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5. Kintsugi in practice: Final stages – from smoothing to golden shine

  • Writer: Marija Salovarda Lozo
    Marija Salovarda Lozo
  • Mar 12, 2025
  • 2 min read

After weeks of patience, the plate has gone through all the stages of Kintsugi repair. But before it shines in gold, it needs to go through the final steps that ensure strength and aesthetic harmony .


Steps of the final stage of Kintsugi:

  • Sabi Urushi – final smoothing of the joints so that the surface is perfectly prepared.

  • Black Urushi – a dark coating that gives depth and strengthens the joint.

  • Bengal Red Urushi – a red coating that serves as a base for gold.

  • Gold powder – the final step, applying fine gold powder.


Detailed description of the final steps:


  1. Sabi Urushi – final smoothing of joints

Applying Sabi Urushi paste to joints to create a smooth surface
Filling small holes with sabi-urushi

Sabi Urushi is a mixture of urushi lacquer and fine powder that is used to further smooth and fill in small irregularities at the joints. This layer provides a flat surface for the gold powder to adhere properly.






  • Carefully apply a thin layer of the mixture to the joints.

  • Leave to dry in the Urushi box for a few days.

  • After drying, lightly sand the surface to make the joints perfectly smooth.


    2.Black Urushi – dark coating for depth and strength of joints

After smoothing, Black Urushi polish is applied.

This layer adds depth to the joint and strengthens the entire repair.

The black layer of Black Urushi lacquer adds depth and further strengthens the joint
Making black urushi

  • Evenly apply black varnish to the joints using a thin brush.

  • Leave to dry in the controlled conditions of the Urushi box.

  • Light sanding to make the surface smooth and ready for the next layer.



    3. Bengal Red Urushi – preparation of the base for gold

Bengal Red Urushi is used as a base that ensures that the gold powder is evenly received and fixed at the joints.


Bengal Red Urushi layer prepares the surface for the final layer of gold.
Applying red urushi

  • Applying a thin layer of red varnish to the joints.

  • Drying in an Urushi box to ensure optimal gold receptivity.





4. Golden Powder – final step, applying gold powder

This is the most spectacular step – the moment when the cracks literally shine in gold.


Carefully applying gold powder to the bonded cracks of ceramics
Applaying the Gold powder

  • While the red layer is still sticky, carefully sprinkle fine gold powder over the joints.

  • The gold is applied with silk cotton, but not directly onto the red urushi, but from the side.

  • Leave to dry and then lightly polish to give the joints a shine.



✨ Kintsugi is not just a repair technique - it is the transformation of imperfections into something even more beautiful and valuable.

 
 
 

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