Colored pencils are a type of pencil that contains colored lead. The colored lead is what makes it possible to color with these pencils. There are many different types of colored pencils on the market, and each one offers its own unique benefits.
One of the main benefits of colored pencils is that they can be used to create very intricate drawings. The colored lead allows for great precision when coloring in small spaces. This makes them ideal for detailed drawings or for coloring in difficult-to-reach areas.
Another benefit of colored pencils is that they can be used to create a wide range of colors. By mixing different colors of colored pencils, you can create an infinite number of hues.
With all these artistic ways of using colored pencils, it’s expected that at some point, there will be a need to erase your colors so you can clear some space or apply a new shade. If you’re looking for information on how to erase colored pencil mistakes, there are a few things you can do, which we will discuss in this post.
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Types of Erasers for Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are a great way to add some color to your drawing, but sometimes you just need to start over or change some shades. Whether you want to fix a mistake or start from scratch, there are a few tricks that you can use to make erasing colored pencils easier.
The colored lead in colored pencils is more difficult to erase than graphite because the pigment and binder bind together more tightly. When you try to erase colored pencils, there is a risk that you are actually just smudging the color around, especially if you are not careful enough.
But there’s always hope to kind of undo your colored work to make them look better. Erasing colored pencils requires patience and the right technique to achieve your desired result.
Kneaded Erasers
A kneaded eraser is a type of eraser that can be used to erase colored pencils. It is made of a soft material that can be molded into various shapes because they are very malleable. Kneaded erasers effectively remove colored pencil markings without damaging the paper surface. This is a common choice as a colored pencil eraser because it can lighten or erase mistakes.
To use a kneaded eraser, mold it into an appropriate shape first. You can make it bigger or mold it with a pointy tip to target small areas. Simply press it onto the section where you want to remove the colored pencil drawings or markings. Gently rub the eraser over the area in a circular motion until you’ve achieved the desired effect. The kneaded eraser will absorb the colored pencil pigment, leaving the paper clean and unmarked. As a general rule, you may practice using it on a scrap paper first to ensure you apply the right pressure.
Prismacolor Premier Eraser Set
Pros
- 3-in-1 set of erasers for various erasing needs
- Versatile and affordable
Cons
- The kneaded eraser appears to be smaller in size
Prismacolor Premier Erasers Set is a good eraser kit to have when you are into colored pencils and drawings. All of these erasers are made with high-quality materials. The set already includes three erasers: a kneaded eraser, a gum eraser, and a vinyl eraser. Each eraser has a different function, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
The kneaded eraser is great for general use and can be shaped to fit into small spaces. The gum eraser is perfect for erasing colored pencils without smudging the paper. The vinyl eraser is ideal for erasing larger areas quickly.
The Prismacolor Premier Eraser Set is a must-have for anyone who uses pencils. With three different erasers, you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you’re erasing colored pencils or working on a detailed project, the Prismacolor Premier Eraser Set has you covered.
White Erasers
White erasers are usually made of vinyl or polymer and come in many different shapes and sizes. It’s a common type of eraser that is widely available in stores. Some white erasers or vinyl erasers are even dust-free and latex-free. It is made from a soft, pliable material. It is often used for erasing regular pencils and works wonders with colored pencils. This type of eraser will not damage your paper surface as long as you don’t rub it hard.
White erasers can remove colored pencil mistakes with little effort. Depending on the eraser’s quality, it may smear your work or damage your paper fibers. Always ensure to test pieces on small areas or on extra paper. Be gentle to avoid ruining your work. This type of eraser is also known as a plastic eraser, polymer, or PVC eraser.
Pentel Hi-Polymer Erasers
Pros
- Easy to use and widely available
- Affordable and can erase colored pencil
Cons
- May damage paper if rubbed with too much pressure
Pentel is a well-known brand in the colored pencil industry, and their polymer eraser is no different. It’s great for removing light marks and cleaning up smudges. It is a latex-free and non-abrasive eraser. The Pentel Polymer Eraser is a must-have tool for any colored pencil artist.
To use this eraser, first identify the area that you want to erase. Then, gently rub the eraser back and forth over the area until the colored pencil is removed. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the paper.
Rubber erasers are very common as a school and office supply. They are available for purchase in different value packs. It is very affordable and does the job.
Electric Erasers
An electric eraser is a small, handheld battery-operated device that uses a rotating cylindrical head covered with an abrasive material to erase pencil marks. Electric erasers are much faster and more effective than traditional rubber erasers, but it requires control. They can be ideal for heavy-use situations or for people who simply prefer not to rub their pencil marks away.
