How to Use KixKote Shoe Paint | Primers, Additives, & Finishers
KixKote Training Manual
This page is the complete How to Use KixKote page. Here is our step-by-step guide to primers, paints, additives, finishers, custom color matching, and kits—built specifically for painting shoes with KixKote.
System Order: Prep → Primer → Paint → Finisher Thin coats always win Mix additives by % (start small) Let layers flash + cure
Getting Started (Read This First)
If you’re new: don’t overcomplicate it. Most “peeling / cracking / brush marks” problems come from one of these:
- Not enough prep: acetone wipe + light sanding/scuff is your baseline.
- Skipping primer when needed (especially on synthetics / tough plastics).
- Applying thick coats instead of multiple thin layers.
- Rushing cure time (layers need flash time; finished shoes need cure time).
The KixKote Order (Always): Prep (acetone + scuff) → Primer/Adhesion Promoter → Paint → Finisher
Baseline Prep (keep it simple):
We’re not going deep into prep here—just the essentials you asked for:
- Wipe with acetone (remove factory finish/oils)
- Light sand/scuff (fine grit) to give tooth
- Remove dust (clean wipe)
- Now you’re ready for primer
Primers & Adhesion(What People Call “The Primer”)
We get a ton of questions about “the primer” and what to do with it. Here’s the simple breakdown:
| Product | Use it when… | What it does | Pro tips |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Adhesion Promoter (Leather & Synthetics) |
Leather panels, vinyl, most synthetic uppers, tough-to-stick areas. | Improves bonding so paint flexes without peeling. | Apply thin + even. Let it flash fully before paint. Add Sticky Icky when you need max durability. |
|
Sole Flex (Plastics, Rubber & Nylons) |
Midsoles/outsoles, rubberized plastics, high-flex parts. | Designed to bite into difficult plastics/rubbers. | Add Sticky Icky. Thin coats only. Don’t flood it. Let it flash. Finish properly for scuff resistance. |
|
Primer Kit (2-Pack) |
If you’re unsure what the shoe is made of. | Gives you both primers so you can handle uppers + soles. | Great for beginners and restorations. |
How to Prime (the quick workflow)
- Prep: acetone wipe + scuff + remove dust.
- Pick the right primer: Adhesion Promoter for uppers and midsoles; Sole Flex for soles, plastics, rubber, TPU. SoleFlex is your Go To for Cleats!
- Apply thin + even: think “mist coat,” not “wet coat.”
- Flash time: let it dry down before paint (no tacky/wet spots).
- Then paint: 3–5 thin coats beats 1 thick coat every time.
Big durability tip:For tough synthetics, or if you want MAXIMUM wear resistance, mix Sticky Icky into your paint and finishers. 2-3 drops in your paint, mix and apply.
Paints – Core (WALK101 + UV Blaze + ChromeFlex)
All KixKote paints are built for sneaker artists: flexible, durable, and designed to be layered. Use thin coats, allow flash time, and build coverage gradually.
WALK101 Series (Opaques)
Full coverage workhorse line. Great for most customs + restorations.
UV Blaze Line (Neons)
High-visibility neon color. Pops hard under UV/blacklight.
ChromeFlex Line (Metallics)
Metallic & effect finishes. Layer over WALK101 bases for insane depth.
How to Apply Paint (works for brush or airbrush)
- Coats: Apply 3–5 thin coats. Thin coats flex better and look smoother.
- Flash time: Let each coat dry down before the next.
- Coverage: Don’t chase coverage in one pass—build it.
- Edges/lines: Use Thick Sauce when you need more control.
- Brushing smoother: Use Brush Boost for better flow.
Rule of thumb: If you can see brush strokes or ridges while it’s wet, you’re laying it too thick. Back it down and build coats.
Additives (The “What do I mix in?” section)
Additives are how you tune your KixKote system: more durability, better brushing, different feel, or more control. Start small, mix thoroughly, and test on a scrap piece when possible.
