Dabber

DEFINITION

A roll of inked material, it is used to apply ink to a block or plate for graphic reproductions and to blend oil colors. Dabbers were prevalent in the 19th Century for printmaking but, except for engraving, were replaced by Breyers or rollers. In engraving, the Dabber is still used to force ink into etched or incised lines. For oil painting, Dabbers can create smooth fields of colors and glazes. Sources: Ralph Mayer, "A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques"; Kimberley Reynolds and Richard Seddon, "Illustrated Dictionary of Art Terms" <br><br>A soft pad holding the wax ground used in etching.