Whether you’ve just purchased a brand new one, or found your old one from the back of your pencil case, kneadable erasers can get hard – so hard they sometimes seem unusable. Here’s a quick guide on how to solve this problem fast.
There are many factors that can contribute to kneaded eraser becoming too hard. Each brand comes in different consistencies, some harder than others. This, aswell as lack of use, or cold temperatures can cause your putty-eraser to stay hard.
How to Soften Up Your Kneaded Eraser
Step 1: Squish and Stretch the Eraser
Grab your kneadable eraser and pull in apart into a long shape. Doing this faster is better because it adds more friction, softening the eraser.
As soon as you pull it apart, squish it back together again. Then mash it up a little with your thumb. Stretch it out again and repeat!
You’re going to want to do this many times until it’s as soft as you want it.
Step 2: Use the Power of Pencil
Kneaded erasers have a cool property: they get softer and easier to mold the more stuff they erase.
This happens naturally over time, but if you’re impatient (like me), all you need to do is scribble on a piece of paper with a pencil, then erase as much as possible.
Once you erase a good amount, repeat step one to incorporate it into the putty.
This step will help it stay softer for a much longer time.
Step 3 (optional): Break Up the Kneaded Eraser
If you’re still having trouble, or just want to incorporate more pencil faster, break up the kneaded eraser by pinching off little clumps of it.
Then you want to erase some of the pencil marks which each of these clumps.
Once that’s done, repeat step 1 and your eraser will be softer than you ever imagined!
And That's All Folks!
Now you know exactly why your kneadable eraser is too hard, and what to do to fix it!
Now that that’s sorted, ever wonder how to properly sharpen charcoal pencils? Our latest step-by-step post here shows you exactly how!
Have fun!
