Step by step how to do metal for kintsugi, quick guide

#1–#4 grind metal These steps are applicable for grinds #1–#4. Grind #5 and above use a different process. Keshifun is also a different process and it is at the bottom of this page.

Step #1 = e-urshi + maku. Maku means to apply the metal. E-urushi is a high quality lacquer that is used below metal. All these steps take a minimum of 1 day since you always have to set the piece aside and let it dry.

Step 1A

Step 1B

Step #2 = jozuri #1 Jozuri is a very high quality, Japanese made lacquer that you have to then dab off after you apply it. It is usually thinned during the first application.

Step 3 = light sanding + jozuri #2 The sanding is done with #1500 or so polishing stones.

Step 4 = light sanding + Jozuri #3

Step 5 = Polishing #1000–#3000 + abura tonoko + ishiko + jozuri This is the first series polishing of the metal to something that resembles a finished shine. Apply jozuri with cotton and then rub it off with tissue.

Step 6 = Roiko application apply jozuri 2nd. application Roiko is an expensive polishing powder.

Step 7 = Roiko application. This is the second and final application and shining. You are done if you don’t have any mistakes.

Step 8 =Fix mistakes

Keshifun Keshifun is a fine powder and much easier to apply. It is less durable than the graded grinds.

Step 1 = Nakaguro polishing with compound. Nakaguro is the inside black lacquer. Inside refers to a quality rank and the fact that it is usually sandwiched between other layers of lacquer.

step 2 = e-urshi + maku It is that simple.

step 3 = finish There really is no finishing with keshifun. You can wipe the piece off with a tissue with a little alcohol.

Knowledge base for real lacquer kintsugi.