Kintsugi

Reparation with kintsugi is a complex technique using only natural components and takes quite some time.

The most important component is urushi (Japanese lacquer). The lacquer van be applied only in very thin layers and drying or rather the chemical reaction with water from the air takes at least several days. This reaction takes place in a "furo", a wooden box or chest, with high humidity (80%)

After preparation of the damaged object (filing and priming), the broken surface is glued with a mixture of lacquer and flour (mugi urushi). After hardening and cleaning, layer upon layer, the surface is filled till perfectly smooth.

In the final process the gold dust is sprinkled in the still sticky surface of a reddish lacquer (bengara urushi).

The result can be influenced by a final polish.

Different (metal) powders might be used: silver, aluminium oxide or copper.