What Can't Be Repaired with Kintsugi? Reasons and Alternatives by Type of Vessel

We receive many inquiries at ANYTSUG asking, "Can this piece be repaired with kintsugi?" One of the most common items is glassware. While glass can be repaired with kintsugi, it is more challenging than ceramic dishes and may be difficult for beginners.

Due to the nature of urushi lacquer, not every piece can be repaired with kintsugi. Whether a repair is possible depends on the type of vessel, how it is used, and where it is broken.

In this article, we have organized the question of "Can it be repaired with kintsugi?" and "Why can't certain pieces be repaired?" by type of vessel.

Quick Reference: Can It Be Repaired with Kintsugi?

Can It Be Repaired? A Breakdown by Type

Here we explain each type of vessel covered in the quick reference table, including whether kintsugi is possible and what to keep in mind.

Common Ceramics (Plates, Rice Bowls, Teacups, etc.): Kintsugi is Possible

This is where kintsugi truly shines. Ceramics bond well with urushi lacquer and hold up reliably.

After repair, the piece can continue to be used as tableware, though hand-washing is recommended. While microwave and dishwasher use should be avoided, it is perfectly suitable for everyday use.

Earthenware Pots and Cookware: Kintsugi is Possible, but Use is Limited

Cookware used directly over heat is not suitable for kintsugi. The intense heat of boiling temperatures far exceeds the heat tolerance of urushi lacquer, causing it to crack.

The heat tolerance of urushi is approximately 95°C. While vessels used at temperatures exceeding 100°C can technically be repaired with kintsugi, they cannot be used over direct heat afterward.

That said, a cracked earthenware pot finished beautifully with kintsugi can find new life as a vase or storage container. Kintsugi offers a way to breathe new life into a broken piece and keep it in use.

Microwave- and Oven-Safe Dishes: Kintsugi is Possible, but Use is Limited

The temperatures generated by microwaves and ovens exceed the heat tolerance of urushi lacquer. In addition, placing a kintsugi piece in the microwave carries the risk of the metallic powder used in the finish causing sparking.

However, if the piece is not used in the microwave, it can continue to be used as tableware after kintsugi repair. If you are able to switch to hand-washing and room-temperature use, it is well worth repairing.

Vases and Water Lily Bowls: Kintsugi is Possible, but Use is Limited

Ceramic vases can be repaired with kintsugi, but care must be taken regarding their use after repair, as prolonged exposure to water can cause the bonded areas to deteriorate.

• If the bottom is cracked: The vessel can be repaired with kintsugi, but using it as a vase means the bonded area at the bottom will be constantly submerged. While urushi can withstand brief contact with water, prolonged submersion will cause the bonded area to deteriorate. After repair, it is most practical to use it for dried flowers or as a decorative piece.

• If the rim or handle is chipped: Since contact with water is minimal, the piece can likely continue to be used as a vase.

Glassware (Cups, Wine Glasses, etc.): Kintsugi is Possible, but Use is Limited

Kintsugi can be performed on glass using a material called glass urushi — raw urushi mixed with a small amount of synthetic resin. Standard raw urushi used in conventional kintsugi does not adhere well to glass and cannot maintain sufficient strength.

The stem of a wine glass, in particular, has a small cross-section, which may make it difficult to achieve adequate structural strength.

Since kintsugi on glass is more difficult than on ceramics, we recommend consulting a kintsugi specialist rather than attempting it yourself.

Wooden Items and Lacquerware: Kintsugi is Not Possible

Wood can absorb too much urushi, causing staining, and is also prone to warping as it dries — both of which prevent conventional kintsugi techniques from working effectively. For repairs to wooden items and lacquerware, we recommend consulting a specialist lacquerware restorer rather than a kintsugi artist.

Vessels Previously Repaired with Adhesive: Kintsugi is Possible After Adhesive Removal

If a piece has been previously repaired with commercial adhesive, any remaining adhesive will prevent the urushi from bonding properly. If you tried fixing a piece with adhesive but have since decided you would like to try kintsugi, there is no need to worry. By removing the adhesive with hot water treatment or an organic solvent, the piece can then be repaired with kintsugi.

The Core Reason Some Pieces Cannot Be Repaired: The Two Weaknesses of Urushi

Why are some vessels not suited for kintsugi? The answer lies in the nature of urushi lacquer itself.

Weakness 1: Sensitivity to Heat

Based on hands-on testing at ANYTSUG, the lacquer holds up well at temperatures up to around 95°C. Hot liquids that are not actively boiling are generally fine, but above 100°C, minor cracking may begin to appear in the lacquer.

This is based on practical experience rather than scientific data. Please use it as a general guideline: avoid pouring boiling water continuously over the piece, and do not place it in a microwave or oven.

Microwaves are off-limits not only because of the high heat, but also because the gold and silver metallic powders used in kintsugi can cause sparking.

Weakness 2: Sensitivity to Prolonged Exposure to Water

While urushi can withstand brief contact with water, prolonged submersion can cause the lacquer to deteriorate and the bonded areas to separate.

Vessels that hold water continuously — such as vases or water lily bowls — are not recommended for continued use in the same way after kintsugi repair.

Don't Give Up Even if You Think It Can't Be Fixed — Consider Consulting a Professional

Depending on the type and condition of the piece, it can be difficult to make that judgment on your own. In that case, please reach out to a kintsugi specialist.

Even if the way a piece is used changes after repair, its life goes on. A clay pot once used for cooking may become a flower vase; a cracked glass may become a one-of-a-kind display piece — but the vessel is still there. The end of its usefulness and the end of its life are, after all, two very different things.