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Easy in-store ReturnsHow to repair broken ceramic with kintsugi
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Overview
Dating back to the 15th century, kintsugi reflects the philosophy of embracing the flawed. Give your favourite ceramic pieces new life and meaning with this Japanese art project.
Tools and materials
Materials
- Broken ceramic item (plate, mug or vase)
- Oil-based enamel paint in gold
- Timber
- Two-part epoxy adhesive
- Wooden craft sticks
Steps
Piece together the broken item
Tip: The epoxy adhesive dries very quickly. Protect your skin by wearing disposable gloves and cover the work area with a drop sheet or cardboard.
Activate and apply the adhesive
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to activate the adhesive on a timber offcut, mixing with a craft stick. With the largest unbroken piece as the base, take the largest adjacent piece, apply adhesive along the joining edge, position it against the base and hold it until the adhesive dries.
Stick all the broken pieces together
Working from the largest adjacent pieces to the smallest, apply adhesive along the broken edges that join with the repaired base section, holding in position until the adhesive dries.
Clean up the adhesive
Scrape away excess adhesive using a sharp craft knife, holding it at 45° to run over the surface.
Paint over the joins
Stir gold oil-based enamel paint with a clean craft stick. Using a fine paintbrush, paint over the joins and leave to dry completely.
Keep in mind... Repaired items are not food-safe and might not be watertight, so must be used for decorative purposes only.
Paint colours may vary on application.
Paint colours may vary on application.
More craft ideas
Check out our D.I.Y. advice page for a tonne of inspiration and step-by-step guides.
Photo Credit: Belinda Merrie and Sam van Kan
Photo Credit: Belinda Merrie and Sam van Kan
More D.I.Y. Advice
Health & Safety
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.