An eraser is one of the most popular office supplies. But what is an eraser for? These products are actively used not only by schoolchildren and students, but also by artists, designers, and engineers. And even in the office or at home it is difficult to find a person who would not use this thing. The types of erasers are truly limitless, and manufacturers continue to offer more and more new options.
Vinyl eraser
When answering the question of what erasers are made of, the first thing to talk about is vinyl models. The market offers not only classic options used for removing graphite, but also products suitable for erasing ink, but the question of which erasers are the best can only be answered by the consumer himself. The structure of such rubber bands contains microcapsules containing a chemical substance. They burst upon contact with paper and dissolve the ink. This becomes a real discovery for those who first decided to find out what the eraser is made of.
An eraser will be useful if the child actively uses a pencil. With its help, a child can easily get rid of this or that image. Moreover, in such a way that it will be absolutely unnoticeable.
We will tell you about what types of erasers there are. Let's consider which ones to choose during purchase. We’ll also talk about other aspects of purchasing certain types of erasers.
What materials can erasers be made of?
Erasers are usually made from several types of materials. Let's look at the main ones.
Vinyl erasers
Erasers of this type last quite a long time. They almost never become unusable (and compared to rubber ones, they work several times more efficiently). Vinyl rubber bands have a special soft substance in their structure. That is why such products are sold in stationery stores in a special box. It is usually made of cardboard.
This type of eraser can get rid of pencils that write in black. When you use them, the paper remains intact. The material from which it is made does not deform. And the paper itself is preserved. Just like when you sat down to work on it. The stores are full of vinyl erasers. The most important thing is to choose the right option.
Rubber eraser
This type of eraser does not cause allergies. And all because there is traditional material inside it. Which does not cause negative reactions in the body. Because it is absolutely safe to use even for children.
Erasers made from rubber have a flexible material in their composition. Thanks to this, they will be quite flexible. Thanks to this, they will be able to free themselves from the upper part of a particular pattern.
We recommend using rubber erasers when working with the thickest type of paper. Or traditional Whatman paper.
Rubber models can be quite effective. With the help of some rubber bands, you will be able to get rid of even pen marks. And you will feel great in the process of life.
When purchasing this type of eraser, keep one important point in mind. Over time, the product tends to dry out slightly. After a certain amount of time, it is completely covered with film. Also, a similar situation can happen if you do not care for your eraser correctly.
About artificial rubber erasers
Erasers can be made not only using traditional rubber. It can also be made from artificial material. Such models have increased softness. You can bend them any way you want. However, such models also have disadvantages. They may begin to crumble during use. Right in your hands.
One of the most important advantages of such erasers is perfect erasing. They are great for getting rid of pencil marks. Despite the fact that the drawing can be drawn in any place. The most important thing is that the paper is attached effectively. And it complied with the standards.
Rubber eraser
This type of eraser is usually attached to the end of some pencils. It's easy to use. You just need to turn the product over. And take hold of the end.
This type of eraser can be used in different ways. Moreover, it has excellent strength indicators. And it practically does not crumble. Especially if you interact with him effectively.
An eraser made of rubber is recommended for use with traditional pencils. When you get rid of a particular drawing, you will be able to quickly get rid of the remaining pencil. As well as other types of instrument designs.
There is a good chance that a rubber float could negatively affect the paper it comes into contact with. But nothing bad may happen. Because paper products actually perform quite well.
We recommend that your child buy pencils with graters at the end without fail. They are very easy to use. These graters have a square shape. Accordingly, it will be much easier for the child to get rid of any types of contamination. And he can do it on his own. The product will not be lost.
How to choose an eraser that gets rid of pencils quickly and easily?
To purchase really high-quality plastic that will help you get rid of the pattern, you need to try. And take into account a number of important rules. They will allow you to choose a model that you really like. And from which you will get real pleasure.
When purchasing an eraser, consider the following recommendations:
- If the eraser is of high quality, then it needs to be slightly sticky. At the same time, it should be quite soft. And also, there should be a minimum amount of crumbs left from it.
- Buy elastic bands that have simple shades. Neutral. It is very important to do this. Otherwise, the tint of the eraser may stain the paper. And break through it. This situation will end badly. Because the child will ruin the notebook.
- If your pencil is bad and has a neutral shade, then it is better to purchase products of a soft color. If the product is colored, then it is better to purchase harder options. This will make it easier for you to deal with them. That is, remove it if necessary.
- Getting rid of ink using rubber is quite simple. It is enough just to grind off the product. It is important to make sure that the corner of the grater is slightly dented. In this case, it will be much more convenient for the child to use it.
- If you need to get rid of hatching, then buy special erasers. Their structure must contain special plastic. This rubber band is quite easy to use. Because it practically does not touch the top of the paper being used.
- If you or your child are planning to create highlights or shadows on paper, we recommend giving preference to a certain model. A special kneaded eraser. The one made from traditional rubber. At the same time, the eraser will show itself perfectly. It won't ruin your child's paper. And he will cope with the task that faces him in erasing this or that material.
