stippling

This term describes a precise, labor-intensive method of artistic rendering. It is most commonly associated with pen-and-ink drawings or painting, where the density of dots determines the value of the shade. In a professional art context, it is often contrasted with hatching or cross-hatching, which use lines rather than points to create depth.

Beyond fine art, the term is frequently used in interior design and automotive painting to describe a specific tactile finish. In these contexts, it refers to a pebbled or grainy surface texture that hides imperfections or provides a non-slip grip, moving the meaning from a visual artistic technique to a physical material property.