About Urushi and Maintenance

Urushi or 漆 is a natural material derived from the tree sap of the lacquer tree.

When uncured, the lacquer can cause an allergic skin rash for the most people, due to urushiol which is a compound also found in poison ivy. When cured, the urushiol crosslinks to form polymers which no longer reacts and is even food safe. It is therefore commonly used as a natural coating to protect wooden utensils.

Urushiol cures through an oxidative polymerisation reaction catalysed through an enzyme (laccase). While it cures dry to touch within several days, the trace amounts of urushiol can take several months after completion of a product to fully cure.

As such, those who are hypersensitive to urushiol may still have an allergic response when handling a recently completed urushi product.

Urushi lacquer will also require several months after completion to further harden and become more resistant to abrasion and impact. It is recommended to wait at least 6 months before posting the cap of a pen on the barrel. However one must be aware that while urushi is a naturally protective coating, it is still susceptible to wear and tear over time especially and therefore actions like posting a cap regularly would bear the risk of wearing down the surface over time.

It isn’t recommended to soak urushi pens or place them in a ultrasonic cleaner. This can lead to damage to the surface. Wash with water/mild detergent and dry pens with a soft cloth and do not let any moisture air dry on the surface of the pen. This may leave behind trace minerals depending on the water source, which could then lead to scratches on the surface.

Store the pens in an area protected from light, and do not store in extremely dry environments. Urushi is sensitive to UV light and the surface will become dull over time under prolonged UV light or sunlight exposure. Urushi will change over time even under proper storage, and the colours may lighten or change after several months.

Urushi is a long-lasting material and with proper care and maintenance can last many decades to come!