Angelus finishers are clear top coats you brush or airbrush over dry Angelus Paint to protect it and set the sheen. Acrylic Finisher helps protect paint from minor scratches and comes in Matte, Satin, Normal, and High Gloss. 4-Coat is urethane-based for heavy scuff resistance on customs that get worn hard, in Flat, Matte, and Satin. Duller isn’t a finisher: it’s an additive you mix into paint or finisher, no more than 5 to 8%, to cut the shine.
We’ve made paint and finishers in Los Angeles since 1907. This guide covers which finisher to pick, how to apply each one without streaks or haze, and how to use Duller.
Quick answer: which finisher should I use?
- Most customs: Acrylic Finisher in the sheen you want.
- Shoes that get worn hard: 4-Coat for heavy scuff resistance.
- A flatter look: Matte or Flat, or a little Duller in the mix.
- Always: paint fully dry first, then thin coats.
Acrylic Finisher vs. 4-Coat
| Acrylic Finisher | 4-Coat | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Helps protect paint from minor scratches | Urethane-based, heavy scuff resistance |
| Sheens | Matte, Satin, Normal, High Gloss | Flat, Matte, Satin |
| Apply with | Brush, airbrush, or dip leather goods | Soft brush or airbrush |
| Best for | Most painted leather, bags, belts, display pieces | Customs that get worn hard |
Shop This Guide
Everyday seal
Acrylic Finisher
Seals Angelus Paint and sets the sheen, matte to high gloss.
Shop sheensHeavy duty
Satin 4-Coat
Urethane clear coat with a “factory” finish and heavy scuff resistance.
ShopReal reviews from Angelus customers
What customers say about our finishers
★★★★★
"with some duller can get a good matte finish. Great as a topper on the 4 coat sealer"
Dan · Verified buyer · Acrylic Finisher
★★★★★
"I applied the product with an airbrush- it flowed freely and created a beautiful, even coat with some shine."
Randall · Verified buyer · Acrylic Finisher
★★★★★
"I used this acrylic finisher to seal my Tieks glittery shoes. It enhanced the sparkle and keeps the shoes glitter in place."
Patrice M. · Verified buyer · High Gloss Acrylic Finisher
How to Apply Angelus Finisher, Step by Step
Let the Paint Dry Completely
Finisher goes over fully dry Angelus Paint. Sealing too soon traps moisture and can cloud the finish.
Pick Your Sheen
Choose Matte, Satin, Normal, or High Gloss Acrylic Finisher, or 4-Coat for heavy wear. You can mix sheens on one piece, like matte on the background and gloss on the details.
Add Duller if You Want It Flatter
Stir Duller into your paint or finisher, starting small and staying at or under 5 to 8% of the mix. Test the sheen on a scrap or hidden spot first.
Apply Thin, Even Coats
Shake or stir the finisher well. Brush on thin, even coats with a soft brush, letting each dry before the next. With 4-Coat, use a fine soft brush and level it as you go with a hair dryer or heat gun. Don’t keep brushing once it starts to dry, or it can turn hazy.
Or Airbrush It
Acrylic Finisher sprays smoothly through an airbrush. With 4-Coat, spray a full coat without letting it drip. A thin mist won’t build a strong layer that adheres.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Sealing wet paint. Let the paint dry completely first.
- Thick coats. They streak and take forever to dry. Build thin coats.
- Overbrushing 4-Coat. Brushing as it dries can leave haze.
- Misting 4-Coat too lightly. It needs a full coat to adhere.
- Too much Duller. Over 5 to 8% can make paint less durable.
Related guides: Angelus Paint do’s and don’ts · Paint leather shoes · Paint Dr. Martens · Paint a leather belt
Angelus Finishers FAQ
Do I need to seal Angelus Paint?
It’s recommended. Acrylic Finisher helps protect paint from minor scratches and evens out the sheen.
What’s the difference between Acrylic Finisher and 4-Coat?
Acrylic Finisher is the everyday top coat in four sheens. 4-Coat is urethane-based for heavy scuff resistance on customs that get worn hard.
Can I put Acrylic Finisher over 4-Coat?
Customers do, using Acrylic Finisher as a topper to adjust the sheen. Test on a hidden spot first.
How much Duller should I use?
No more than 5 to 8% of the mix, in paint or finisher. Start small and test.
Why is my finisher hazy?
Usually from brushing as it dries, sealing before the paint is fully dry, or coats that are too thick. Use thin coats and stop brushing once it starts to set.
Can I airbrush finisher?
Yes. Acrylic Finisher sprays smoothly. With 4-Coat, spray a full coat rather than a light mist.