What erasers should I buy for school?
If your child plans to simply use pencils at school, then there is no need to worry about the type of eraser. Absolutely any model will suit you. With it, the child will only need to erase the pencil. And what ultimately happens to the paper is not entirely important. Because even a regular eraser erases it.
If a child is engaged, for example, in drawing or painting pictures, then a traditional eraser will not work. Instead, it is better to use an alternative option. Buy a more professional eraser. One that can be used and will not crumble. It will also last as long as possible.
Which eraser is more convenient to use - on the tip of a pencil or separately from it?
The eraser, which is located on the tip of the pencil, is safer. It will be quite difficult for a child to lose such a product. Because it is large-scale. And it takes up extra space in the pencil case.
With an eraser that is made separately, things are more complicated. There is a risk that a child can easily lose one or another product. And sooner or later you will have to buy a new one. Although for the school, again, this will not make much difference.
Should you buy erasers from famous brands?
We recommend buying erasers from popular brands. Those that have already proven themselves in the market. And they demonstrated their quality.
These rubber bands are not expensive. However, during operation they perform excellently. They make it so that the child becomes comfortable working with the grater. And carry out the tasks assigned to him.
Large companies create really high-quality products. You and your child will feel comfortable using them.
Conclusion
Before buying an eraser, find out from your child what purpose it is needed for. Ideally, call a teacher at school or art club. Ask him for the eraser model you need. Perhaps a specialist will advise you something.
Rubber eraser
The best eraser is probably a rubber one. Such products are the most versatile due to the use of advanced material production technologies. Technical characteristics of an artificial rubber eraser are:
- high degree of abrasiveness;
- the ability to remove almost any blot;
- Can be used on paper of any thickness.
Used to remove black graphite pencils. Natural rubber erasers are better than vinyl erasers because they can be used on different types of paper. If stored properly, they can last for many years, but if the product is left for a long time in unsuitable conditions, the eraser will very soon deteriorate.
The debate about which eraser is better, vinyl or rubber, will probably never subside. The only advice that can be given to a person choosing a suitable product is to try both options yourself. This will help you decide which eraser is best for erasing pencil and ink.
Eraser: history of creation, types, materials, production technology
Of course, pieces of rubber had to go through a long process of improvement before becoming an item of daily use. The fact is that initially this material emitted an unpleasant odor, suffered from changing weather conditions, products made from it softened in the summer and became too hard in the winter.
In 1839, American scientist Charles Goodyear mixed rubber with sulfur, which was a significant step in the evolution of the eraser. Goodyear invented the vulcanization process (named after Vulcan, the Roman god of fire), which significantly improved the quality and strength of the material obtained from natural rubber.
Nut-shaped erasers
Erasers are often (especially in England) called "rubber bands". The first erasers were made only from rubber, but now only some erasers contain rubber.
Today, erasers are made from natural or synthetic or even raw rubber, plastic and vinyl.
Mechanical eraser from Japanese factory Tombow
Natural rubber is obtained by coagulating and drying the sap (latex) of rubber plants (Hevea braziliensis), with polyisoprene being the main component. The rubber itself in such erasers is only a binding substance (its content in an eraser on average does not exceed 20%). By vulcanizing natural rubber, durable and elastic rubber is obtained, to which certain fillers are subsequently added.
Faber-Castell erasers (Germany)
Erasers intended for removing pencil lines must be soft and of such a consistency that small pieces of them come off during erasing. Thanks to these properties, the erasing surface of the eraser is constantly replaced and updated. Since small fragments of the eraser have an adhesive structure, they easily “stick” to the particles of lead that form the line and remove them from the working surface.
Faber-Castell Fancy pencil eraser
Rubber erasers become harder over time, especially if left outdoors or exposed to sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to store them in packaging (film, parchment, special boxes). If storage conditions are followed correctly, erasers retain their properties for a long time.
Faber-Castell clamshell eraser
The degree of softness or abrasiveness of an eraser is determined by the proportions of sulfur and additives in the rubber production process. Additional substances are added to erasers to improve erasing performance. For example, a mandatory additive is a plasticizer based on animal or vegetable oils, which is the very substance that ensures the quality of erasing.
Eraser Koh-i-noor (Czech Republic)
Hard rubber erasers, designed for removing ink from paper, contain higher levels of abrasive additives and are designed to mechanically remove colored paper fibers. Therefore, their use requires caution, especially when working with low-quality paper: such erasers can erase it to holes!
Japanese erasers in the shape of people and animals
By the way, there are erasers that can erase marks not only from a pencil or pen, but even from mascara and permanent markers! These vinyl erasers contain microcapsules containing a solvent. Friction with paper destroys the capsule shell, activating the solvent. The released solvent weakens the dyes, and traces of ink treated with it become discolored, “disappearing” both from paper and from tracing paper or plastic.