If you’re using an electric eraser for the first time, start with light pressure and erase slowly until you get a feel for how much pressure is needed to erase the pencil mark without damaging the paper. If you’re not careful, you may end up with small holes or tears in the paper. It’s also good to test the eraser on a scrap piece of paper before using it on your final project.
Derwent Battery-Operated Eraser
Pros
- Erase colored pencil marks with ease
- A great erasing tool that can work on large and small areas
Cons
- It may require some practice to get the right technique to use when erasing
The Derwent battery-operated eraser is a great way to erase pencil marks. It is simple to use and very effective. The set includes eight erasers, but refills can be purchased separately if you need more. This item needs 2 AAA batteries to work.
To use, just insert an eraser into the device, push the on button, and slowly go through the colored pencil art that you wish to erase. This eraser is also great for artists who want to create clean lines and shapes.
There are a few different ways to use this electric eraser. The most common method is to hold the eraser against the paper and move it in small circles until the pencil mark disappears. Some people find it helpful to use light pressure, while others prefer to press harder.
Another way to use an electric eraser is to make quick, short strokes across the paper. This can help get into tight spaces or for erasing larger areas quickly. Experiment until you find what works best for you.
Pencil-Type Erasers
A pencil-type eraser is a small, handheld eraser that is used to erase colored pencils, which can be ideal for smaller areas. These erasers are usually made of rubber or vinyl and have a pointed tip that helps to remove colored pencil markings from paper.
To use a pencil-type eraser, simply press the eraser onto the colored pencil mark that you want to remove. The pressure from the eraser will lighten or remove the colored pencil mark. Depending on the type of paper and the amount of pressure you are using, you may need to press harder on some marks than others.
Pencil-type erasers are specifically designed for pencils and can help remove markings and graphite lines quickly and easily because they are held the same way as a regular pencil. Just be sure to use light pressure when rubbing the eraser over the colored pencil mark, so you don’t damage the paper.
Faber-Castell Perfection Eraser Pencil with Brush
Pros
- Sharpens like a pencil to get a nice, pointy eraser
- Includes a brush to easily remove eraser shavings or dust
Cons
- Quite delicate when sharpening as very pointy tips can easily break
If you’re looking for a way to erase colored pencils with ease, then the Faber-Castell Perfection Eraser Pencil with Brush is a great option. This pencil-type eraser comes with a built-in brush that helps to remove colored pencil lead without smudging or tearing the paper. Plus, the eraser itself is made from high-quality materials that are guaranteed to last.
This affordable three-piece pencil eraser kit is a great addition to your art supplies. They can work best with sketch-like strokes to make highlights. They can also help reach tight spots. While you have to be careful not to sharpen them to become really pointy as the tip may easily snap off, it helps in erasing colored pencils with such control due to its pencil structure. The built-in brush is also helpful in dusting off any residues that the eraser left.
Artist Tape
Artist tapes can help you erase colored pencils without damaging your paper. If you use regular erasers, they can often leave behind a colored smudge. The use of artist tapes may not be a popular choice when erasing colored pencils, but it does work as well.
To use an artist tape, first, find a piece of white artist tape that is slightly larger than the area you want to erase. Place the artist tape over the colored pencil marks and press down firmly. Then, with the use of your fingertips, lightly rub over the top of the tape. The colored pencil marks should transfer onto the tape. Finally, peel off the tape and throw it away.
Pro Art White Artist Tape
Pros
- Paper-friendly kind of eraser
- Dust-free eraser tool
Cons
- It may not entirely remove color and may be challenging to use in small areas
Pro Art’s White Artist Tape is a popular artist tape brand. It’s not only used to remove colored pencils from your paper but can also be used as an edging tape or if you wish to block portions of your project. This tape is made from a special material designed to stick to the pigments of colored pencils on your paper to easily be removed without damaging your drawing. They come in various colors and widths, too. Each roll has a 60-yard length.
If this is your first time using an artist’s tape, make sure to test it on scrap paper first to ensure that you won’t accidentally rip your actual drawing paper when you remove the tape. It may take a little bit of adjustment as compared to a regular eraser.
Pen-Style Erasers
Similar to the pencil-type eraser, this next feature has a body like a pen’s. The only difference is that you do not need any sharpening to make sharp edges or tips for an eraser. A pen-style eraser is a small, cylindrical eraser that fits onto a pen holder. Pen-style erasers are usually refillable, so you can change the eraser easily as needed.
