Kneaded eraser

Two kneaded erasers. A newer 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, also known as putty rubber, is a tool for artists. It is usually made of a grey or white pliable material (though it can be found in many different colors, ranging from green to blue to hot pink) and 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 performing detailing work. They are commonly used to remove light charcoal or graphite marks and in subtractive drawing techniques. However, they are ill-suited for completely erasing large areas, and may smear or stick if too warm.

Although kneaded erasers 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. However, these erasers are particularly long lasting because they can be washed: a soaking in a substantial cleansing soap such as dishwashing liquid, with initial manipulation by hand, provides worthy results.

The use of a kneaded eraser.

Manga, a form of Japanese comic, is usually corrected with these kneaded erasers for reliability. Different colored erasers can be blended together, creating a larger eraser that is a new, unique color. New kneaded erasers can be stretched and compressed easily, changing their texture and form.

Kneaded erasers are also useful for making impromptu sculptures to sketch from.