My daughter is working on some concepts for simple, pleasurable illustrations on plain black pens. This is like Maki-e, I suppose, but not as elaborate. She is working on spray lacquering techniques, etc. to obtain the best surface feel and durability. All very experimental for now, but she is a good artist -- and brings a kind of joy to her intricately-styled illustrations. So, I am wondering, from those who have held maki-e, is there a surface feel to the lines, or does the technique result in a smooth surface. I suspect there are variants of both, but for a simple iris or day lilly kind of illustration, has anyone seen one that might be smooth -- or is it the nature of things that all these pens, if done with real brush strokes rather than screens, have some texture on the surface?

Any other thoughts you might have would be appreciated. She's not out to do Japanese techniques per se, but clearly shares some common goals.

Thanks to all!

There is some texture on all 5 of my maki-e pens; even the screens have texture. This may something she already knows, but if she does spray lacquering on the surface, there should be an additional, clear protective coat over the images, so that they do not rub off...

Check this thread, especially the replies from SMJ1123

Wow!! Now that's on point...

Thanks very much!!!!! I'll pass the thread on to her.

Best to you, Siv!