The best art eraser is a crucial tool for artists as it helps to correct mistakes, create highlights, and achieve special effects. There are several types of erasers available on the market, each with its own advantages and best uses. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of erasers and provide information on their characteristics and performance.
Key Takeaways
- There are several types of art erasers available on the market, each with its own advantages and best uses.
- Kneaded erasers are soft and moldable, making them suitable for precise or large area erasing.
- Blu Tack, while not designed specifically as an eraser, can effectively lift graphite from paper without causing damage.
- Gum erasers are made from soft, crumbly rubber and are useful for erasing large areas without damaging the paper.
- Plastic erasers produce minimal residue and are long-lasting, but can be abrasive on delicate paper.
- Natural and synthetic rubber erasers are widely available and are eco-friendly options.
- Pencil and pen erasers offer convenience and precision for erasing streaky textures and creating highlights.
Kneaded Erasers
Kneaded erasers, also known as putty erasers or putty rubbers, are highly recommended for artists, especially beginners. They are soft and easily moldable, allowing for precise erasing or erasing large areas. Some popular brands include Faber-Castell Kneadable Art Eraser, Staedtler Kneadable Eraser, and General Kneaded Eraser. Kneaded erasers are non-abrasive and gentle on paper, making them suitable for graphite, charcoal, and colored pencils. They can be reshaped and reused multiple times, but they tend to get dirty quickly and become less effective over time.
Blu Tack (Poster Putty or Mounting Putty)
While not specifically designed as an eraser, Blu Tack, also known as Poster Putty in the United States, can effectively lift graphite from paper without causing damage. It is non-abrasive, reusable, and leaves little residue. Blu Tack is perfect for working on small spaces and fine details, but it should not be used for large areas.
| Popular Brands | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Bostik Blu Tack | Easy to use, reusable, can be removed without leaving any residue. |
| Loctite Fun-Tack Mounting Putty | Easy to mold, reusable, can be used on a variety of surfaces. |
| Duck Brand Reusable and Removable Poster Putty | Easy to use, reusable, can hold up to 1lb of weight. |
Blu Tack is an inexpensive alternative to traditional erasers and can be a great addition to an artist’s toolkit. Using a small amount of Blu Tack, artists can easily remove unwanted graphite lines without damaging their work. Blu Tack is also great for creating highlights and special effects.
Gum Erasers
Gum erasers are made from soft, crumbly rubber and are useful for erasing large areas without damaging the paper. They are gentle on paper and produce minimal residue. However, they are not suitable for detailed work and can be quite messy. Some popular brands include Prismacolor ArtGum Eraser and General Pencil 136EBP Artist Gum Eraser.
Plastic Erasers
Plastic erasers, including Hi-Polymer and Vinyl erasers, are made from various hardness plastics and are known for their clean erasing and low dust production. They are long-lasting and will not degrade or go brittle over time. Plastic erasers can be cut into wedge shapes for precise erasing and are almost dust-free. However, they can be abrasive on delicate paper. Popular brands include STAEDTLER Mars Plastic, Pentel Hi-Polymer Block Eraser, and Faber Castell Dust-Free Vinyl Eraser.
Natural and Synthetic Rubber Erasers
Natural rubber erasers, commonly found on the end of pencils, are the classic school erasers. They are eco-friendly but not very effective for detailed work as they can become hard and crumbly over time. Synthetic rubber erasers, which are plasticized versions of natural rubber erasers, are more durable and slightly less messy. They are cheap and suitable for general use. Some popular brands include Paper Mate Pink Pearl Eraser and General Soft Oval Eraser.
Pencil and Pen Erasers:
Pencil erasers, often found at the end of wooden pencils, have eraser cores that can be sharpened to a point. They are convenient and portable, making them ideal for drawing streaky textures like hair and fur. Pen erasers, on the other hand, have retractable refills in a plastic pen-like holder. They are useful for precise erasing and creating highlights. Pencil and pen erasers can also be sliced with a blade to draw razor-sharp white lines.
Conclusion: Choose the Best Art Eraser for Your Needs
In conclusion, the choice of the best art eraser depends on the artist’s preference and specific needs. There are several types of erasers available on the market, each with its own advantages and best uses. Kneaded erasers are versatile and suitable for various mediums, while Blu Tack offers an alternative for precise erasing. Gum erasers are good for erasing large areas, while plastic erasers provide clean, low-dust erasing. Natural and synthetic rubber erasers are more basic options, and pencil and pen erasers offer convenience and precision. By considering these options and choosing from reputable brands, artists can find the best art eraser to suit their artistic style and requirements.
It’s important to note that while some erasers may be more effective than others, the best art eraser ultimately depends on individual preference. Some artists prefer soft, moldable erasers while others prefer more rigid plastic erasers. Additionally, the type of medium being used can also impact which eraser is best for the job.
When shopping for erasers, consider the characteristics mentioned in this guide and look for reputable brands. Invest in a few different types of erasers to have on hand, and experiment to find the ones that work best for you. With the right art eraser, correcting mistakes, creating highlights, and achieving special effects becomes much easier.
FAQ
Q: What is the best art eraser for beginners?
A: Kneaded erasers are highly recommended for beginners due to their soft and moldable nature, allowing for precise erasing or erasing large areas. Some popular brands include Faber-Castell Kneadable Art Eraser, Staedtler Kneadable Eraser, and General Kneaded Eraser.
Q: Can Blu Tack be used as an art eraser?
A: Yes, Blu Tack can be effectively used to lift graphite from paper without causing damage. It is non-abrasive, reusable, and leaves little residue. Some popular brands include Bostik Blu Tack, Loctite Fun-Tack Mounting Putty, and Duck Brand Reusable and Removable Poster Putty.
Q: Are gum erasers suitable for detailed work?
A: Gum erasers are useful for erasing large areas without damaging the paper, but they are not suitable for detailed work. They are made from soft, crumbly rubber and produce minimal residue. Some popular brands include Prismacolor ArtGum Eraser and General Pencil 136EBP Artist Gum Eraser.
Q: What are the advantages of using plastic erasers?
A: Plastic erasers, such as Hi-Polymer and Vinyl erasers, are known for their clean erasing and low dust production. They are long-lasting and will not degrade or go brittle over time. However, they can be abrasive on delicate paper. Popular brands include STAEDTLER Mars Plastic, Pentel Hi-Polymer Block Eraser, and Faber Castell Dust-Free Vinyl Eraser.
Q: What are the differences between natural and synthetic rubber erasers?
A: Natural rubber erasers, commonly found on the end of pencils, are eco-friendly but can become hard and crumbly over time. Synthetic rubber erasers, plasticized versions of natural rubber erasers, are more durable and less messy. Popular brands include Paper Mate Pink Pearl Eraser and General Soft Oval Eraser.
Q: What are pencil and pen erasers used for?
A: Pencil erasers are convenient and portable, making them ideal for drawing streaky textures like hair and fur. Pen erasers are useful for precise erasing and creating highlights. Pencil and pen erasers can also be sliced with a blade to draw razor-sharp white lines.