How to Repair (Join) Ink Sticks

How to Repair (Join) Ink Sticks

When you continue grinding solid ink daily, it gradually becomes smaller and harder to hold in your hand.
For shortened ink sticks, there are two methods: using an ink clip to grind or joining two ink sticks together for grinding.
Each ink stick is carefully handcrafted by skilled artisans. Even small pieces should be used until the very end with care.
Here, we will introduce a surprisingly simple and recommended method of "joining ink sticks."
If you have small or broken ink sticks, please try this method.
 

Joining Ink Sticks with Ink

Although commercial adhesives exist, using anything other than ink to join ink sticks may be a bit concerning.
You can join ink sticks without using any adhesive.
Ink is made from "glue (nikawa)," "soot," and "fragrance." The "glue" in the ingredients acts as a natural adhesive that holds the ink together.
Therefore, by applying ink that has been ground thick and sticky to the surfaces to be joined, you can safely join the ink sticks without affecting the ink quality or color.
 

How to Join

① Prepare the small ink sticks.
Soak the surfaces to be joined in lukewarm water for 3–5 minutes in advance.

② Grind both ink sticks to make the joining surfaces flat.
The same applies to broken ink sticks. Flattening uneven surfaces requires a bit of patience.
③ Prepare thick, sticky ink to serve as the adhesive.
Take a small amount of ink from step ② and grind it further with the ink sticks to be joined to create ultra-high concentration ink.
The thickness of this ink determines the adhesive strength, so grind it as thick and sticky as possible until it becomes viscous.
〈Start grinding〉

〈Sticky state〉

④ Apply the sticky ink to the flat surfaces prepared in step ②.
You don't need too much, but spread it evenly.

⑤ Align the surfaces and press firmly to join.
Be careful not to misalign and press both ink sticks with both hands for about a minute.
It's okay if some ink squeezes out. After pressing, apply some of the sticky ink around the joined area with a brush or your fingers.

⑥ Let the joined ink dry naturally.
Even small pieces take a few days to dry completely, so allow about three days.

The ink joining process is now complete. You can continue joining small pieces and use your ink sticks until the very end.

Using Ink-Specific Adhesive

If you are busy, using a special ink adhesive is also an option.
There are convenient ink adhesives available for purchase, which you can use as needed.

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