Whether you're an amateur sketcher or a professional artist, chances are you use an eraser regularly. But have you ever wondered what this indispensable tool is made of or how it found its way to your drawing table? In this blog, we dive deeper into the world of the eraser. From its origins to the materials it's made from, we have all the answers for you.

What is an eraser exactly?

An eraser, also known as a rubber, is a commonly used tool to remove pencil lines and markings from paper. It works by friction and picking up particles from the paper's surface.

Here's a simple explanation of how an eraser works:

1. Material: Most erasers are made of rubber or a synthetic material such as PVC. These materials have a soft, friction-resistant texture that is effective at removing pencil markings without damaging the paper.
2. Friction: When you rub the eraser over the pencil mark, the friction between the rubber and the paper creates heat. This heat helps to loosen and soften the graphite particles from the paper, making them easier to remove.
3. Particle removal: As you rub, the eraser picks up the loosened graphite particles and pulls them off the surface of the paper. This process is aided by the rubber's sticky properties, which hold the particles and prevent them from reattaching to the paper.
4. Result: After using the eraser, the pencil mark or marking should gradually fade and disappear, leaving the paper clean and free of unwanted lines.

It's important to remember that not all erasers are the same, and some are more effective than others. This depends on factors like the quality of the material and the hardness of the pencil. Therefore, trying out different types of erasers to discover which works best for your needs can be helpful. 

What is an eraser made of?

Erasers can be made of various materials, depending on the intended use. The most common types are rubber, vinyl, and plastic. Natural rubber, derived from the rubber tree, was originally the primary material, but nowadays, you can also find erasers made of synthetic materials for finer and cleaner erasing.

How is an eraser made?

The manufacturing process of erasers varies depending on the type and composition of the material. For rubber erasers, it starts with mixing natural rubber with sulfur and heating under pressure, a process known as vulcanisation. This makes the eraser more elastic and resistant. Vinyl erasers are made from a blend of plastics and are often softer and less abrasive to the paper.

How did the eraser originate?

The invention of the modern eraser is often credited to the English engineer Edward Nairne in the late 18th century. He accidentally discovered that a piece of natural rubber could "erase" pencil marks, forever changing the way we correct mistakes on paper.

Tips for choosing the suitable eraser

• Material type: Consider the type of pencil and paper you are using. For fine paper, softer erasers like vinyl are recommended.
• Shape and size: Choose a shape and size that fits comfortably in your hand and is suitable for the level of detail in your work.
• Natural vs. synthetic: Natural rubber is excellent for general use, but for specific applications or latex sensitivities, you may want to consider synthetic options.

By knowing the secrets of your eraser, you can now not only make more conscious choices about which one to use but also treat this versatile tool with more respect. The right eraser can make a difference in your artwork, so choose wisely!

Also read these interesting blogs about pencils:

How a pencil is made

What's inside of a pencil?

Graphite pencils

Oil-based pencils

Soft pencils

Hardness of pencils