you explain your comment at 1:29 to 1:45 in relation to the addendum. THAT is where I am getting confused. You indicate that there was a color called “Magpul Flat Dark Earth” that didn’t match well … and that “Magpul Tan” is a better match. But the addendum says that they are the same.

[@CalebSavant]

@@JasonPew It's an addendum because it came after the fact and overwrites previous information listed. As stated, there have been changes made with the colors, just go with the addendum statement.

[@ltgeneralobvious]

Took lots of screen shots on this video lol

[@GaryNewman-d3k]

The colors of different pieces of furniture don't match due to different "days of production", although I am sure this is another variable. The reason they can never match even if all variables were removed is due to the fact that different pieces of furniture require different end strengths and the ratio of different plastics has to be changed.

[@Asusfilms]

Literally ordered earth brown yesterday, in hopes it’ll coordinate with my new build 😂😅

[@austinprice3498]

Will you guys ever sell pmags that are already sprayed with Alumi-hyde?

[@joeljimenez805]

Do you plan on making more colors?

[@idkkdkdhfgd]

Are we ever going to get that painting your rifle series that y'all teased?

[@CalebSavant]

Yes, soon!

[@BloPsy_Actual]

Hi Brownells, will this product ever be sold in Europe? I would love to get my hands on this since there is nothing like this at this moment here in the EU. The only option is Cerakote, which is much more costly.

[@joesnausageface8414]

That’s crazy I just bought some mp fde today. Now I know it’s old lol

[@1234brianatthedoor]

Cool video! TBH I hadn’t even thought of painting mags so this gave me ideas. While watching I was thinking about the stainless steel color that it might be good for winter camo. Would you choose Pmags or USGI aluminum for cold weather environments below freezing? And does the paint stick to the aluminum mags?

[@Thousand_yard_King]

I want to buy some of that clear color, I'm going to paint my house with it lol

[@rmblwgn]

Can we please get a darker shade of green!!

[@jdmznet]

Did you do anything special to prepare the plastic surfaces for the paint? Is there anything you should do?

[@chandlermorris1]

Any chance you guys will come up with a Sniper Gray in Aluma-Hyde II?

[@forthehellofit5544]

I really like allumahyde Best results if barring dry. Tough as nails

[@otakuskateboarding9617]

at4 just chilling in his safe

[@markelsey9257]

I think you guys need to add baby shit green for Rhodesian style paint jobs.

[@Philmartinez02]

@Brownells, Inc. what color would be the closest to Glock Od Green? Probably the hardest color to ever try and match lol

[@themooreclan1220]

so why havent you sent this product to australia

[@mustangaldine]

I luv costumising my pmags. I did a barbie and gold one

[@gatormcklusky5850]

you need serous help.

[@A-a-ron480]

Please do a video painting, and why did you knock them down domino style... please let there be an outtake of it.

[@QQmore]

Can't seem to find Magpul Tan anywhere. Did it get labeled as something else now?

[@PirateDynamics]

This is great but the only combo I really wanted to see was wolf grey and stainless steel gray with magpul grey and you never did it lol

[@1414lildude]

give us the damn how to series already haha

[@sarge11756]

Which color would best fit a retro grey? Like the m16a1s.

[@seabat0603]

Why don't you guys offer an Army green in alumihide?

[@michaelwoodward5787]

That clear paint is going to upset the ATF.

[@slymarbo1255]

Is this ever gonna be back in stock?

[@DonnelWilson-sf8hn]

With this brownell spray i don't have to bake my parts in the oven right?????