It is an irrefutable fact that every individual has, at some point in their life, used an rubber.
In the context of our scholarly lives, this is such a basic and fundamental element that we could almost overlook it. But, to be honest, it's also something we just couldn't live without, especially for those of us who are craft and artistic.
We have a point: how did we do before rubbers existed, and what did we do back then? Have they ever been with us all the time?
The modern-day rubber was invented in the 18th century. But what about before then? Surely people must have used something else to erase?
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What is the origin of the rubber?
Rubbers were invented in the 18th century, and before that from antiquity to the Middle Ages corrections were made in different ways:- Scrapping: This was used to remove small errors from parchment or papyrus documents written in ink. It was achieved by using a rough stone, such as sandstone or pumice, or a blade, resulting in what is known as a palimpsest.
- Tablets of wax: This was also used to erase graphite or charcoal marks from paper.
- Wet finger: Although not entirely effective, this method slightly blurred the marks.
- Crustless bread: Surprisingly, crustless bread was effective at erasing any medium. Michelangelo used stale bread to clean his frescoes.
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Types of rubbers and their different artistic uses
There are many different types of eraser, but we don't usually distinguish between them. This means we may not get the results we expect. Let's take a look at the most common types of eraser for drawing.- Rubber and polymer rubbers: These are the most commonly used types. They come in both natural and synthetic varieties. They are medium-firm and suitable for erasing graphite, charcoal, coloured pencils and even ink. Some have half of their body a different colour and are slightly harder, specifically designed for ballpoint pens. They contain pumice and are intended primarily for school use, for erasing stubborn marks. They can be used on porous and wax paper. They leave a fine residue that can be cleaned away with a brush. They are available in standard, square, rectangular, triangular or retractable pen-style rubber holders. This makes them easier to store and more comfortable to hold. Additionally, many of them are available in very thin formats, which are perfect for erasing very precise and small areas.
- Vinyl rubbers: As their name suggests, they are made from vinyl. They are the most durable and effective at removing graffiti. They leave almost no residue and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, just like the rubber ones.
- Kneaded rubbers: They are used for artistic drawing due to their properties. They don't leave a residue or wear out because they absorb colour instead of removing it. They are very soft and can be cut and shaped to your liking. They are suitable for charcoal and pastel, as well as graphite and chalk. These erasers won't completely erase marks, but will make them more subtle. They are perfect for lightening sketches and are often used alongside other types of eraser for this reason. They are made of carbonated rubber and vegetable oil, so they can be oily and leave marks on certain types of paper. It's important to knead them well to distribute their ingredients evenly throughout. They can vary in softness and firmness, ranging from very soft and chewy to extremely firm.
- Cleaning cushion: It's a small cotton bag filled with rubber powder or synthetic rubber. To use it, simply squeeze and shake the bag gently to release the powder and form a layer on the area you're cleaning. Using the same bag, you can gently rub in a circular motion to remove dirt. Alternatively, you can use a paintbrush or a soft cloth. It can be used with any dry medium, including watercolours. The main drawback is that it leaves a lot of residue and doesn't erase completely, so other rubbers are necessary.