Derwent eraser (UK)
Erasers made of synthetic rubber, vinyl or plastic are the next generation of erasers, which appeared in the mid-fifties and early sixties of the 20th century. They are made from soft vinyl materials containing a minimal amount of abrasives. Often, additional softeners are added to them to increase elasticity.
Faber-Castell eraser sharpener
Such erasers are used to work with both paper and tracing paper or drawing film. They practically do not cause the appearance of static electricity, which significantly reduces the adhesion of eraser particles to the working surface. If, when erasing with them, the separated particles turn out to be wide and long, it means that fewer movements are required to remove lines from the paper than you are doing.
Synthetic erasers come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, often with brightly colored designs.
Faber-Castell Grip eraser cap
As a rule, plastic erasers are supplied packaged in paper boxes. This is done so that the softeners they contain are not transferred to other synthetic materials upon contact. Unlike rubber erasers, vinyl erasers do not deteriorate over time.
Palomino Blackwing pencil eraser (USA)
At the turn of the sixties and seventies, the eraser became the theme of many drawings, prints, sculptures... The most famous monument to the eraser is located in the park of the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden in Washington. This expressive four-meter sculpture depicts a falling eraser as it hits the surface.
Modern erasers have different shapes and are made from many different materials of different qualities and their various combinations.
In the D. Store you can find erasers for hard and soft pencils, pastels, inks, a mechanical pencil eraser with a retractable rubber rod, a double-sided eraser brush for removing residue from the working surface, a battery-powered eraser, ergonomic erasers with a hard core holder plastic, eraser caps that can be put on writing utensils, erasers in the shape of pencils or sea pebbles...
Chewing gum eraser
Additionally, art gum eraser is also called bubblegum eraser, the eraser has a soft, slightly gummed texture and may have a slightly translucent appearance. They absorb graphite and crumble when they are worn. While they leave a sea of "crumbs" on your page, the eraser itself is a little softer than a regular rubber eraser, so it's better suited for use on a variety of paper types. However, this is not the most precise way to erase, so for finer lines or details, consider using a kneaded eraser.
Rubber eraser
This is one of the most classic types of erasers - it's the pink cylinder on top of your pencil, for starters. These durable, versatile erasers are often pink, but are available in several colors. They are stronger than gum and are effective at removing pencil marks from paper. A rubber eraser works similar to a bubble gum eraser, but with a little more precision. He pulls the graphite out of the paper when it is stripped, so it leaves little "crumbs" on the paper. Although overuse can damage the paper, rubber erasers such as bubble gum erasers are less abrasive on paper than vinyl erasers.
Interesting facts about eraser
The history of the appearance of the eraser goes back to the deep past. It is noteworthy that the authorship of the eraser is attributed to the navigator Christopher Columbus. It was he who wrote in his notes about how the natives use the juice of Hevea brasiliensis to remove traces of paint. But the history of the eraser does not end there. In its familiar form, it was invented by Joseph Priestley. He described the properties of rubber erasers in his work dated 1770. Therefore, it is difficult to say who invented the eraser, because authorship can be attributed to both the English lord and the American natives.
Stationery eraser, eraser with many faces
In terms of the number of shapes, colors and types, only a writing pen can be compared with a regular eraser. A stationery eraser is used not only to quickly remove unsuccessful pencil strokes and inscriptions. An elastic band is often used as a gift. True, the souvenir eraser differs from the usual one in design. Using kneading (one of the types of eraser), artists convey halftones on canvas.
What types of erasers are there?
The eraser is not as simple as it might seem. Manufacturers use different components and technologies to make them. The result is products with completely different characteristics.
Nag
The first nag was released by the Czech company Koh-i-Noor, which is a real legend among stationery manufacturers. This is a very soft and flexible eraser that can take any shape, like plasticine. Why is it needed:
- to lighten lines drawn with a simple pencil;
- Thanks to the sticky surface, the nag easily collects graphite chips from any surface. By the way, it is precisely because of this property that it is better to store the nag in a plastic bag or foil.
Mechanical stationery eraser
A fairly tough rubber band that removes even very difficult marks, even rusty stains. How does an ordinary rubber band cope with such complex work? Thanks to abrasive additives (for example, pumice) and scrapers. Be careful when using a hard stationery eraser - erasing the necessary lines with it is as easy as shelling pears.
Synthetic
Vinyl and plastic rubber bands, collectively called “synthetic”, last a long time and are softer. Drawings, logos, and inscriptions can be easily applied to such erasers. Some types of synthetic erasers contain a solvent enclosed in microscopic capsules. This solvent does not spoil paper, but it perfectly removes traces of graphite.
Rules for a good eraser
If a stationery eraser does not perform its functions well, it is not always a matter of low quality. It's just that each rubber band serves a specific purpose. A school eraser should be soft and preferably white. Such erasers remove unnecessary lines much better than their multi-colored counterparts. The rubber band is white and, as a rule, does not leave any traces behind.
But a souvenir eraser with a logo, slogan or design can be anything. Figured, colored, hard, soft. The main purpose of the gift is to show attention to a business partner or client.
