This lesson shows only the highlights of the processes and is not a DIY lesson
How Is Kintsugi Implemented In Our Studio? Real Gold and Gold Effect Processes
We implement the Japanese art of Kintsugi using one of these two methods:
A) 23.5 Karat gold with lacquer, or
B) Our proprietary developed process with Gold Effect metals that is almost indistinguishable from real gold at a cost of less than 1/2 of the real gold process.
About half of our Kintsugi work is with 23.5 Karat gold and the other half uses our proprietary Gold Effect process made with a blend of brass, copper and zinc.
* We do not sell our Kintsugi materials
23.5 Karat Gold
Gold Effect
Our Choices of Metals:
23.5K Gold
Gold Effect
Silver Effect
Copper
Bronze
Kintsugi Art Technique Additional Options:
In addition to the straight gold line along the repair areas, there are other styles of gold repair. If the broken piece is missing a section, it can be repaired with a technique known as makienaoshi. This is where gold replaces the lost section and is decorated with the texture or design complementing the pattern of the item. Another related gold repair is called yobitsugi where ceramic parts from a different and unrelated vessel are glued into the broken or missing area of the restored piece.
Kintsugi Makienaoshi style
Kintsugi Yobitsugi repair using agate gemstone
Kintsugi - silver
Kintsugi Gold Repair Process Instructions
This tutorial demonstrates the main steps of our Kintsugi process. The presentation is intended to provide only a general idea of Lakeside Pottery's two proprietary Kintsugi methods and is not a precise instruction for a DIY
Broken pottery can happen due to an accident or can be broken on purpose.
Breaking a Vessel Example The breaking methods we use are different depending on the vessel type and structure. The variables are - is it a bowl, a vase, a plate, porcelain, stoneware or earthenware? Wall thickness, uniformity and vessel size also determine the impact point, force and tool. The goal is to have a controlled break so that the break pattern meets your vision and the customer's budget. Breaking it in stages enables the granularity needed to execute the pattern. Of course it does not always work the way you wished. Always wear goggles!!
Apply epoxy mix to one side using a pintool or a wooden stick. Use only enough adhesive to cover the edge. Too little will leave gaps, resulting in weak repair
Place the broken pieces together. Important: You have only about 60-90 seconds from start of epoxy mixing to complete the broken piece's permanent placement before the epoxy becomes gummy and not workable
Quickly join the pieces together while applying light pressure to squeeze extra epoxy out.
Verify that pieces can stay steady during the curing period (let it cure at 75 degrees F or warmer). Let the epoxy cure for 60 or more minutes before removing excess cured epoxy with a blade
Scrape off excess epoxy and wipe all surfaces with 91% alcohol to remove dust and hand oils prior to applying filler epoxy
Mix even parts of PC-11 epoxy filler (where to get). For ease of application, work in room temperature greater than 70 degrees F.
Apply thin layer of filler while pushing in to fill cracks and missing fragments
Saturate rag with 91% alcohol
Use the rag and alcohol and rub off the PC-11 filler epoxy from surfaces. Be careful not to remove too much PC-11, especially from the gaps.
Allow filler epoxy to cure for 12 hours or more at a temperature of 75 degrees F or warmer. Or, wait 2-3 days when the temperature is cooler
Real Gold Over Lacquer
A few years ago, we stopped using the ancient method of mending and filling with urushi (a tree sap) and found that the shown process yields more durable results with greater customer satisfaction. Where to get gold fine powder
Kintsugi metals - real fine gold and proprietary metal alloy creating a realistic and durable gold effect
Proprietary lacquer to be used with the real gold traditional Kintsugi application
Apply lacquer with thin brush over the repair line in the desired thickness
Allow the lacquer to stabilize so it will not smear but still tacky before applying the gold powder
Place bowl over folder paper to collect the excess gold powder
This same process (23.5K gold) was used for a project made for the White House as a Presidential gift to the Prime Minister of Japan. See a 30 seconds video below.
Kintsugi vase was created for President Biden (article) See video
Gold Effect Kintsugi Proprietary process
Encapsulating two part non-yellowing proprietary epoxy
Place even amount of epoxy on a pad
Apply the gold substitute metal alloy powder (proprietary, custom made for us - consists of brass, copper and zinc - not for sell by us)
Mix gold effect metals well
Use a sharp tool to carry the gold effect
Apply the desired width and thickness over the repair lines in a continuous fashion
Allow to cure before handling
Kintsugi bowl ready for shipment
IMPORTANT: Kintsugi repair materials are not intended to be used with liquid or heat over 180 degree F. Repaired items should not be used on cooking or food serving ware to avoid premature failure or food contamination.
