eraser

An eraser (American English), primarily known as a rubber in British and Commonwealth English, is an article of stationery that is used for removing pencil and sometimes pen writings. Erasers have a rubbery consistency, and they are often white, brown or pink although with modern materials they can be any color at all. Many pencils are equipped with an eraser on one end. Typical erasers are made of rubber, but more expensive or specialized erasers can also contain vinyl, plastic, or gum-like materials. The type of eraser often attached to pencils is usually pink or red, and has a smooth, rubbery texture. It is good for most erasing purposes, though it tends to smear and can damage the paper if used too heavily. It leaves eraser residue that must be brushed away; care must be taken in brushing away residue, as the eraser particles can leave marks on the paper. Another eraser type that is popular with artists is the art gum eraser, made of soft, coarse rubber. It is especially suited to removing large areas, and does not damage the paper. This eraser leaves a lot of eraser residue, however, and is not very precise. Art gum erasers are commonly tan or brown. China is the biggest producer of erasers.