KixKote™ uses a water-based urethane coating system with 100% isocyanate-free, carbodiimide crosslinking technology.

When people hear the word urethane, they may think of automotive clear coats, strong solvents, hazardous fumes, and isocyanate hardeners. KixKote™ uses a very different type of coating technology.

A Water-Based Urethane System

KixKote™ is built around water-based urethane technology rather than the traditional high-solvent approach associated with many automotive and industrial urethane coatings.

Water is used as the primary carrier in the coating system, reducing reliance on the aggressive solvent carriers commonly associated with traditional solvent-borne coatings. Water-based urethane technology is used in professional leather finishing applications where flexibility, adhesion, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and durability are important.

100% Isocyanate-Free

One of the most important differences between KixKote™ and many traditional 2K automotive and industrial urethane coatings is the crosslinking chemistry.

The KixKote™ coating system is 100% isocyanate-free.

KixKote™ does not use a traditional isocyanate hardener or isocyanate crosslinker. Instead, the system uses carbodiimide crosslinking technology designed for high-performance water-based coatings.

Carbodiimide Crosslinking Technology

Carbodiimide crosslinking helps improve the performance of the cured coating without relying on the traditional isocyanate crosslinking chemistry found in many conventional 2K urethane systems.

The technology helps support important coating characteristics such as:

• Water resistance
• Chemical resistance
• Abrasion resistance
• Strong adhesion
• Flexibility
• Long-term durability

What Does the Manufacturer's SDS Say?

The Safety Data Sheet supplied by the manufacturer for the KixKote™ crosslinker identifies it as a crosslinker for water-borne coatings.

Most importantly, under GHS US Hazard Classification, it classifiies the crosslinker as:

The manufacturer's SDS also reports the crosslinker as not classified for acute oral, dermal, or inhalation toxicity; skin irritation; serious eye irritation; or respiratory and skin sensitization.

KixKote™ vs. Traditional 2K Urethane

The word urethane does not automatically mean that a coating contains isocyanates. The chemistry of the complete coating system matters. KixKote™ uses water-based urethane technology combined with carbodiimide crosslinking rather than traditional isocyanate curing chemistry.

What About Toxicity and Sensitization?

The manufacturer's current SDS for the crosslinker lists acute oral toxicity, acute dermal toxicity, acute inhalation toxicity, skin corrosion/irritation, serious eye damage/irritation, and respiratory or skin sensitization as not classified.

Carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, single-exposure toxicity, repeated-exposure toxicity, and aspiration hazard are also listed as not classified on the manufacturer's SDS.

Not Regulated as Dangerous Goods for Transport

The manufacturer's SDS also identifies the crosslinker as not regulated for transport under DOT, TDG, IMDG, and IATA transportation requirements.

Safe Chemistry Still Deserves Smart Handling

A favorable hazard classification does not mean good coating practices should be ignored.

We recommend using KixKote™ products as directed, maintaining appropriate ventilation, avoiding unnecessary skin and eye contact, and avoiding inhalation of airborne spray mist. When spraying or airbrushing any coating, appropriate personal protective equipment and ventilation are always smart practices.

Professional Technology for Custom Footwear

KixKote™ brings professional water-based urethane coating technology to sneaker artists, restorers, and footwear customizers.

The goal is simple: deliver the flexibility, adhesion, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and durability expected from a professional coating system without relying on the traditional solvent-heavy, isocyanate-crosslinked approach associated with many automotive and industrial 2K urethane coatings.

Safety Data Sheets

Current Safety Data Sheets for KixKote™ products are available upon request. To request an SDS, email info@kixkote.com and include the KixKote™ product name, color, and size if applicable.

The Bottom Line

KixKote™ is built around water-based urethane technology and a 100% isocyanate-free carbodiimide crosslinking system.

The manufacturer of the crosslinker classifies it as Not Classified under GHS US, with no applicable GHS hazard labeling.

Professional urethane performance. Water-based technology. Carbodiimide crosslinking. No isocyanates.