How

In the traditional Kintsugi method using urushi (natural lacquer), the process cannot be completed in a single day.
This is because urushi requires time—often several days—to fully cure and harden.
Depending on the extent of the damage, repairing a single piece of pottery can take up to a month.

Below is an outline of the repair process. 

- 1. Gluing

The first step is to glue and fix the broken pieces using a paste called "mugi urushi (麦漆)” made by mixing raw urushi with flour and water.
After assembling the pieces, the adhesive needs about a week to fully cure. 

- 2. Filling

Once the mugi urushi has fully hardened, the next step is to fill any gaps or grooves with “sabi urushi (錆漆)” —a paste made from raw urushi, tonoko (powdered clay), and water.
This mixture then needs about three days to harden completely.

- 3. First coating

Once the sabi urushi has hardened, any excess is carefully scraped away.
Then, a layer of” black urushi (黒漆)” is applied over the surface. Alternatively, “bengara urushi (弁柄漆)” can also be used.
Allow it to cure for approximately three days.

- 4. Second coating

When the previous layer of urushi has hardened, gently file down any uneven areas on the surface.
Next, apply another coat of black or bengara urushi to further smooth and level the seam.
Allow this second layer to harden for about three more days.

- 5. Finishing

After polishing the surface and ensuring the seams are smooth, a thin layer of bengara urushi is carefully applied.
While the urushi is still wet, gold powder is gently dusted over the repaired lines.
The piece is then left to cure for about a week, allowing the urushi to fully harden and set the gold in place.

- 6. Complete

To finish, gently wipe away any excess gold dust from the surface using a tissue dampened with water.
With this final touch, the Kintsugi process is complete.