What is kintsugi?
When we lose something that someone bought for us for a sentimental occasion, it’s like part of the memory fades with the loss of the item. While we will always have that image and that moment in our minds, losing objects of relevance to key moments in our life will always feel like a genuine blow to our ability to stay strong and healthy. However, solutions can often be sought. Kintsukuroi is a Japanese art form in which breaks and repairs are treated as part of the object’s history. Broken ceramics are carefully minded by artisans with a lacquer resin mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The repairs are visible, beautiful, and respect for the culture of disability. kintsukuroi in Japanese is “golden joinery”. (Sometimes the process is called kintsugi.
Step I. Arrange broken pieces
Firstly get your broken pot, vase, bowl-whatever it is that has been broken. Layout your broken pieces on the work surface. Arrange them in the order that they will be repaired. Make sure that they are clean, dry, and fit together.
Step II. Prepare epoxy resin with powder
Squeeze out a small amount of two parts epoxy resin into a disposable. Clean and dry container. Sprinkle a small amount of powder into the mixed resin. A mix of together until the colour is mixed throughout. Warning! In the beginning, try to squeeze a small amount of epoxy, because it hardens very quickly. The amount of epoxy required will depend on the size of the item you want to repair. You should finish your work in fewer than 4 minutes after mixing.
Step III. Applying the mixture to broken places
Now, you want to start lightly applying this to the edge of your pieces using a stick. Once you have two pieces sitting next to each other, push them together, be gentle and careful. Do it piece by piece, do not rush. You will be shocked at how
fast it dries out. When the first two pieces are done, continue with
mixing epoxy with powder again for the next part.
Step VI. Apply gold powder
Once you have assembled everything, we recommend that you wait 24 hours. Dip a small amount of gold powder with a brush and trace along the traces of glue for a more perfect effect.