Raw Urushi Lacquer 30g is recommended for: Â
☑︎ Those practicing Kintsugi (essential for adhesion, filling chips, and finishing). Â
☑︎ Those whose current raw urushi has expired after one year.  (Urushi should be ideally used within a year after being produced.)
☑︎ Those coating wooden items with raw urushi in other lacquer arts.
What is Urushi ?
Urushi is the sap of the lacquer tree, used in Japan for centuries as a natural adhesive and protective coating. It is essential for Kintsugi and lacquerware. Once hardened, it becomes strong and durable. Unlike synthetic adhesives or epoxy, it is safe for use on tableware that comes into contact with the mouth.
Raw urushi is also known for its antibacterial properties. Recently, its potential antiviral effects were also suggested.Â
How to Use Urushi in Kintsugi
Stirring and refining Urushi removes moisture, deepening its color. By adding pigments (such as black or red), you can create colored Urushi to paint over repaired areas. Urushi is also mixed with other materials for bonding broken pieces and filling chips.
How Urushi Cures
Urushi cures by absorbing ambient humidity. The ideal conditions are 20–25°C (68–77°F) with 70–85% humidity. To achieve this, you can create an urushiburo (an urushi drying box). Watch this YouTube Tutorial Video to make your own.
With proper temperature and humidity, urushi cures in 3–7 days. In cooler or drier conditions, it takes longer.
Urushi Storage and Shelf Life
It is best to store it in a cool, dark place (such as a refrigerator) to maintain its quality. Raw Urushi has a one-year shelf life. As it ages, it dries more slowly, so replace it yearly with a fresh supply.
Warning
⚠︎ In rare cases, simply opening the tube of raw urushi can cause a severe allergic reaction, leading to skin inflammation, swelling, or eye irritation if the evaporated urushi components come into contact with the face, skin, or eyes. If you feel any discomfort after opening the tube, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor.
⚠︎ The raw urushi in our kit can cause skin irritation and rashes when it comes into direct contact with the skin. We strongly recommend using rubber gloves and wearing long sleeves when doing kintsugi.
⚠︎ If you do experience a rash while using our kit, please stop using it immediately and seek medical advice. The severity of the rash can vary from person to person. We want to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience with kintsugi.
⚠︎ If you get urushi on your skin, first apply oil to dissolve the urushi, taking care not to spread it over a wider area. Then, completely wipe it off with a tissue before washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Please note that we are not liable for skin irritations caused by the use of urushi.
Learn More About How to Use Raw Urushi (FAQ)
🇺🇸 Important Shipping Information for the U.S.
Fedex may request you to submit a "TSCA Form" upon receiving the product. The TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) is a U.S. law regulating the import of toxic substances, including lacquer from Japan, regardless of the seller.
As long as it’s submitted by the deadline, your product will be delivered.
If requested, we can provide the form, which you’ll need to print and sign.
If you refuse or delay to submit the TSCA form by the deadline, the shipping company will dispose of the item on the spot, and we will be charged an additional disposal fee.
Please note that we cannot issue a refund if the TSCA form is not submitted by the deadline.
Please contact us immediately. We are here to support you.
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Please read our Shipping Policy in advance to understand the shipping details for your country.