What is a brayer?

A brayer is a tool used in printmaking to evenly distribute ink or paint onto a printing surface, such as a linoleum block or a gel plate. It consists of a cylinder with a handle attached that is rolled over the ink or paint to create a smooth, uniform layer. Brayers come in various sizes and materials, such as rubber, foam, or hard rubber, to allow for different techniques and effects in printmaking. They are an essential tool for artists working in relief printmaking, monoprinting, and other printmaking techniques.