There are 3 main types of kintsugi repair - piece, crack, or
joint-call. Of the 3 types, the joint-call repair is the rarest and
not commonly seen in bonsai displays. Source |
Sections
- Kintsugi Methods (This time)
- Traditional Kintsugi Using Natural Products
- Quick 2 Step: Superglue & Oil Sharpie
- 2-in-1 Step: Oozing Colored Epoxy
- 3 Step: Epoxy Mend, Scrape, & Paint
- 4 Step: Epoxy Mend, Scrape, Lacquer, & Gild
- Professional 5 Step: Mend, Scrape, Lacquer, & Gild
- Protocol Summary Table
- Or... just leave the pot broken!
- My Own Kintsugi Protocol - Adjustments & Results (Next time)
- First Attempt - Silver Show Pot
- Gold-Repaired Mug
- Gold Tropical Pot - Blending Unevenness
- Mini Gold Challenge Pot - Fine Lines, Gaps, and Missing Pieces.
- Final Protocol + Adjustments
- Blog Announcements
- References
- Kintsugi Methods (This time)
- Traditional Kintsugi Using Natural Products
- Quick 2 Step: Superglue & Oil Sharpie
- 2-in-1 Step: Oozing Colored Epoxy
- 3 Step: Epoxy Mend, Scrape, & Paint
- 4 Step: Epoxy Mend, Scrape, Lacquer, & Gild
- Professional 5 Step: Mend, Scrape, Lacquer, & Gild
- Protocol Summary Table
- Or... just leave the pot broken!
- My Own Kintsugi Protocol - Adjustments & Results (Next time)
- First Attempt - Silver Show Pot
- Gold-Repaired Mug
- Gold Tropical Pot - Blending Unevenness
- Mini Gold Challenge Pot - Fine Lines, Gaps, and Missing Pieces.
- Final Protocol + Adjustments
- Blog Announcements
- References
I-I. Traditional Kintsugi Using Natural Products
16th-century kintsugi example from Korea's Joseon dynasty (now on display at Berlin's Ethnological Museum). Source |
Methods:
Specific information on the traditional kintsugi method is hard to come by in western sources, especially regarding the most critical information – how to make the Urushi lacquer from Toxicodendron sap or alternative tree resins. Luckily for those who want to be traditionalists, an artist in Italy has given you a head start. Thom Rozendaal recently shared the results of his experiments with alternative tree resins to create a close, natural epoxy to the original Japanese Urushi. Things get even more complicated when gilding the repair, but Thom has found a natural solution to that as well. I highly recommend reading more about his methods and trials here, the product of which you can see below (source).
As best I can surmise, Thom's protocol was as follows.
- Dissolve copal resin (or alternative) in pure ethanol to render it into a liquid.
- Mix liquid resin with water and flour to get a tacky, epoxy-like texture.
- Apply resin to the pot and allow the repair to cure for multiple days.
- Dissolve shellac into ethanol, mix gold powder to desired viscosity.
- If using a copper-based powder, apply the mix quickly overtop your cracks to avoid oxidation of the color.
The finished product of Thom's experiments alongside the solid tree resin that he used for the repair. Source
Materials:
- est cost - $37.27 total
- $7.99 - Copal resin
- 4.50 € - "Shellac" (clear-drying natural lacquer made from the secretions of an insect)
- The website this links to is an Italian art store. I'm not sure if this product is widely available...
- View the website in Italian and translate it in google translate to read about the properties of this lacquer and how to properly dissolve it.
- $16.20 - 200 proof alcohol to dissolve the resin and lacquer.
- $7.99 - Gold mica powder (or substitute)
- Disposables for mixing, applying the epoxy.
Pros:
This method is the closest
I could find to the traditional Japanese method - if that is important to you.
Cons:
Thom’s findings reveal that
using tree resin to mend pottery comes with a very slow set time compared to
synthetic epoxies. He reports it takes 3-7 days for the resin to fully cure.
This means complicated broken pots with many pieces could take a month or more
to repair via the original method.
Thom also noted it was impossible for his natural epoxy to ever dry if applied in too large an amount - this dooms any project with large missing pieces unless an alternative method is used or another solution is found.
Thom also discussed how the
natural resins he used may not be durable to high temperatures in the context of
dishwashing his repaired bowl. In the context of bonsai, this leaves us
wondering whether the traditional repair method is durable to hot summer days
and freezing cold temperatures. This may depend on the type of natural product used as other traditional kintsugi practitioners claim their products to be highly resilient (source).
