Erasers (or rubbers, as we tend to call them in the UK!) are one of the most used tools of a colourist working with colouring pencils! So it’s essential to understand how erasers work, what different options there are, and how you could use them in your colouring. Welcome to our ultimate guide to erasers and rubbers!
Colouring Heaven may earn commission from some of the links on this page. But don’t worry – we’ve only recommended products we think you’ll love!
Firstly, let’s answers some quick FAQs! An eraser is a small rubbery object, sometimes found on the end of pencils. It can be used to remove or rub out pencil marks from a piece of paper – normally marks made with graphite pencils are more easily removed, but you can also take advantage of the erasing effect with colouring pencils, pens, chalk and even ink! There are some specific types of erasers designed for these mediums.
Erasers can come in a range of shapes and sizes, and can sometimes be very firm, or softer like putty. There are several types of eraser, each work in different ways and can be good for different things.
Eraser is a term more commonly used in the US. In the UK, we tend to use the word rubber, which can make things confusing as this refers to something different in the US – definitely not something you’d use for colouring!
Erasers create crumbs, so it may be a good idea to invest in a brush like the Jackson’s Art Drafting Brush/Drawing Broom when using erasers. These brushes are great for removing eraser crumbs without smudging and smearing your work. The best choice is a soft large brush that won’t damage the paper or smudge your work.
There are several types of eraser, each work in different ways and can be good for different things. Generally, you will see people refer to 4 common types of erasers.
These are the most common type of erasers, found on the end of pencils and used by children in school. But you will need a specific rubber eraser to be able to properly remove coloured pencils. Tombow coloured pencil eraser is a particularly good one.
This type of eraser allows you to mould it into whatever shape works best for you – large and flat to remove lots of pigment, or moulded into a point to erase small details. Kneaded erasers won’t leave any residue on the page either. Faber-Castell make a great kneaded eraser.
This eraser is the hardest of the lot and can even erase ink marks! They feel smooth when erasing – like butter on the paper. This helps the eraser to not catch the paper which can cause folds and creases. The Steadtler Mars Plastic erasers are particularly good.
Electric erasersElectric erasers are one of the most popular choices for artists. This tool is slightly different to normal erasers and therefore requires practice before using so you’re used to how it behaves. You will also need to purchase eraser replacements, and the electric eraser needs batteries to operate. But it can make a big difference to your colouring pages! The Sakura Electric eraser is a great choice.
If you want to start using erasers and rubbers for your colouring, we can share some tips and tricks with you! In this video from the Colouring Heaven YouTube channel, Jenny and Honey test out different ways of using erasers in colouring. If you think the only use for an eraser is to get rid of mistakes, just wait!
Enjoyed this guide about how to use sharpeners? You’ll love our other how to colour guides about paper for colouring and pencil sharpeners.
Coloured a beautiful page and want to share it with your friends and family? Take a look at this article about how to photograph colouring pages.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with everything in the Colouring Heaven world. Be sure to share your beautiful colouring with us over on our Friends of Colouring Heaven Facebook group and join our friendly, lovely community!
Become a Plus member today to make sure you don’t miss an issue of Colouring Heaven. With a Colouring Heaven Plus membership, there are many great benefits you can get including discounted issues and more. Find out more here.
To receive more colouring tutorials, advice and news direct to your inbox – plus 4 exclusive free colouring pages – sign up to our free Colouring Heaven email newsletter.
Colouring Heaven may earn commission from some of the links on this page. But don’t worry – we’ve only recommended products we think you’ll love!