Sticky Icky
Cross-linking binder for stronger adhesion + wear resistance.
Need a perfect match?
Use our Custom Color Matched option for specific Corporate and Team jobs.
Mixing Guide (start here)
| Additive | Why you use it | Where it goes | Starting point | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sticky Icky | Boosts adhesion + durability; helps prevent peeling and improves resistance. | Paint, primers, and even finishers when you want max toughness. |
~3–5% by volume = 2-3 Drops into your paint, mix and apply. |
Mix thoroughly. Once cross-linked, use within a short work window (don’t let it sit all day). Great for synthetics + high-wear zones. |
| Brush Boost | Smoother brushing, better leveling, cleaner coverage. | Paint (especially brushing). | Start small 1-2 Drops per 8-9 drops of paint and add more if needed. | This product is a must for hand painting and giving that pro artist vibe! |
| Thick Sauce | More control for detail lines, crisp edges, and reduced running. | Paint for detail work. | Start tiny (a little goes a long way) | Perfect for linework, lettering, and tight edges. |
| Soft Feel | Improves “hand feel” on fabric/suede-style jobs. | Paint for fabric/suede looks and soft-touch finishes. | Start small | Build gradually and test—feel is subjective, so tune to preference. |
Common question: “Can I mix additives together?” Yes—just don’t go crazy. Add one, mix well, test flow, then add the next if needed. When in doubt: Sticky Icky for durability, Brush Boost for smooth brush work, Thick Sauce for detail control.
Finishers (Seal & Protect)
Finisher isn’t optional if you want your custom to last. It locks in pigment, improves scuff resistance, and gives the final sheen. Choose your look: Matte, Semi Gloss, or Gloss—then apply thin and even.
Finisher 1 – Matte
Stealth look. Great for Factory style leather look and muted builds.
Finisher 2 – Semi Gloss
Balanced sheen. The “safe middle” for most customs.
Finisher 3 – Gloss
Maximum shine. Also makes ChromeFlex look the most “metal.”
How to Apply Finisher
- Make sure paint is fully dry to the touch (don’t trap moisture).
- Apply thin, even coats—avoid flooding edges or pooling.
- Let each coat flash before the next.
- Allow full cure before heavy wear.
ChromeFlex tip: Gloss finisher = loudest shine. Matte/Semi = more muted metallic.
Custom Color Matched Paint (Restoration / OEM Match)
Need a factory-like restoration or a “perfect match” for a sports team colorway? Use our Custom Color Matched option. This is ideal for touching up scuffs, repainting worn panels, and matching specific and rare colors.
Best uses
- Branded Color Matching
- Restorations
- Factory-style Colorways
- Consistency across multiple pairs
Pro tip for restorations:
If you’re matching a worn shoe, remember the existing panel may have faded over time. Matching “as-is” can look better than matching the original factory color.
Kits & Bundles (Fastest Way to Start)
If you want fewer mistakes and faster results, start with a kit. Kits ensure your products work together as a complete system.
Quick Troubleshooting (Most Common Questions)
“My paint is peeling.”
- Prep was not aggressive enough (acetone + scuff).
- Primer/adhesion promoter was skipped (especially on synthetics).
- Coats were too thick.
- Fix: re-prep the area, prime correctly, repaint thin coats, then finish.
“My paint is cracking.”
- Almost always from thick coats or not enough dry time.
- Fix: sand back, repaint with thin layers, allow proper flash and cure, and finish.
“Brush strokes / texture.”
- Use thinner coats and add Brush Boost to improve leveling.
- Let coats flash; don’t overwork it while it’s drying.
Fast answers customers love:
- Primer? Use Adhesion Promoter for uppers; Sole Flex for soles/midsoles.
- Durability? Add Sticky Icky (2-3 drops), thin coats, finish properly.
- Detail control? Thick Sauce.
- Smoother brushing? Brush Boost.
- Soft-touch jobs? Soft Feel.