Erasers

​Eraser can be used to correct mistake however it can also be used as a drawing tool. Erasers can lift highlights, blend existing marks from the drawing surface or can be used to to create textural effects. Erasers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. The three most common types are kneadable, gum and plastic vinyl erasers.

What you will find on this page

• Kneaded
• Gum
• Vinyl

Kneaded Eraser

Have a plastic consistency and are common to most artists' standard toolkit. They can be pulled into a point for erasing small areas and tight detail erasing, molded into a textured surface and used like a reverse stamp to give texture, or used in a "blotting" manner to lighten lines or shading without completely erasing them. They gradually lose their efficacy and resilience as they become infused with particles picked up from erasing and from their environment. They are not suited to erase large areas because of their tendency to deform under vigorous erasing. (Wikipedia, 2016).

Preferred Brands

• Any will do but here are some options

General's Kneaded Eraser Great for removing graphite, pencil and charcoal in subtractive drawing techniques. Kneaded erasers can be shaped for precision erasing and creating highlights. Available in three sizes, these kneaded erasers are latex-free, lanolin-free, and PVC-free.

Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser Excellent for erasing and highlighting with pencils, colored pencils, charcoal, and pastels, the Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser is the perfect artist's erasing tool.

Prismacolor Kneaded Rubber Erasers For removing or highlighting pencil, chalk, charcoal and pastel. Kneads easily into any shape, erases cleanly and picks up all residue.

Gum Erasers

Less expensive erasers are made from synthetic rubber, but more expensive or specialized erasers are vinyl, plastic, or gum-like materials. Cheaper erasers can be made out of synthetic soy-based gum. Gum erasers are great for graphite they keep the graphite from smearing on the paper.

Vinyl

Quality plasticized vinyl or other "plastic" erasers, originally trademarked Mylar in the mid-20th century, are softer, non-abrasive, and erase cleaner than standard rubber erasers. This was because the removed graphite did not remain on the eraser as much as rubber erasers, but was instead absorbed onto the discarded vinyl scraps. Being softer and non-abrasive, they were less likely to damage canvas or paper. They often come in white and can be found in a variety of shapes. (Wikipedia, 2016).

In Tube or Small Format
Preferred Brands

• Tombow Mono Zero  (Round or rectangular)
• OR SEED SLENDY+ 
• Tuff Stuff Eraser ® Paper Mate

Tombow Mono Zero  Refillable Eraser Protect your work and erase only what you need with a high-quality, precision eraser that won't damage your paper. With tips in two shapes and sizes, the refillable MONO Zero has a pen-style body thats easy to use and store or use the convenient clip for on-the-go corrections.

Tuff Stuff Eraser ® Paper Mate

You may also find a "Tuff Stuff Eraser" at the local art store.

In Block Format Preferred Brands

• Any will do but here are some options

Alvin Vinyl Eraser For erasing pencil from paper, vellum and drafting film. White vinyl.

Faber-Castell Dust-Free Vinyl Eraser Erase without a mess with a Faber-Castell Dust-Free Vinyl Eraser. Ideal for erasing graphite and colored pencil work, these erasers fix a mistake and leave little trace of evidence. After erasing, the dust rolls together in one piece.