Can I change the Finder icon using third-party apps

you can change icons for folders inside your home folder. but are you asking about how to change the finder's own icon as seen on your dock?

if that is what you mean, then no. you cannot change that. and we haven't been able to since Catalina. that functionality was changed in Big Sur for almost ALL system icons / folders.

I recommend not to, as it will require turning off SIP because it is a protected system app.

craigfed wrote:

I recommend not to, as it will require turning off SIP because it is a protected system app.

I recommend against it also. but I DID previously try it (on an earlier macOS) after disabling SIP, and FWIW, it didn't work anyways. :)

WARNING — READ THIS FIRST

This procedure modifies the system volume.

System updates may undo your changes

Modifications affect system integrity

It is not recommend to Muck around with System Integrity Protection for Cosmetic Purposes

To suggest this, could have a detrimental effect on the Security of the computer

About System Integrity Protection on your Mac

System Integrity Protection

Changing a Finder icon is easy and free,

Customize the look of folders and files on Mac - Apple Support

As stated in the article, there are a limited number of icons you can't change like Applications folder, Library, etc.

woodmeister50 wrote:

Changing a Finder icon is easy and free,

Customize the look of folders and files on Mac - Apple Support

As stated in the article, there are a limited number of icons you can't change like Applications folder, Library, etc.

Good work in the overall scheme of changing icons 👍

Though, OP seems to have specifically requested " Can I change the Finder icon "

craigfed wrote:

I recommend not to, as it will require turning off SIP because it is a protected system app.

On this, we agree

" Finder " is a system app, and system apps are often protected by macOS system protections.

👍

🦉-53