Buzz
Even seasoned artists sometimes need to correct mistakes or alter their colored pencil drawings. While eliminating colored pencil marks is not as simple as erasing graphite, there are effective methods available. Using a specialized colored pencil eraser is the most straightforward option, but there are other alternatives as well.
Steps
Utilizing a Kneaded Eraser
Purchase a kneaded eraser. Kneaded erasers are crafted from a slightly adhesive, putty-like material that makes them highly malleable and convenient to use.
- You can easily find kneaded erasers at most art supply stores.
- Kneaded erasers work best for lightening colored pencil marks rather than completely erasing them.
- An alternative to a kneaded eraser is wall putty, which has a similar consistency and effect.
Shape the eraser to suit your needs. Since kneaded erasers are highly flexible, mold them into a shape that feels comfortable and practical for your usage.
- For larger areas, flatten and stretch the kneaded eraser to cover the intended area.
- For smaller areas, sculpt the eraser into a pointed shape resembling a pencil tip.
Perform a trial on a small section. Before attempting to erase large portions, it's wise to test the eraser on a small area first. Erasing may result in streaking, so testing helps prevent damage to your artwork.
- Rub gently in circular motions to test the eraser. If streaks appear, reduce the pressure. If streaking persists, consider an alternate method.
- Select a peripheral area for testing to avoid ruining the central image if smearing occurs.
Use the eraser to lift pigment from the page. Kneaded erasers can be pressed firmly onto the page as they are soft and unlikely to damage it.
- After lifting pigment, fold the eraser over itself to prevent pigment transfer back onto the page.
- Repeat the process multiple times until most or all of the colored pencil is removed. Rub, fold, repeat as necessary until satisfied with the outcome.
- Exercise caution to avoid creasing the page, although tearing is improbable.
Maintain the cleanliness of the kneaded eraser. Unlike conventional erasers, kneaded erasers require cleaning after use.
- To clean, stretch the eraser thin and fold it back repeatedly.
- You may need to rub the eraser on another surface to remove pigment residues.
Utilizing a Specialized Colored Pencil Eraser
Acquire a colored pencil eraser. You can purchase a colored pencil eraser from various stores, including dollar stores and arts and crafts shops.
- Expect to spend around five dollars or less on a colored pencil eraser.
- Colored pencil erasers are suitable for use with all types and brands of colored pencils.
Conduct a trial on a small section. Before attempting to erase large areas, it's advisable to test the eraser on a small portion. Erasing may result in streaking, so testing beforehand helps prevent damage to your artwork.
- Test by gently rubbing in circular motions. If streaks appear, reduce the pressure. If streaking persists, consider trying an alternative method.
- Opt for a peripheral area for testing to avoid compromising the central image if smearing occurs.
Employ the colored pencil eraser in a similar manner to a standard eraser. Rub gently; areas colored with pencil are more delicate than areas with writing alone.
- Exercise caution as colored pencil erasers are slightly firmer than regular erasers. They feel rough and coarse and may tear paper.
- Be patient and continue gentle rubbing, periodically checking progress. Fully erasing colored pencil may take time. Rushing and applying vigorous rubbing to hasten the process may result in paper tearing.
Utilizing a Vinyl Eraser
Purchase a vinyl eraser. Unlike kneaded erasers, which can potentially be improvised from available materials, you'll likely need to purchase a vinyl eraser.
- Vinyl erasers come in various shapes. Seek out one that best suits your requirements.
Purchase a specialized “eraser.” These erasers come in pencil form and are ideal for handling and usage akin to regular pencils. Made of vinyl, they require cautious handling to prevent damage to your work.
- Hold and use erasers like a pencil. Their vinyl composition demands careful handling.
Conduct a trial on a small area. Before tackling large sections, it's prudent to test the erasing technique. Erasing may lead to streaking, so a preliminary test helps safeguard your artwork.
- Test by gently rubbing in circular motions. Adjust pressure if streaking occurs, and consider alternative methods if streaking persists.
Remove the colored pencil with gentle rubbing. Exercise extreme caution. Vinyl erasers are rigid and can easily tear paper if not handled carefully.
- The eraser's edge is most effective; utilize it for optimal results.
- If complete removal of colored pencil is necessary, erase gently until fully removed.
Using Tape
Prepare the area with a standard pencil eraser. Apply minimal pressure to avoid altering the paper's surface. Lightly lifting pigment prepares the area for tape application.
- Focus on lifting pigment slightly rather than fully erasing the colored pencil.
Trim a small strip of tape. Opt for multiple small pieces of tape even for larger areas to be erased.
- Both masking tape and clear tape are suitable options.
Test the tape on a small section. Prioritize testing erasing methods on small areas to prevent potential paper damage. This precautionary measure ensures your artwork remains intact.
- When testing, opt for a peripheral area to avoid central image damage if the tape starts tearing the paper.
Gently apply the tape strip to the paper and softly rub it. Avoid excessive rubbing to prevent paper damage upon tape removal.
Utilize a pen to inscribe on the tape over the targeted area for thorough erasing. Applying pressure with a fine-tipped stylus, such as a pen, encourages colored pencil adherence to the adhesive.
- Ensure moderate pressure to avoid tape tearing.
- Masking tape yields better results than clear tape for this method.
Peel the tape off the paper. Some pigment should adhere to the tape. Exercise caution during tape removal to minimize paper tearing risk.
- Repeated tape removal increases the likelihood of paper tearing.
Delicately re-erase the paper using a standard pencil eraser. Should any pigment residue remain, repeat the entire process.
- This method effectively removes small remnants of pigment lingering on the page.
Pointers
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Before erasing, always test a small area to avoid streaking caused by colored pencil erasing.
The insights shared in this section are gleaned from the experiences of Mytour readers like you. If you have a useful tip to contribute, please share it with us on Mytour below.
- Maintain a tidy workspace to avoid mistakenly using incorrect materials.
- Exercise caution and avoid exerting excessive pressure when employing the tape technique.
- The tape method is highly effective! I personally used masking tape.
Cautionary Notes
- Avoid applying excessive pressure to prevent potential tearing of the paper.
