Erasing dark lines on paper, particularly stubborn pencil marks, can be achieved by carefully lifting the graphite using water and a brush.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the technique:
- Dampen a Brush: Use a clean, soft brush and slightly dampen it with water. Avoid oversaturating the brush; you want it damp, not dripping.
- Gently Apply to the Line: Carefully apply the damp brush to the dark pencil line you wish to erase.
- Blot with Tissue: Immediately blot the area with a clean tissue to lift the loosened graphite and excess water.
- Repeat as Needed: Repeat the process of dampening the brush, applying it to the line, and blotting with a tissue until the pencil mark has been lifted to your satisfaction. This may require several repetitions.
- Consider Paper Type: This method is often used on watercolour paper, as it's more durable than thinner paper types and can withstand the moisture without tearing easily. Be careful on thin paper.
This method relies on the water loosening the graphite particles and the tissue absorbing them, effectively lifting the pencil mark from the paper's surface.
