Definition & Meaning of "stippler"

What is a "stippler"?

A stippler is a type of painting tool with a handle and a head made of short, stiff bristles that are used to apply paint to a surface by tapping. This technique, called stippling, creates a texture or pattern by making numerous small marks. Stipplers are useful for adding texture, shading, or detail to artwork, and they can be used with different materials such as acrylics, oils, and watercolors. The stippler's design allows artists to achieve a range of effects from subtle textures to more visible patterns.