Is Kintsugi Repair Food Safe?
A Guide to Ceramic Repair, Materials, and What You Need to Know
Kintsugi repair, ceramic repair, food safety, these are questions I get all the time. Let’s talk about what’s safe, what’s not, and how to understand the difference.
What Is Kintsugi?
Kintsugi, often translated as “golden joinery,” is the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with lacquer and gold. Traditional Kintsugi uses urushi, a natural tree sap lacquer, layered with finely ground gold or silver.
In recent years, modern (or non-traditional) Kintsugi has grown in popularity thanks to DIY kits and beginner workshops using epoxy. These methods are accessible and beautiful, but not food safe.
When Is Kintsugi Food Safe?
Traditional Kintsugi (Urushi Lacquer)
Food safe when fully cured (takes several weeks or months)
Must be hand-washed only, no microwave or dishwasher
Made using the same materials as traditional Japanese tableware
Not suitable for ovens or temperatures above boiling
Technically demanding but results in a fully functional repair
Modern Kintsugi (Epoxy Resin)
Not food safe
Ideal for decorative or symbolic use only
Used in most DIY kits and workshops (including mine)
Great for beginners or keepsake pieces
DON’T WORRY
Nothing was in this bowl, it was just getting a quality control check.
How Do I Know What Kind of Repair I Have?
If your ceramic was:
Repaired in a day or less - it’s almost certainly non-traditional
Looks like gold is “melting out” of the break line - this is a visual clue for modern techniques
Completed for under £100 - unlikely to be traditional, which requires costly materials and time
Finished quickly - traditional Kintsugi takes weeks or months due to curing times
If you’re unsure: don’t use the item with food until you’ve verified how it was repaired.
At Precious Scars Studio, I offer both repair types and clearly outline which materials and processes are used in each
Can I Repair My Own Food Vessel?
It’s possible—but challenging for beginners.
Traditional Kintsugi involves:
Reactive urushi lacquer (can cause skin irritation)
Strict environmental conditions for curing
Complex, multi-step processes over many weeks
If you’re new to the craft, I recommend:
Starting with modern methods (what I teach in workshops)
Practicing on decorative pieces
Learning about the craft’s history and values
✨ I’ll soon be offering full traditional Kintsugi classes—stay tuned!
What Kind of Repairs Do I Offer?
At Precious Scars Studio, I offer:
Traditional Kintsugi
Food-safe and functional
Ideal for heirlooms and treasured pieces
Modern Kintsugi
Decorative
Great for gifts, display objects, or symbolic keepsakes
Unsure which repair is right for you? I offer free consultations and quotes.
Final Thoughts: Informed Repair Is Powerful
Whether you’re repairing a sentimental teacup, a family heirloom, or a lucky market find, understanding the materials matters.
Kintsugi isn’t just about fixing things, it’s about restoring value, memory, and beauty.
Want to commission a Kintsugi repair?
Contact Precious Scars Studio for expert ceramic restoration using traditional and modern techniques. Based in London, working with clients across the UK.
