Kneaded eraser

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Two kneaded erasers. A new eraser is on the left, and an older eraser on the right. The older eraser is darker due to the graphite and charcoal dust that has become incorporated into the eraser.

Main article: Eraser

The kneaded eraser (or putty rubber) is a tool for artists. It is usually made of a grey or white (though can be found in many different colors, ranging from green to blue and hot pink) pliable material that resembles putty or gum. It functions by "absorbing" and "picking up" graphite and charcoal particles. It does not wear away and leave behind eraser residue, thus it lasts much longer than other erasers. Kneaded erasers can be shaped by hand for precision erasing, creating highlights, or detailing work. They are commonly used to remove light charcoal or graphite marks and in subtractive drawing techniques. However, they are ill-suited to completely erasing large areas, and may smear or stick if too warm. Though they do not wear away like other erasers, they can become exhausted and unable to absorb any more graphite or charcoal. In that case a kneaded eraser will actually make marks instead of erasing them.

Kneaded erasers are also useful for making impromptu sculptures to sketch from. Different colors will blend together, creating a larger and different colored eraser. When new, kneaded erasers can be stretched and compressed easily, changing their texture and form.