Thread: Tips on applying japanese laquer

I finally got a hold of some japanese lacquer to seal my Jnat.
Does anyone have any tips on the proper way to apply and cure the lacquer to my stone.

Is it urushi or kashew? Big differences in use

Not sure I got it off the BST at B&B.
The seller said his friend sent it to him from Japan.
It's white and looks like watered down white school glue.
It's in a white bottle with a red cap, no label.

Thank you for the link O_S.

Originally Posted by kevint

Is it urushi or kashew? Big differences in use

Here are some pictures of what I have.

Correct me if I'm wrong but that is the same bottle 330mate uses for tsubaki.. so that must be "aqueous lacquer" from the same site.

lets see where he provides instruction for use assuming that's what you got.



He says: let's use it diluted 2-5 times.

So it's Paint on and let dry I guess

Isn't the practice of lacquering the sides of Japanese stones a carry over from when they were stored outside? I know the intent is to prevent moisture from de-laminating the stone, but thought it had more value when the stone is exposed to the weather vs when it is wet from honing.

Originally Posted by Bill S

Isn't the practice of lacquering the sides of Japanese stones a carry over from when they were stored outside? I know the intent is to prevent moisture from de-laminating the stone, but thought it had more value when the stone is exposed to the weather vs when it is wet from honing.

It is, but there's nothing wrong with doing it. Some stones are more porous on the sides, or have damage, and lacquering can prevent deterioration from that. And I have stones that are stamped on the sides and I lacquered them to prevent the stamps getting worn off.

It certainly isn't necessary, though.