Page 19 - BSAM 2018 Q4

Kintsugi Repair DIY
The following excepts are from a video on Youtube called “Kintsugi Repair DIY -Complete English subtitles!” by Urushi Central. For complete instructions, search Youtube with the title. Look for other videos that offer alternative methods and materials that may suit you better.
Add one measure of urushi to wheat flour paste (one measure each of flour and water).
Apply the lacquer adhesive to edges of the broken piece.
Remove excess urishi with toothpick. Set aside to dry.
Paint the repair line with red urushi, using a very fine brush. Set aside for about an hour.
After a period of one-to-three months, when the lacquer is fully cured, clean with a brush.
Knead urushi and flour paste until it stiffens. This is the lacquer adhesive.
Join two parts together.
After the urushi is completely dry, clean with turpentine, scrape with knife blade and sand with fine sandpaper to remove excess urushi.
The lacquer is still tacky. Use a pure a cotton ball to generously apply silver powder. The cotton will not stick but the powder will.
Polish or burnish with a soft cloth, usually a silk batting.
Generously apply stiff urushi mixture to one edge with a spatula.
Ensure a perfect fit.
After the crack is cleaned, scraped and sanded the seam is smooth to the touch.
Remove excess powder with a brush and set the object aside for a period of rest.
The repair is completed.
October/November/December 2018 | BCI | 17