Materials such as natural tree resin may be hard to source.
Mixing your own epoxy will take more trial and error to get the consistency correct.
I-II. Quick 2 Step: Superglue & Oil Sharpie
Methods:
- Superglue your pot back together.
- Clean excess superglue off with acetone. This removes residue that otherwise dries a white color (see below) which could be distracting.
- Once the glue has dried, apply a gold/silver sharpie along the crack lines of the repair.
|
Materials:
- est cost - $16.17 total
- $6.47 - Superglue
- Be sure to check what temperatures your Superglue is rated for. Some may not withstand overly hot or freezing temperatures.
- $0.99: Acetone to wipe away excess superglue residue
- Cloth rag for acetone
- $8.71 - gold oil-based Sharpie
Pros:
Closeup view of Eric's repair. |
Cons:
I-III. 2-In-1 Step: Oozing Colored Epoxy
Bonsai Echo's finished product for a pot that had a chip in it. Source |
Methods:
- Lightly sand broken edges (makes gold have more space to fill - stand out more; optional).
- Mix epoxy with gold mica powder (only need a couple pinches of powder)
- Wait for the epoxy to get tacky before applying (30 min for Araldite or immediately for quicker-setting epoxies)
- Apply with a disposable instrument such as a tongue depressor, toothpick, or cheap fine-tipped brush
Materials:
- Est cost - $13.97-$21.98 total
- Clear epoxy
- $13.99 - Alardite epoxy - recommended by BonsaiNut Ollie
- $5.98 - JB ClearWeld - recommended by Bonsai Echo
- $7.99 - Gold mica powder - may also be called "Pigment Powder"
- Disposables for mixing, applying the epoxy.
Pros
The main advantage of this method is that it glues pieces, fills small voids, hides the crack evidence, and creates the gold effect all at the same time, whereas other subsequent methods are more involved and take additional days of curing/drying. In this relatively quick 1 Step process, the only thing that will slow you down is how many pieces you have to glue together. These epoxies do best with at least an overnight cure before the repair is stable enough to build additional pieces onto.Cons
Too much epoxy can lead to irregular line size. Source |
Too little epoxy can lead to gaps in the cracks that will need to be touched up. Source |
In addition, like with the gold sharpie from the Superglue Method, it's not clear how the epoxy or mica powder will hold up with age with respect to their color. If the clear epoxy becomes discolored or if the mica powder becomes tarnished over time, the color of the mend will change as well As bonsai artists, we have to think decades down the road, so this is a wait-and-see type of issue. However, if it does become an issue, gold powder could be a relatively easy substitution for mica powder for future repairs.
I-IV. 3 Step: Mend, Scrape, & Paint
BonsaiNut Gabler's final product after several rounds of experimentation. Source |
Methods:
First broken pot. Source |
Gabler's strategy to epoxy multiple pieces at a time was to use painter's tape. This may speed up the process as long as enough force is applied during the setting period to produce a strong repair. Source |
Here we see an example of a piece that was destroyed beyond repair and now results in a large void to fill. Source |
Epoxy putty can make for a quick and dirty mend in a hidden location like the bottom of a pot. I'm not sure what the best course of action would be if this was at a more visible location though. Source |
In this method, Gabler used a grey-drying epoxy. Here you can see the excess epoxy oozing out during the set, like the previous method. Source |
However, unlike the previous method, the excess sharpie is carefully scraped away here with an Exacto-knife. Source |
Gold paint can then be applied to the set epoxy. Source |
- Apply PC-7 epoxy to broken pieces. Gabler reported JB Weld and JB Kwiek mends came apart in his Zone 7 winters, although Bonsai Echo reported no issues (again, small sample size).
- Can glue a few pieces at a time by holding things together with painter's tape.
- Once the epoxy dries, scrape off excess with a hard knife
- If a piece is missing or damaged beyond repair, use Do It Best brand epoxy putty to fill large voids. Gabler reports that JB Weld putty stuck to his hands more than to the ceramic.
- Finally, use a high-grade gold-colored metallic paint along with a tiny brush to apply the gold line to the epoxy-filled cracks.
