Is there an easy way to refresh (soften) an old eraser?

Question

After a while, rubber erasers become hard and cause mostly smudges or perhaps so hard that it's like rubbing a rock against paper. Is there anyway to restore moisture/soften it to it's original state?

I don't believe heating it would work (e.g. microwave) because while it would soften it, when it cools down it'd end up with less moisture than before and become harder?

Thanks

Answer 1

If you have a local Staples store near you, their store brand erasers are the best I have ever encountered! I normally preserve them by running tape along the outside of the eraser, only exposing a few centimeters of the part of the eraser I want to use.

To repair your old one, I suggest you break it so that there are two new spots. Use the tape method I told you about. (The tape preserves the eraser's original condition and, when removed, the eraser works like new.)

Also, try rubbing the eraser on something with hard texture. I like rubbing mine against a white wall that you typically find around the house. Not the glossy walls that can be found in kitchens, but the ones that has little bumps in them. Or you could just rub it on paper.

Sometimes it is not the eraser but actually your paper. If you compare a bright white computer sheet of paper to your lined paper, and if your lined paper appears several shades yellower, I think it's your paper that's causing the smudges. I also like to buy Staples store brand paper (8.5" x 11" college ruled) because the material is great and it appears clean and not yellow and old-looking.

My best suggestion though would be to buy a new eraser from Staples and use the tape method so that your eraser lasts a very long time and works like new every time you run out of the few centimeters.

Answer 2

I use an emery board. Primarily because I use those aftermarket erasers, the pointy looking ones, and the emery board allows me to work on the different angles of the eraser more easily.

I remember learning in school they're made of a synthetic rubber, at least way back then they were, And knowing like most things on earth, they oxidize, i figured if I removed the oxidation, the eraser would be back to it's original condition. I was correct.

It works.

Answer 3

I dunno actually if any one technique for restoring would work, I would however suggest if you are using it for drawing, a "Kneaded" eraser is an excellent tool. You can form it into a point to even get into tight areas needing some erasing. I also suggest when starting a Drawing, draw light lines, then darken as needed. Most any art supply will have these erasers and Drawing Pencils with the different hardnesses of graphite. If You need any additional Info on types of supplies please contact me, I had this info and more on art I am always glad to share with any up and coming artist! :)

Answer 4

Try rubbing the eraser against sandpaper. I would NOT use vegetable oil as someone suggested... yikes @ oily mess!!

Pink erasers suck... they're made from the cheapest inferior material possible. Spring for a good white nylon eraser and it will never ever harden.

Answer 5

Rub it across some fabric or carpet. Kids at my school do that all the time. If it's on the back of a pencil and you are running out, I cut some of the metal off around it.

Answer 6

Try soaking it for a couple hours or possibly overnight in hot water. Let me know if it works.

Answer 7

on a original desk rub on it with every side. it will look brand new and work fantasicly

Answer 8

2 ways buy a new one or snap it in half and use it where it got tiered.

Answer 9

absolutely !! just rub the slick areas on something kinda stiff, like denim. you just need to clean off the 'glaze'.

Answer 10

rub it on a cloth or something it becomes cleaner and softer...during homework,tests,etc. if you dont have a cloth you can use your pants hope this helps GOOD LUCK!