Pen-style erasers are great for precise erasing. They’re also easy to carry around with you, so you can always have an eraser handy. Plus, choosing a refillable pen-style eraser can save you money in the long run by simply replacing the eraser when it wears down. Just push the eraser back in to keep it clean when you’re done erasing.
Tombow Mono Zero Pen-Style Eraser with Refill
Pros
- Easy to use with the pen-style feature
- Allows control when erasing small, targeted areas
Cons
- It may not be ideal for erasing larger areas
The Tombow Mono Zero Eraser is a precision eraser that is also a good tool for erasing colored pencils. It has a small, round and flat tip that allows you to quickly erase small areas. This white eraser is an elastomer type that can easily remove graphite and can also work with colored leads. The eraser is also refillable, so you can use it over and over again and restock as needed.
To use the Tombow Mono Zero Eraser, simply load the eraser stick inside the pen. It functions as a mechanical pencil when you need to push the eraser out. Press the eraser onto the area you wish to erase. Rub gently to remove the colored pencil. This also works on larger sections, but it may take quite an effort to complete, given the size.
This is great as well if you prefer easy-to-bring supplies since it’s almost the same size as regular pencils. They are nice to hold and as you control your pressure against the paper. It’s a nice option that is perfect for detailed work.
Tips When Erasing Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are a great way to add color and detail to your drawings. It is also a great tool when you work on adult coloring books. However, sometimes you may want to erase colored pencils from your artwork. Here are a few tips on how to erase them:
- Use an eraser that is specifically made for colored pencils. These erasers will be softer and will not damage the paper as much as other erasers.
- If you do not have a colored pencil-specific eraser, you can try using a white vinyl eraser. Again, be sure to use light pressure, so you do not damage the paper.
- If you need to remove a lot of colored pencils, you may need to use an electric eraser. Be very careful when using an electric eraser, as it can easily damage the paper. Use light pressure and go slowly.
- Start by using a white eraser or kneaded eraser to erase small details. Gently rub the eraser over the area you want to erase. If the colored pencil is still visible, try using a sandpaper eraser.
- To erase larger areas, you may consider an electric eraser. Turn on the eraser and hold it close to the area you want to erase. Slowly move the eraser over the surface until the colored pencil is gone.
- Always test your eraser before using it on your actual work.
FAQ
How do you completely erase pencil marks?
Colored pencils may not be completely erased as they have a core that leaves pigments on paper. However, you can lighten them and be able to cover up if you need to. If you’re just trying to erase a small section, you can use kneaded erasers to gently rub over the area until the colored pencil mark is gone. If you need to erase a larger area, you can try using a white eraser or an electric eraser. Just be sure to go slowly and carefully so that you don’t damage the surface underneath.
What is the easiest way to erase colored pencils?
The easiest way to erase colored pencils is to use an eraser specifically designed for colored pencils. These erasers are often made of soft vinyl or gum rubber, and they can quickly and easily remove colored pencil marks without damaging the paper. Another option is to use a kneaded eraser, which can also be effective at removing colored pencil marks. If you don’t have either of these specialized erasers on hand, you can try using a regular eraser, but be aware that it may damage the paper or leave behind smudges.
Why is it hard to erase colored pencils?
Colored pencils are difficult to erase because the pigments in the colored pencils are usually very dense and opaque. This makes it hard for the eraser to remove the color from the paper.
How do you fix a mistake with colored pencils?
One way to erase colored pencils is to use an eraser. This will work best if the mistake is small and not too dark. If too many layers of colors are applied, erasing your work may also risk damaging your paper. Make sure to be gentle when erasing. Once the area lightens up, cover up your mistake with another layer of colored pencil. Choose a color that is similar to the color of your paper and lightly color over the wrong part. This will help to blend the mistake into the rest of your work.
Conclusion
Colored pencils can be tricky to work with. Sometimes, you might make a mistake while you’re coloring. If this happens, don’t worry!
There are a few different types of erasers that can be used on colored pencils, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which type of eraser is best for their needs.
No matter which method you use, it’s important to remember that colored pencils are meant to be semi-permanent. Even if you erase them completely, they may still leave a faint mark on the paper. Unlike graphite pencils, the lead of colored pencils contains other elements such as a wax binder or oil, making the pigments stick well on paper. Nevertheless, there will always be a way to erase any unwanted marks or fix any coloring issues.
With these tips, you should be able to easily erase colored pencils from your drawings!