Materials:
- Est cost - $21.35 total (omitting optional products)
- $8.61 - PC-7 epoxy paste
- Disposables for mixing & applying epoxy
- $4.99 - painter's tape (optional)
- $1.18 - Exacto knife
- $8.75 - Do It Best brand epoxy putty (optional - for missing pieces)
- $7.99 - metallic gold paint
- $3.57 - tiny brushes (or similar; just remember, thicker brush = thicker line and less control)
Pros:
The primary advantages of this method relate to control over the gold line. By applying the gold separately after the pot is completely mended together, variation of the thickness of the gold line over the cracks is reduced relative to the 2-In-1 Step Method which is harder to control. Also, using a fine-tipped paintbrush can give a thinner gold line with cleaner edges when inspected up close than one might see from the gold Sharpie in the Superglue Method. Furthermore, the use of high-quality gold paint seems to result in a brighter, more lustrous gold finish than either of the previous methods. It remains to be seen whether substitution of real gold dust for mica powder would match this result when the gold dust is mixed with epoxy in the 2-In-1 Step Method. Lastly, on the gold discussion, this method can allow for easy creation of a gold line alongside pieces that are replaced by epoxy putty, unlike the 2-In-1 Step Method.Cons:
I-V. 4 Step: Mend, Scrape, Lacquer, & Gild
Methods:
Here we see ABCarve's broken pot foot and his main supplies - gold leaf with JB Kwik epoxy. Source |
To allow more gold to be visible in the future repair crack, ABCarve drew along the edge of the crack with a sharpie. They intended to sand away the pot in this region, thereby expanding the visible crack. Source |
Sanding in progress with an abrasive wheel. Source |
Sanding complete - now the crack is slightly enlarged. Source |
Applying the epoxy. Since ABCarve only had one small piece, he could stamp the entire piece at once to apply the epoxy. Source |
Mending the pot - oozing excess epoxy and all. Source |
Due to the crack happening in a textured area, the excess had to be worn away with abrasives. An Exacto-knife may be more difficult to use in this context to get it all. Here a cutting edge tool is used. An abrasive wheel as used in the sanding step would damage the glaze. Source |
A rubberized wheel with embedded abrasive was then used for final cleanup of excess epoxy. Source |
This was the type of varnish that ABCarve used for the gold to adhere to the pot. Source |
Similar to the 3 Step Method, apply with a tiny brush. ABCarve suggests waiting to apply until the varnish is tacky. Anywhere the varnish is applied, the gold will stick. Source |
Applying real gold leaf. ABCarve's strategy was to press narrow strips into the crack. Source |
Excess gold can be wiped away with a soft brush. Source |
- Lightly sand edges (optional - for a thicker line to show)
- Epoxy
- Scrape excess
- Varnish
- Press narrow strips of gold leaf into the crack
- Wipe away excess with a soft brush
Materials:
- est cost - 44.98
- $5.98 - JB Kwik
- Disposables for mixing & applying epoxy
- $1.18 - Exacto knife (or another tool) to remove excess epoxy
- $1 - Tiny brush
- $12 - Quick Size gild adhesive (varnish substitute)
- ABCarve suggested substituting the varnished he used for a special gilding adhesive known as "size" - this is easier to work with for applying gold)
- $12 - Gold leaf
- $14 - Soft brush to remove excess gold (could potentially use cheaper substitute)
Pros:
Cons:
I-VI. Professional Method (5 Step): Mend, Scrape, Fill, Lacquer, & Gild
Methods:
- Arrange pieces in a box with sand or small bonsai soil. This will hold them upright while they set.
- Mix, apply PC-Clear 4 minutes epoxy with a toothpick.
- After setting several hours, use an Exacto knife blade to remove excess epoxy.
- If allowed to set for more than a few hours, gently warming the excess epoxy with a blow torch can make removal easier (optional).
- Apply PC-11 A/B to fill gaps left in cracks. Press into/rub around the cracks with a cloth.
- Warm PC-11 with a wax warmer to make it easier to work with (optional).
- Wipe away excess PC-11 with 91% isopropyl alcohol on a cloth rag less than 20 minutes after applying.
- Apply lacquer or gild size with a mid/fine-tipped brush.
- Pour a small amount of gold dust (or mica powder substitute) into a folded piece of paper. This will be used to apply the gold to the lacquer and minimize waste.
- Press gold dust into lacquer with a soft brush.
- Use a harder brush to remove unattached gold powder.
- Lastly, use a soft cloth to varnish the repair line (push the gold further into the lacquer).
