A kneading eraser is primarily used by dabbing or pressing it onto the surface to lift graphite, charcoal, or pastel, and it is kneaded to clean and reshape it for continued use.
Kneading erasers are versatile tools favoured by artists for their unique ability to lift material from a drawing surface without causing damage or creating dust. Unlike traditional erasers that rely on friction to rub away marks, a kneading eraser works by absorption.
Basic Usage: Dabbing and Lifting
The fundamental way to use a kneading eraser is through a pressing or dabbing motion.
- Press and Lift: Gently press the eraser onto the area you want to lighten or remove. The soft, pliable material will adhere to the drawing medium (like graphite or charcoal) and absorb it.
- Repeat as Needed: Lift the eraser straight up. Repeat the process until the desired amount of material is removed.
- Shape for Detail: Knead the eraser and shape a point or edge for more precise work, such as lifting highlights in a drawing.
This dabbing technique allows for controlled removal and layering of marks, which is difficult with conventional erasers. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can damage the paper or smudge the drawing extensively.
Kneading and Cleaning Your Eraser
The "kneading" aspect is crucial for maintaining the eraser's effectiveness. As you use it, the eraser absorbs graphite and pigment, becoming saturated.
- Why Knead? When the surface gets dirty, you simply knead the eraser like dough. This folds the dirty outer layer into the interior and exposes a fresh, clean surface on the outside, ready for more erasing.
- Putting Them Back Together: As mentioned in the reference, kneading helps "put them back together again" if they get too dirty, essentially revitalizing the eraser.
- Cleaning When Dirty: The reference also notes that if they "get too dirty," you "can even clean them." While kneading is the primary way to expose a clean surface, this suggests that more involved cleaning might be possible, though one should "beware of this" according to the reference – potentially indicating limitations or specific methods required. Generally, continued kneading is the most common method for 'cleaning' by redistribution.
Regular kneading ensures you always have a clean surface to work with, extending the life of the eraser considerably.
Identifying a Genuine Kneading Eraser
It's important to use a genuine kneading eraser for the best results.
- Genuine: A true kneading eraser is soft, pliable, and can be easily pulled apart and reshaped. It is designed to lift material cleanly.
- Imposters: As the reference warns, be aware of the "kneadable putty eraser" imposters. These often "don't pull apart" easily and can be "a bit gritty," potentially smudging or even damaging your artwork rather than lifting the material cleanly.
Choosing a quality, genuine kneading eraser ensures you get the intended flexibility and absorbent properties necessary for effective use.
| Feature | Genuine Kneading Eraser | Imposter (Kneadable Putty) |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, Pliable | Often stiffer, can be gritty |
| Reshaping | Easy to pull apart and reshape | Don't pull apart, hard to shape |
| Function | Lifts material by absorption | May smudge or damage |
By understanding how to properly use a kneading eraser through dabbing and regular kneading, you can effectively manage highlights, clean up mistakes, and control tones in your drawings.
