What is a brayer used for in printmaking?

In printmaking, a brayer is specifically designed for the purpose of smoothing out ink and rolling it onto a print surface. This tool is essential in processes like linoleum or woodblock printing, where even distribution of ink is crucial for achieving clean and precise prints. By rolling the brayer over the ink slab, the artist can pick up the ink and evenly coat it onto the printmaking surface, such as a carved block or plate, ensuring that the design transfers properly during the printing process. The correct application of the brayer significantly impacts the final quality of the print, making it a fundamental tool in printmaking practices.