Materials:
- Estimated cost ~$58.21
- Box with sand or small bonsai soil to hold pieces while setting (optional, other solutions possible)
- $4.37 - PC-Clear Epoxy
- Disposables for mixing/applying epoxy
- $1.18 - Exacto knife (or other tool) to remove excess epoxy
- $9.88 - Blow torch (optional)
- $9.89 - PC-11 Epoxy Paste (fills gaps)
- If performing in a cool environment or in winter, a wax-warmer can help bring the epoxy paste to a workable temp/consistency.
- $2.79 - 91% isopropyl alcohol
- Rag
- $1 - Tiny brush
- $12 - Quick Size gild adhesive (lacquer substitute)
- $7.99 - 24k gold dust
- Scrap paper to funnel the dust
- $14 - Soft brush to press gold into lacquer (could potentially use cheaper substitute)
- $4.99 - harder brush to remove excess
- Soft cloth/rag
Pros:
Cons:
I-VII. Protocol Summary Table
Protocol |
Estimated Cost |
# Supplies |
Pros |
Cons |
$37.27 |
Copal resin
(or other), Shellac (or
other clear natural lacquer), 200 proof
ethanol, & Gold powder
(or substitute) |
Closest to the traditional method. |
Difficult to
source ingredients. Less
straightforward to work with. Very slow set
times. Durability is
uncertain, especially with substitute tree resins aside from traditional
Urushi. |
|
Quick 2-Step: Superglue & Oil Sharpie |
$16.17 |
Superglue, Acetone, Rag, & Gold
sharpie |
Quickest. Supplies common & easy to find. Can work with
pieces replaced by epoxy putty. |
Fine detail lacking
(cracks not totally hidden). Less durable? |
2-In-1 Step: Oozing Colored Epoxy |
$13.97-$21.98 |
Clear epoxy, Gold mica
powder or gold dust, & Disposables
for mixing/applying epoxy |
Quick. Durable. Simple protocol for beginners. |
Crack
highlight can be uneven. Cannot be
applied to pieces replaced by epoxy putty. |
3 Step: Mend, Scrape, & Paint |
$21.35 |
Epoxy, Disposables
for mixing/applying epoxy, Metallic gold
paint, & Thin
brush |
More lustrous finish. High degree of control for crack
highlight. Can work with
pieces replaced by epoxy putty. |
More wait
steps. Fine detail
still lacking (cracks not totally blended in). Scraping
excess epoxy is more challenging with textured pots. |
4 Step: Mend, Scrape, Lacquer, & Gild |
$44.98 |
Epoxy, Disposables
for mixing/applying epoxy, Exacto knife, Thin brush, Varnish or gild
size, Gold leaf or
dust, & Soft
brush |
Most lustrous finish. High degree of control on crack
highlight. Can work with
pieces replaced by epoxy putty. |
More wait
steps. More
expensive. Supplies may
be harder to track down locally. Scraping
excess epoxy is more challenging with textured pots. |
Professional 5 Step: Mend, Scrape, Fill, Lacquer, & Gild |
$58.21 |
Epoxy, Disposables
for mixing/applying epoxy, Exacto knife, PC-11, 91% isopropyl
alcohol, Rag, Thin brush, Lacquer or
gild size, Gold or mica
dust, Scrap paper, Harder brush, & Soft
cloth |
Highly lustrous finish. High degree of control on gold line. Crack repair becomes level with pot
surface. Can work with
pieces replaced by epoxy putty. |
Most wait
steps. Most
expensive. Supplies may
be harder to track down locally. Scraping
excess epoxy is more challenging with textured pots. |
II. Or... just leave the pot broken!
Aside from the option to repair pots via kintsugi, or the wasteful option of discarding the broken pieces and buying a new pot, broken pots can also be used as unique planters in their own right (as Bonsai Echo did below).Broken pot planting examples from when I visited Bonsai Echo's garden in 2019. More examples available here. |
III. Blog Announcements
- Check out my Before & After Portfolio! I've added some new gifs of work that I had done during my apprenticeship at Elandan Gardens.
- My Sales page has also been updated. Now is a perfect time to start preparing to cold-stratify seeds, so check out my new seed stock for 2022! As always, all sales come with my 10-Year Bonsai From Seed Guide.
- As always, submit your trees for free critique or advice here. I need new trees for the next Bonsai Buds episode (coming January 2022)!
- The Columbus Bonsai Society has a new website! If you're in the area, check it out and check us out. The next meeting on safely winterizing trees will be November 21st.
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