Urushi lacquer

[mikko]

Hi,

Anyone has any experience using Urushi lacquer, while making armour? Or should i abandon my interest to use real thing for my dress armour. I allready build Takadai loom for silk lacing, it's a hobby by itself.

Mikko

[Please Delete]

As I understand it, real urushi is toxic, as it is a relative of poison ivy. I have been told that apprentices are forced to dip their hands in it, which causes a rash, just to make sure that they can handle it. That said, there are some more modern versions on the market, so I'm not sure if you need to go the fully traditional route. Also, I wouldn't recommend doing a large scale project, first--start with just a sample to learn how to build up the coats correctly, and you will possibly want to file things into shape afterwards. For more information, take a look at An Online Japanese Armor Manual, Chapter Four: The Kozane.

If you still want to use real lacquer I would reach out to Trevor, at Toraba to find out more. You can also reach out to various saya makers, as they use lacquer or lacquer subsitutes.

I hope that helps you make a decision.

-Ii

[Deleted]

Feb 19, 2014 18:09:04 GMT -5 Please Delete said:

I have been told that apprentices are forced to dip their hands in it, which causes a rash, just to make sure that they can handle it.

For future reference, urushiol is what they call a sensitizing allergen. If you are allergic, any exposure will cause a reaction worse than the last exposure. If you've been exposed, with no reaction, that may be your "free one"; it's no proof you aren't allergic. Next time that hand might swell up most alarmingly.

That said, there are some more modern versions on the market, so I'm not sure if you need to go the fully traditional route.

I bought some cashew urushi from www.hyper-cafe.com/. Cashew is a close relative, but much less allergenic than true urushi. It seems to work much the same as I am told urushi does. So far, it has not sent me to the hospital, although an ill-considered sniff destroyed my ability to smell anything else for about three days.

[Please Delete]

Feb 20, 2014 21:51:11 GMT -5 @ishiyama said:

Feb 19, 2014 18:09:04 GMT -5 Please Delete said:

I have been told that apprentices are forced to dip their hands in it, which causes a rash, just to make sure that they can handle it.

For future reference, urushiol is what they call a sensitizing allergen. If you are allergic, any exposure will cause a reaction worse than the last exposure. If you've been exposed, with no reaction, that may be your "free one"; it's no proof you aren't allergic. Next time that hand might swell up most alarmingly.

Good point--I had heard that, though I couldn't quite recall if it was the case (and I didn't bother to Google it). I think it was less to see if you are allergic and more to just make sure of "hey, this is what you are going to have to deal with... get over it or get out." In that sense it is probably more like sending people in security professions in to experience pepper spray and tear gas. It isn't to see if you can handle it as much as to get you used to the sensation so you aren't paralyzed when it happens "for real". Now how well that works given the sensitizing part, I don't know. Either way, you will probably find out pretty quickly if this is the job for you.

-Ii

[Deleted]

Feb 21, 2014 6:14:38 GMT -5 Please Delete said:

I think it was less to see if you are allergic and more to just make sure of "hey, this is what you are going to have to deal with... get over it or get out."

True, true. I mean, like any other hazardous working material if you handle it properly and in a well-ventilated workspace it won't be a problem.

Another thing to keep in mind is that to cure properly, the coated objects should be put into a furo (curing cabinet) that keeps the air warm and humid inside and dust outside while the urushi polymerizes. My woodworking teacher built one out of plywood. Inside there is a light bulb shining on a pan of water, which he says is basically enough.

[mikko]

Thanks for the heads up. As i thought, proper working place and protective gear should help. Curing cabinet was a new information. I think i need to hoard all kind of literature about lacquering.

[Kitabatake Genjiro Katsunari]

I have heard you need to be careful how you store the Urushi as if it is stored anywear near a heat source it can explode(even left in an enclosed container in sunlight it can exploded)