Drawing erasers aren’t just for fixing mistakes – they’re tools artists use to shape, lighten, highlight, and add texture to a drawing. Different types of erasers can help you soften shading, brighten highlights, clean edges, or gently lift graphite without removing it completely.
Just like other art supplies, drawing erasers come in many varieties. Here are the ones I use most often:
Pink Pearl Eraser
The classic Pink Pearl eraser is easy to find at any store that sells school supplies, though art stores carry them too. They have two thin edges that make it easier to erase small areas, and they work especially well on darker lines. They usually cost around 75¢ each. If you haven’t tried them yet, give the White Pearl erasers a try, too!
Kneaded Eraser
The second is the kneaded eraser, a gray, square-shaped eraser that can be pulled apart, put together again, twisted and turned. “Kneading” the eraser in this way helps keep it clean, and children think it’s so much fun. These erasers are good for picking up lighter areas of graphite, especially when you want to take up some of the shaded areas. These cost around $.85 each.
Art Gum Eraser
Art Gum erasers are rectangular and tan-colored. They work well for general erasing and are slightly softer than other erasers. If rubbed too roughly, they can crumble, but the pieces can still be used, so nothing goes to waste. These cost about 75¢ each.
