Caring for Your Gourd Products: Handling, Repairs & Finishes
Gourd products may look and feel a bit like ceramics, and that means they can be fragile if dropped or knocked against a hard surface. If you’ve selected a piece with a thicker wall, it’s sturdier than most assume, but any gourd can be prone to breakage with rough handling. Here are a few tips to ensure your gourd piece remains beautiful for years to come:
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Handle with Care
- Be mindful of your product’s light weight, particularly when picking it up or moving it around. Thinner gourds can crack if accidentally dropped, just like a delicate ceramic.
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Repairs & Kintsuki Philosophy
- If breakage does occur, we offer a kintsuki-inspired repair service for damage within certain limits—a Japanese technique originally used for ceramics. Rather than concealing cracks, kintsuki highlights them, celebrating the object's history and making each piece even more unique. If you’re interested in this service, please email a photo of the broken piece to gourdrevival@gmail.com for a consultation.
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Finishing Recommendations
- We do not recommend adding extra finishes to your gourd products. They have been finished with the most suited protective coats when they are made to ensure the natural texture and coloration speak to the material’s organic character.
- However, if you choose to apply a finish because time has causing the existing coat to fade—avoid any oil-based finishes—be aware it can significantly alter the color, particularly on distressed gourds where the outer skin is intact. Water-based finishes like polyeurathane is the best choice and always spot-test in an inconspicuous area first.
By treating your gourd piece gently, appreciating its natural strength (or delicacy), and embracing any accidental cracks as part of its evolving story, you’ll enjoy a one-of-a-kind object that seamlessly marries nature and design. If in doubt—or if you have questions about repairs or finishes—feel free to reach out on instagram or email, and we’ll be happy to guide you further.