A Beginner's Guide to Kintsugi-Inspired Art

Kintsugi: The Art of Mending with Gold

In a world obsessed with perfection, the Japanese art of Kintsugi reminds us that beauty can be found in the broken. Kintsugi, meaning "golden joinery", is the centuries-old practice of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. But it’s more than just a repair job — it’s a celebration of flaws, transforming cracks into part of the story.

Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, Kintsugi embraces the idea that life is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete — and that’s what makes it beautiful. Instead of hiding damage, Kintsugi highlights it, turning once-broken pieces into something even more special.

Traditional Kintsugi: A Quick Look

Traditional Kintsugi is an intricate process that uses natural urushi lacquer and precious metals. It takes skill, patience, and specific materials — some of which are tricky (and toxic) to handle.

• The broken pieces are cleaned and carefully rejoined with lacquer.
• Powdered gold, silver, or platinum is applied to the cracks while the lacquer is still wet.
• Once dry, the piece is polished to a smooth finish, creating shimmering golden scars.

It’s stunning — but not exactly beginner-friendly. Luckily, there’s a modern way to get the Kintsugi look without the traditional materials.

DIY Kintsugi for Beginners

You can create your own Kintsugi-inspired piece at home with simple materials — no special skills required!

What You’ll Need:

• Broken ceramic or pottery (use something you love or just want to experiment on)
• Clear epoxy resin
• Metallic powder (gold, silver, copper — your choice)
• Masking tape
• Disposable brushes

How to Do It:

• Clean & Assemble: Clean the broken edges and piece them back together with epoxy. Use masking tape to hold everything steady while it dries.
• Apply Epoxy: Mix your epoxy as directed and carefully fill the cracks and joins.
• Add Metallic Powder: While the epoxy is still wet, sprinkle metallic powder into the cracks. Don’t be afraid to play around with the amount for a bold or subtle effect.
• Dry & Finish: Let it dry completely. Brush off any excess powder and wipe gently with a soft cloth.
• Optional: Seal with a clear coat for added protection.

Celebrate the Beauty in Imperfection

Kintsugi is more than a craft — it’s a lovely reminder that broken things can be beautiful too. Whether you’re repairing a treasured keepsake or creating something new, every crack becomes part of the story. So why not give it a try? Let your cracks shine with a touch of gold.

Find metallic powders and other supplies in-store or online at mollies.nz.