Kintsugi — the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold — has found a devoted following far beyond Japan. Part mindfulness practice, part craft, part philosophy, it transforms something broken into something more beautiful than before. If you’re drawn to the idea, a kintsugi repair kit is the simplest way to start.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what’s in a kit, the different types available, which to choose, and how to use one at home.
What Is Kintsugi?
Kintsugi (金継ぎ), also written kintsukuroi, is a centuries-old Japanese technique for repairing broken ceramics using lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. Rather than hiding the damage, the gold seams become the focal point — a celebration of the object’s history rather than a disguise of its flaws.
The practice is rooted in wabi-sabi, the Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence, and mushin, the acceptance of change as part of life. A kintsugi-repaired bowl is considered more valuable, not less, for having been broken.
What’s in a Kintsugi Repair Kit?
Most kintsugi repair kits sold in the UK contain a simplified version of the traditional method, designed to be accessible for beginners. A standard kit typically includes:
• Two-part epoxy adhesive or kintsugi-specific resin
• Gold, silver, or bronze metallic powder
• Small paintbrush or applicator
• Mixing sticks or palette
• Gloves
• Step-by-step instructions
Traditional kits — which use genuine urushi lacquer and real gold powder — are also available but require more patience and skill. The lacquer curing process takes significantly longer and the technique is more demanding, but the result is closer to authentic Japanese kintsugi.
Types of Kintsugi Repair Kit
Modern / epoxy kits
The most widely available option. These use a two-part epoxy resin in place of traditional lacquer, which dramatically reduces curing time. Good for beginners and well suited to decorative repairs. Note that most epoxy-based kits are not food safe — check before repairing bowls or plates you plan to eat from.
Food-safe kintsugi kits
Specially formulated with non-toxic resin or genuine urushi lacquer, these are safe for use on crockery. If you’re repairing a teacup, bowl, or plate you want to use daily, look specifically for a food-safe kit.
Traditional urushi kits
These use natural urushi lacquer — the same material used in traditional Japanese kintsugi. They typically include real gold powder and require multiple stages and days of curing. More demanding but the most authentic result.
Gift kits with ceramics included
Many kits come with a piece of pottery specifically designed to be broken and repaired — ideal if you don’t have a broken item to hand, or as a gift. These often come beautifully packaged and make a thoughtful, unusual present.
Lets Explore Some Ready Made Kintsugi Repair Kits
Kintsugi Repair Kits Worth Buying
These four kits cover the full range — from an accessible modern starter set to a fully authentic Japanese kit using real urushi lacquer and 23kt gold.
Kintsugi Modern Repair Kit — Gold
ChiyuKintsugi — Etsy
Etsy bestseller. Food safe after 72 hours, dishwasher proof. Repairs 8–10 pieces. 670 reviews, 4.8 stars.
Shop — £43.35
Kintsugi Heal Your Heart Kit
ChiyuKintsugi — Etsy
Includes a ceramic heart, healing journal and linen gift bag. Available in ivory, blush or charcoal. 5.0 stars, 100% recommend.
Shop — £59.62
Kintsugi Deluxe Box
ChiyuKintsugi — Etsy
Full set of five metallic powders, ceramic bowl, manual and access to the CHIYU online academy. Food safe and dishwasher proof. 4.9 stars.
Shop — £86.75FAQs
What is a kintsugi repair kit?
A kintsugi repair kit contains everything you need to mend broken ceramics using the Japanese golden repair technique. Most kits include an adhesive (either epoxy resin or traditional urushi lacquer), metallic powder in gold, silver or bronze, a brush, mixing tools and instructions. Some kits also include a ceramic piece to practise on.
Can you DIY kintsugi at home?
Yes — modern kintsugi repair kits are designed specifically for home use and require no prior experience. The epoxy-based kits are the most beginner-friendly, with faster curing times and straightforward instructions. Traditional urushi kits require more patience and care but are also achievable at home with the guidance included.
Is kintsugi difficult for beginners?
Modern kits are very accessible — the main requirement is patience rather than skill. The most common mistakes are rushing the curing stages or applying too much adhesive. If you follow the kit instructions carefully and allow full curing time at each stage, the results are consistently good.
What are common mistakes in kintsugi?
Not allowing the adhesive to cure fully before moving to the next stage. Applying the gold mixture too thickly. Not cleaning and drying the broken pieces thoroughly before starting. Using too much pressure when pressing pieces together, which pushes adhesive out of the join.
Can I use superglue for kintsugi?
Superglue will bond the pieces but won’t give you the gold seam that defines kintsugi. It also dries with a different finish and isn’t food safe. For an authentic result — or for anything you plan to eat or drink from — use the adhesive included in your kintsugi kit.
Can you use Gorilla Glue for kintsugi?
Not recommended. Gorilla Glue expands as it cures, which can push pieces out of alignment, and it won’t produce the fine gold seam the technique requires. Use a kintsugi-specific adhesive or epoxy resin mixed with gold powder.
Is kintsugi safe to eat from?
It depends on the kit. Food-safe kits — like the Chiyu Modern Repair Kit and the TSUGUKIT — use non-toxic materials that are safe for crockery once fully cured. Always check your kit’s specifications before repairing plates, bowls or cups you intend to use for food.
What is the difference between kintsugi and Sashiko?
Both are Japanese craft traditions but they work with different materials. Kintsugi repairs broken ceramics with gold. Sashiko is a form of decorative stitching, traditionally used to reinforce or repair fabric. The philosophy of finding beauty in repair and imperfection runs through both.
Further Reading
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