A kneaded eraser, also known as a putty eraser or art gum, is a soft, pliable eraser made from a mixture of rubber and gum arabic. It is often used by artists and illustrators to remove pencil and charcoal marks from paper. Unlike traditional rubber erasers, which abrade the paper to remove marks, kneaded erasers pick up the graphite particles and lift them off the paper. This makes them ideal for erasing delicate areas or creating highlights.
Kneaded erasers are also very versatile. They can be molded into any shape, which makes them perfect for erasing small or intricate details. They can also be used to blend colors and create subtle transitions. Additionally, kneaded erasers are reusable. When they become dirty, they can be kneaded to remove the graphite particles and restore their original color.
