Kintsugi FAQ: All About Japanese Gold Repair

Your questions about kintsugi, explained. We’ve gathered the most frequently-asked questions in one place, so you can get your answers quickly—and discover what you need to get started on your own kintsugi journey.

From the basics like what kintsugi means in Japanese, to practical knowledge such as whether you can eat off of tableware repaired with kintsugi, and beginner tips like what you’ll need to prepare before you begin, let this FAQ be your guide into the deep world of Japanese gold repair. Whether simply curious about kintsugi or ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work with the Kintsugi MUSUBI Craft Kit, this article has got you covered.

About Kintsugi

What does kintsugi mean?

Kintsugi is Japanese for “gold joining.” It is a method of repairing ceramics using lacquer, often finished with gold or other metal powders. The lacquer acts as an adhesive for filling chips, mending cracks, or rejoining pieces, while the gold and other finishes decorate the repaired areas.

Despite being called “gold joining,” not all kintsugi repairs involve gold. Kintsugi can also be finished with brass powder, silver powder, or even colored lacquer.

The technique is famous for beautifully highlighting, rather than hiding, the breaks. To learn more about the philosophy behind kintsugi, read our article, Kintsugi Repair Experience: The Meaning Behind Golden Restoration.

When did kintsugi originate?

Kintsugi is believed to have originated during the Muromachi period (1336–1573 CE) alongside the rise of the tea ceremony.

What is lacquer? What is the difference between lacquer and synthetic adhesives?

Lacquer is a natural material derived from the sap of the lacquer tree. Once cured—which means it has fully hardened—it becomes completely food safe. Lacquer tends to harden more with age, and also has mild antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. In contrast, synthetic adhesives such as epoxy are typically not food safe and tend to weaken with age.

Using Items Repaired With Kintsugi

Is kintsugi food safe?

Yes, in the case of authentic natural lacquer, such as what is included in the Kintsugi MUSUBI Craft Kit, an item repaired with kintsugi is food safe. Once the lacquer has fully cured (is totally dry), the item is just as safe to eat off of as any other piece of lacquerware.

Please be aware, however, that many adhesives and synthetic lacquers on the market are not food safe and should not be used for kintsugi on tableware that you plan to eat with.

Can you use items repaired with kintsugi in the oven or microwave?

No, you should avoid using kintsugi items in the oven or microwave. Even items that were originally oven-safe become more fragile once cracked, so it’s best to avoid using them in the oven post-repair. Meanwhile, metal-finished kintsugi could spark or catch fire in the microwave.

How should I care for items repaired with kintsugi?

Care for items repaired with kintsugi the same way you would care for lacquerware:

• Do not wash the item in the dishwasher or soak it in water for a long time.
• Hand wash in cold or lukewarm water using a soft sponge and mild detergent.
• Dry right away with a soft, dry cloth.
• Avoid storing in direct sunlight or in an extremely dry location.
• If stacking, place a layer of soft cloth or paper between items.
• Handle the item with care and avoid subjecting it to impact, as the broken areas are weaker than before and may break again.

To learn more, see our article, How to Care for Japanese Lacquerware.

Items repaired with lacquerware can last many years if cared for properly. Lacquer-repaired earthenware has been excavated in Japan from a site dating back 4,000 years.

Before You Begin

What can be repaired with kintsugi?

Ceramics, such as stoneware and porcelain, can be repaired with kintsugi. While it is not impossible to repair lacquerware or glass with kintsugi, both are extremely difficult and cannot be accomplished successfully without proper training.

This is my first time doing kintsugi. Can beginners complete kintsugi from start to finish?

Yes. Follow along with the digital instruction booklet that comes with the Kintsugi MUSUBI Craft Kit or watch an expert kintsugi craftsperson demonstrate each step in our Kintsugi Tutorial video.

How long does it take to complete kintsugi repairs?

Because each coat of lacquer has to cure between steps, it can take between three weeks to three months to complete a kintsugi repair, depending on the curing environment and the complexity of the break. For example, repairing a simple, small chip will take at least three weeks, as a general rule.

I have an item with sentimental value that I would like to repair using kintsugi. Where should I begin?

It’s best to gain some experience before trying to repair something with sentimental value. It would be disappointing to make a mistake that’s hard to undo. Try a few other projects first. Once you’ve had practice and gained confidence, then you can try moving on to an emotionally significant item. You might also consider commissioning a professional.

Doing Kintsugi

What precautions should I take when doing kintsugi?

The natural component in lacquer, urushiol, is an oil that can cause skin reactions similar to poison ivy rash. Therefore, precautions are needed when handling.

• Work in a well-ventilated environment.
• Wear gloves and long sleeves.
• If you get lacquer on your skin, wash it off immediately by wiping the area with a plant-based oil (such as canola, olive, or vegetable oil) to lift the urushiol, then scrub thoroughly with an oil-removing soap, such as dish detergent.
• If you notice any abnormal skin reactions, seek medical attention promptly.

Lacquer rashes tend to resolve in about two weeks. Consult with your doctor regarding the correct care. MUSUBI KILN assumes no responsibility for any adverse reactions caused by lacquer. Once completely hardened, lacquer is safe to touch.

How do I create a muro, or box for curing?

A muro is a room, cabinet, or box used for curing lacquer. You can create one at home using a box with a lid. A wooden box, if you have it, tends to best retain a stable humidity and temperature. Cardboard is also effective. If you have neither, you can use a plastic box instead.

Wipe the inside of your box with a damp cloth. You can also place a tightly wrung cloth on the bottom of the box or under the lid. Keep the inside of the box at approximately 70% humidity and 20°C (68°F). Placing the box in a room in your home that you use regularly is often enough to maintain the correct temperature. We recommend monitoring internal conditions using a thermometer and a hygrometer, which measures humidity, or a greenhouse thermometer, which measures both temperature and humidity.

To prevent wet lacquer from touching the bottom or sides of the box, prop up your piece with items like disposable chopsticks or popsicle sticks.

How many items can be repaired using the Kintsugi MUSUBI Craft Kit?

Depending on the area you want to repair, the complexity of the break, and how you use the lacquer and gold powder, the amount of material needed varies widely. For small chips or cracks, only a small amount of lacquer is required, while for more complex breaks, you may need to apply several layers of lacquer. It is therefore difficult to give a specific number of how many items you will be able to repair using the kit. We suggest taking a look at our YouTube video to get a sense of how much lacquer and gold powder are applied to various surface areas. From there, you can create an estimate based on the specifics of the broken items you would like to repair.

We hope this helps you get started on your journey into the rich tradition of kintsugi. Try it yourself at home with the Kintsugi MUSUBI Craft Kit, or explore our other kintsugi blog content to learn more.

Any questions not answered here? Feel free to comment below or reach out to our Concierge Team at info@musubikiln.com. We are always happy to help.