Traditional Kintsugi Kit for Beginners with Hypoallergenic Urushi!!!

I have worked as a ceramic artist for 20 years, have trained in both the USA and Japan, wrote my Masters's Dissertation at NYU on conservation of Tea Ceremony Ceramics, and have practiced the art of Kintsugi for 15 years. I have put this kit together because of what I have seen being sold on the market today for Kintsugi and wanted to offer a traditional kit using traditional materials, but also reduce the risk of urushiol contact dermatitis, the main reason people choose to use epoxy.

Traditional Kintsugi uses Urushi (Japanese lacquer) as the main material in ceramic repair. The downsides are: Urushi is high in Urushiol which can cause contact dermatitis; it requires a high humid and temperature-controlled environment to cure properly; and can take weeks to months to complete a repair. This kit was designed for those individuals who want to experience the art of kintsugi and equipment them with the information and equipment needed for a tightly controlled environment required for a traditional repair. This kit also includes only hypoallergenic Urushi which reduces the likelihood of contact dermatitis.

Hypoallergenic Urushi is produced by Japan’s leading Urushi maker and has a special protein added to the Urushi that binds with the urushiol and reduces the risk of dermatitis and other potential allergic reactions.

What is included in the kit is the following:

1- 15 g Hypoallergenic Ki-Urushi for basic repair steps
2- 15 g Hypoallergenic Benigara Urushi for final application before use of powders
3- 10g Hypoallergenic Transparent Urushi for top coat
4- 30 g High-Quality Alternative Gold Powder (Lead-Free Brass)
5- 10 g High-Quality Alternative Silver Powder (Lead-Free Brass and aluminum)
6- 2 palette knives for mixing, applying urushi, and clean-up work.
7- 1 small bag of high protein wheat flour (for making of wheat lacquer
8- 1 small bag of Tonoko powder (for making fill material)
9- 3 small sheets of sandpaper for cleanup work before final gold application (400, 1000, 1500 grit)
10- 1 fine-tipped liner brush for urushi application
11- 1 medium tipped brush for urushi application
12- 1 golds brush for the dusting of gold or silver powders
13- 1 small bag of mawata (silk fiber for final powder polishing)
14- 1 hygrometer/thermometer (not pictured)
15- Instructions on how to use this kit properly.

In addition to the tools and material included in the kit, you will need a well-ventilated work area; turpentine for cleaning tools and brushes or thining urushi; several pairs of latex or nitrile gloves; a face mask for use in all steps; paper towels, a cardboard box large enough to hold the object being prepared; and butcher or newspaper or disposable plastic table cloth to cover the tabletop where you work.


If you have any questions always feel free to contact me.

Thank you for looking,

Christian K Bonner

CAUTION: Hypoallergenic Urushi contains urushiol and reduces the likelihood of an allergic rash but does not completely eliminate the risk. Urushiol is the oil that can cause allergic dermatitis and potentially other allergic reactions. Urushiol is the oil contained in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Proper handling is required when using this material. It is highly recommended that gloves and a long-sleeve shirt be worn, and it is essential to work in a well-ventilated area. It is suggested to use a poison ivy/oak wash and follow the manufacture’s directions after each use.

Cure: To promote oxidative polymerization of lacquer, temperatures around 20 ° C and humidity of 70% or higher are optimal. It will start to cure in about half a day under favorable conditions but will take a minimum of 7 days to fully cure. It cures even at low temperatures and humidity, but it takes several times. Make sure to wear gloves until it is properly cured.


ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY By purchasing this product you hereby acknowledge and agree that you understand the nature of the risks in using this product and assume responsibility for, each of these risks and dangers, and all other risks and dangers that could arise out of, or occur during, the use of this material. The Purchaser hereby RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE Christian K Bonner seller, from and for any liability resulting from any personal injury, accident or illness, and/or property loss, however caused, arising from, or in any way related to, Purchaser's use of this material.