How to Seal & Protect Painted Shoes with KixKote Finishers
Your custom paint job deserves professional protection. KixKote Finishers are water-based urethane clear coats designed to seal, protect, and enhance painted shoes while maintaining the flexibility needed for everyday wear.
Why Finishers Matter
A quality clear coat does more than add shine. KixKote Finishers help protect your artwork from everyday wear, scuffs, moisture, and fading while keeping the coating flexible.
Available as:
- Finisher 1 – Flat
- Finisher 2 – Factory Matte
- Finisher 3 – Gloss
All three Finishers are completely intermixable, giving you full control over your final sheen.
- Protects against scratches and everyday wear
- Improves water and stain resistance
- Helps preserve color over time
- Maintains flexibility for normal shoe movement
- Creates anything from a flat OEM look to a deep gloss finish
Pro Tip: Even if you want a dead-flat look, one light coat of Finisher adds protection without overpowering the color or artwork underneath.
What You’ll Need
- KixKote Finisher
- KixKote Sticky Icky
- Mixing cup and stir stick
- Airbrush or soft synthetic brush
- Gloves
- Lint-free cloth or tack cloth
Before sealing: Allow your painted shoes to dry for at least 24 hours. Make sure the surface is clean, dust-free, and ready for topcoat.
Mixing KixKote Finishers
- Shake or stir the Finisher bottle thoroughly.
- Pour out only what you plan to use within 4–6 hours.
- Add 5% Sticky Icky by volume.
- Mix thoroughly for 1–2 minutes.
- Let sit for 2–3 minutes to release bubbles before applying.
Why use Sticky Icky?
Sticky Icky is KixKote’s proprietary urethane binder. It helps strengthen the coating, improving durability, adhesion, flexibility, and long-term performance.
Popular Sheen Recipes
| Desired Finish | Mix |
|---|---|
| Dead Flat | Finisher 1 – Flat |
| Factory Matte | Finisher 2 – Factory Matte |
| Soft Satin | 2 parts Finisher 1 + 1 part Finisher 3 |
| Satin | 1 part Finisher 1 + 1 part Finisher 3 |
| Semi Gloss | 2 parts Finisher 3 + 1 part Finisher 2 |
| High Gloss | Finisher 3 – Gloss |
You can fine-tune these ratios to create your own custom sheen.
How to Apply Finisher
Airbrush Method
- Nozzle: 0.3–0.5mm
- Pressure: 20–25 PSI
- Hold 6–8 inches away
- Apply 2–3 light coats
- Allow 10–15 minutes flash time between coats
Light coats help prevent runs, cloudiness, and uneven sheen.
Brush Method
- Use a soft synthetic brush
- Apply thin, even coats in one direction
- Avoid overworking the surface
- Stop brushing once the Finisher begins to tack
Avoid heavy coats. Thick applications can streak, trap moisture, or create uneven sheen.
Drying & Curing
- Allow to air dry for at least 24 hours before wearing
- Optional: lightly heat-set with a dryer or heat gun from 6–8 inches away for 5–10 minutes
- Full cure: 72 hours for best hardness, flexibility, and durability
Avoid moisture, heavy bending, or hard wear during the curing period.
Common Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudy or hazy finish | Coats applied too heavy or humidity is too high | Apply lighter coats and allow longer flash time between coats |
| Uneven sheen | Poor mixing or inconsistent coat thickness | Remix thoroughly and apply an additional light, even coat |
| Cracking or peeling | Sticky Icky was omitted or surface preparation was not correct | Mix 5% Sticky Icky into your Finisher and apply over a properly prepared surface |
| Sticky or tacky surface | Not fully cured or environment is too cold | Allow a full 72-hour cure and use light heat-assist if needed |
Recommended KixKote Products
KixKote Finishers
Protective water-based urethane clear coats available in Finisher 1 – Flat, Finisher 2 – Factory Matte, and Finisher 3 – Gloss. Use individually or mix together to create virtually any sheen.
Shop FinishersKixKote Sticky Icky
KixKote’s proprietary urethane binder designed to increase durability, flexibility, adhesion, and long-term performance. Mix at 5% by volume with your Finisher.
View Sticky IckyWALK101 Paints
Professional-grade water-based urethane paints designed for custom sneakers, restoration, and flexible painted surfaces.
Shop WALK101UV Blaze & ChromeFlex Paints
Specialty KixKote paint lines built for bold neon effects, black light reflection, metallic finishes, and high-impact custom work.
Shop Paint LinesFAQ
Do I need Sticky Icky when using KixKote Finishers?
Yes. We recommend mixing Sticky Icky at approximately 5% by volume. Sticky Icky is KixKote’s proprietary urethane binder and helps maximize durability, flexibility, adhesion, and long-term performance.
Can I mix the Finishers together?
Absolutely. Finisher 1 – Flat, Finisher 2 – Factory Matte, and Finisher 3 – Gloss are fully compatible and can be mixed together to create your perfect custom sheen.
Which Finisher looks most like a factory sneaker?
Finisher 2 – Factory Matte is designed to closely resemble the low-sheen appearance found on many factory-finished sneakers.
How long should I wait before sealing my painted shoes?
Allow your painted shoes to dry for at least 24 hours before applying Finisher. Make sure the surface is clean, dust-free, and ready for topcoat.
Is Finisher 3 less flexible than Finisher 1?
No. All three Finishers use flexible urethane technology. The main difference is the final sheen: Finisher 1 is Flat, Finisher 2 is Factory Matte, and Finisher 3 is Gloss.