GIMP Version: 2.8.14
Operating System: Windows
GIMP Experience: New User

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Can't get the smudge tool to do anything other than act as a paint brush. Any ideas?

Just sen this and it works:

At the bottom of the Smudge tool options, the slider Flow

Set this to zero and smudge works as Gimp 2.8

Very small values 1 , 2 have a blending effect. Worth experimenting with.

Any larger value and as stated, more like a brush, but blends in linear mode so none of those dark boundaries you get with RGB blend.

Okay, I came in to help but you've found it by yourself! And yeah, smudging can mean that you're smudging something pre-existing with additional material as well. I've been using that tool with small values for light reflection effects on various sorts of surfaces... with various sorts of success, but I'm starting to master it!