Thread: Sealing Jnats

All good advice, don't make it complicated. Natural hone stones especially Japanese natural hones can sometimes have small fissures or cracks in the sides and bottoms of the hone. To help prevent water from entering and causing further damage, it is possible to seal and reinforce these areas. For severe cracking, tissue paper can be applied similar to papier-mâché.

Not all natural stones require sealing. Lacquering the base is “usually” not required because it is the sides that absorb water at a faster rate. There are several methods and materials that can be used to seal stones, labels and stamps. Traditional Japanese would use Urushi Lacquer which can be harmful if proper precautions are not followed during application. l

For this demonstration water based clear acrylic varnish will be used. This material is non-toxic and dries in 30 minutes. 3 coats will be applied to the sides of the stone only. To prevent the top and bottom of the stone from being contaminated with lacquer the stone will be masked off. Painter’s masking tape should be used so no residue is left on the stone.

Tools needed, which are available at most arts and craft stores.
Japanese natural stone (available from a reliable source only)

Fine application brush, WHOLESALE PRICES - ROYAL SOFT GRIP GOLDEN TAKLON ANGULAR BRUSH - ARTIST PAINT BRUSH - SG160-1/2" this type of brush reduces the chance for bubbles to occur.

Clear lacquer https://www.jwetc.com/index.cfm?p=pr...20Step%20Matte

Masking tape FrogTape.com

X-acto knife X-ACTO Cutting Tools & Office Solutions | Pencil Sharpeners and Knives

Also a pedestal, finger nail file, cleaning brush, cup of water to keep paint brush in and paper towel for any mess etc..

Step one
Use water and a soft bristle brush to clean the stone of any loose particles of dust or dried slurry. Allow the stone to dry for 24 hours prior to lacquer application.

Step two
Mask off areas not to be coated with lacquer. Trim excess masking tape so edges are clean and straight.

Step Three
Dip the tip of the brush into the lacquer to control the amount on the brush. Apply lacquer to the clean surface with thin even coats. Go slowly to reduce the chance for bubbles to form. Avoid shaking bottle to eliminate chance for bubbles. Work bristles into cracks and crevices to assure coverage.
Allow to dry cure and repeat.

Three coats are generally enough to seal and protect the stone. Once the last coat is cured, remove the masking tape and allow the lacquer to continue curing for 24 hrs. Re-bevel the top of your stone with a finger nail file or DMT plate if any excess lacquer has dried above the level surface. Enjoy your stone. Hope this helps.

basic tools


clean the stone


mask off area to protect stone


trim off excess tape


pedestal to rest stone on top of while it cures.. easier to pick up

more pics

Sides are sealed and cured


peel off masking once cured



enjoy your stone

In my opinion it is not necessary to mask out the honing surface. Just apply the laquer as close as you want and if you spalah a bit of laquer on top ot is very easily removed with a atoma when you lap the stone again.