What type of eraser is effective for removing smoke from the pages of books?

The art gum eraser is designed specifically for gently lifting marks and smudges from paper without damaging it. Its soft and pliable texture allows it to get into the fibers of the paper, making it effective for removing smoke residue without tearing or pulling at the delicate pages.

Smoke particles can be particularly difficult to remove, as they often penetrate the paper. The gentle abrasiveness of an art gum eraser allows it to lift the particles without excessive force, preserving the integrity of the pages. This makes it a preferred choice for the careful restoration of books affected by smoke damage.

In contrast, while options like charcoal and rubber erasers have their specific uses, they may not be suitable for working on delicate book pages. Charcoal can leave additional residue, and rubber erasers could be too abrasive, risking damage to the paper. Additionally, shaving cream is not typically an effective or safe method for cleaning books, as it can leave moisture and residue that could further damage the pages. Thus, the art gum eraser stands out as the best choice for this particular task.