r/kintsugi • u/mmmahou Beginner • 15h ago

Help Needed - Urushi Broken glass net float

Post image

Hello,

I broke a glass fishing net float, and either I need to repair it, or I'll have it repaired. I saved as many pieces as I could that hadn't turned to dust.

My dad passed about a month ago, and he had found this float on his travels, so it has great sentimental value attached to it. I can't just throw it away. I've done epoxy kintsugi projects before, but repairing a half shattered sphere seems to be a nightmarish first project with real urushi, especially with the state that it's in.

I would appreciate it if someone could give me a realistic idea of whether this is possible for a veritable beginner to take on, or if I should seek a commission. I know, it's... bad. But it's too important to me not to fix.

Thank you for your time.

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

8

u/SincerelySpicy 14h ago

Unfortunately this really isn't something a beginner should attempt to take on. The issue is not only the sheer number of pieces, but glass floats are fully enclosed pieces and it would be extremely difficult to ensure that all the seams are clean and neat on the inside once finished. Also since it's glass you would need to use unconventional techniques and materials that would make it exponentially harder for a beginner to learn to do.

I would highly recommend seeking a commission for this, but honestly I might recommend looking for a glass restoration specialist instead of a kintsugi craftsperson. There are specialty conservation adhesives that have the same refractive index as glass that can essentially make the repair almost completely invisible if done right.

On the other hand, if you're intent on getting it done with kintsugi, try to look for someone who has a lot of experience working with glass and make sure to look at their previous glass repair work to make sure that it's up to the quality you want for this piece.

2

u/ex_natura 14h ago

Yeah second this

1

u/sztomi 14h ago

Sorry for your loss.

Glass projects are more difficult and this one is especially hard since there are so many pieces. Besides, you might want to have it done by a professional just because of the sentimental value of it. Saying this as someone who’s saving a mug from my late grandma until I feel confident enough in my kintsugi skills to mend it. A many-year project for sure.