Thread: Lacquer for a Jnat

The Japanese like to put their natural water stones outside to completely dry after use. If it’s hot outside the stones can get brittle, if it’s freezing outside moisture can freeze and crack the stone. The sides of the Japanese natural soak up water faster than the top. If the water is not removed properly, it can cause the layers in the stone to start separating.
These are the reasons people will choose to coat and seal the sides of the stones. You want to preserve the skin on the bottom of a J-nat. This can add to the value. Traditionally Japanese lacquer is used. Other coating materials can be used as well. If hones develop cracks or get damaged, rice paper can be placed over the cracks and coated to reinforce the stone. Hope this helps.
Mike