daubers

Dauber is a term with multiple meanings. In crafts, a dauber is a handheld tool used to apply paint, glaze, or other substances by dabbing rather than brushing. The tips are usually made of foam, sponge, felt, or cotton and are attached to a short handle. Daubers come in various shapes such as round, oval, or teardrop, enabling controlled application, stippling, or patterning. They are common in pottery for applying glaze or slip, in home decorating for dab-on paint effects, and in crafts for spot embellishments. Replacement tips and refillable handles allow repeated use, and disposable foam daubers are common for single-use tasks. Cleaning requirements depend on the material; water-based paints are rinsed, solvent-based glazes may require appropriate cleaners.

Mud daubers, by contrast, are a group of wasps that build nests from mud. These solitary wasps construct tubular or urn-shaped mud nests on walls, under eaves, or in sheltered spaces. Each cell is provisioned with paralyzed spiders for larval development. Mud daubers are generally non-aggressive toward humans, though stings can occur if provoked. They are considered beneficial for natural pest control because their spider prey reduces populations of various insects. Nests are usually harmless and can be removed if they pose a risk or when indoors.

The term 'dauber' may also refer broadly to someone who applies substances by dabbing, such as a painter or craftsworker using daubing techniques. In all uses, the core idea is application by dabbed contact rather than sweeping strokes.