Basic Materials for Starting Out in Kintsugi

Repair ceramic pottery using basic materials following this traditional Japanese technique

Five centuries ago, Japanese emperor Ashikaga Yoshimasa sent off a damaged ceramic bowl to China for repair. When he got it back, he felt disappointed in seeing it had only been put together with metal staples. He, therefore, turned to Japanese artisans, who restored it using gold powder. Without knowing it, they had invented Kintsugi. The bowl still had cracks in it, but the result was something else. It was art.

This Japanese artistic discipline is one of the most renowned traditions of the country. It is also tightly linked to Buddhist and wabi-sabi philosophies with their tendency to move away from the fast pace of modern life. This may explain why it can sometimes take months to complete one piece in the traditional Kintsugi technique.

Nowadays, thanks to modern materials, the process can be sped up without losing the essence of the technique. Furthermore, you can easily take your first steps in Kintsugi at home. If you want to be inspired by the beauty hidden in imperfections, ceramic artist and kintsugi expert Clara Graziolino (@claragraziolino) tells us all about the basic materials needed to give it a go.

Art materials for kintsugi technique

To complete your projects correctly, you will need some utensils and materials specific to this discipline. They are, however, very easy to obtain. Learn what they are used for and what materials you can use as alternatives.

Epoxi glue

This material is key. Whether you use the single tube or a twin-barreled syringe format, the adhesive must be good quality and clear. It is one of the most effective glues, providing excellent rigidity and stability to the attached pieces. It also has a very high thermal resistance of up to 200°C.

Clear varnish

Frequently used in DIY and interior decoration projects, this product is very easy to get hold of.
It must not be yellowing, as it will be mixed with gold. A small bottle will be sufficient. Clara uses the French Lefranc Bourgeois brand.

Clear sealer

This acrylic sealer is quick-drying and reduces water infiltration, erosion, or peeling off on your object without changing its appearance when applied. You can find it in any craft or DYI shop. Clara uses a water-based sealer for her projects.

Gold mica powder

Kintsugi means “gold carpentry," so the following material is of particular importance to this art. Mixed with varnish, it is the element repairing the piece. There are many brands and varieties in the market. Our expert suggests you choose your favorite color. The texture must be very fine, almost impalpable, like icing sugar. Otherwise, the result will not be as pretty.

100 grams of fine plaster of Paris

It is always best to use this product in its powder form to mix with water. It only takes about 20 minutes to harden. You will be using this to fill the gaps in the bowl.

Plasticine

You will also need some modeling clay. Colorwise, choose white or gret to avoid any staining in your ceramic pieces.

Sand paper

You will need an assortment of 150, 300, and 600 grit sandpaper sheets. If you don't have exactly these numbers, ensure you progress from rougher to smoother, Clara advises.

Paint brushes

When applying the gold paint, use a combination of rounded paint brushes (number 0, 1, 3) and a flat number 6 brush. This will be sufficient.

Other Kintsugi materials

In addition, you will need some tools that will make each process easier, when mixing things and repairing the piece. You can find the following in your home, or in any supermarket.

Disposable paper cups and plates

Use these for mixing glues and plaster. 10 plates and 5 cups will be sufficient. if possible, choose rigid ones.

Scalpel

This small surgical knife can be replaced with another type of regular or precision cutter. You will need it to remove excess glue or plaster from the piece.

Skewers and flat popsicle sticks

They work as spatulas, and you can also use professional plastic or metal ones if you prefer. 10 skewers and 10 flat sticks will be all you need.

96º alcohol and cotton wool

Don't forget to keep these at hand. You will be able to clean the bowls with them.

Nail varnish remover, or acetone

Used to clean off glue or varnish from the object.

Latex

5 pairs will be all you need for a project.

Accessories

- Hammer: needed for breaking the object that you’ll repair later.
- Thick cloth: for covering the object as you hit it with the hammer in order not to damage its surface.
- Small bowl: used for mixing the gold powder.

- Kitchen paper: essential in case you need to clean up something.
- Apron: to avoid staining your clothes.
- Exercise book and pen or pencil: for taking notes about the project.
- Adhesive tape: to hold the pieces together temporarily.

One last tip, in addition to having all these materials, is to work near a desk lamp to see your object in detail.

Tips for your Kintsugi project

At beginner's level, and as explained in this article, the expert advises you to use plates or bowls of around 8 to 15 cm in diameter. You will then be able to break them up into three or four pieces. The bowls should be hard-based materials, such as clay or porcelain.

The trick to master this technique is to keep on practicing. To break the object, remember not to hit it directly. Instead, wrap a piece of cloth around it. And don't hit any of its corners, but strike where the surface is bigger.

First, strike it gently and slowly increase the intensity. The idea is not to break the bowl at the first strike but to go at it carefully and do this gradually. In her course, you will see how she checks the condition of her bowl every time.

Have you got all the materials ready? As you can see, they are easy to get a hold of and help you learn about Kintsugi history and philosophy. The technique is also an exercise for active meditation, one that has allowed Clara Graziolino to find inspiration even in difficult times.

If you want to explore this technique, make sure to check out Clara’s course Introduction to Kintsugi: repair Your Pottery with Gold. You will get to know the philosophy behind this ancient technique and learn ways to apply it effortlessly.

English version by @acesarato

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