Liquid Paper is a brand of correction fluid used to mask typographical errors on paper. It is applied with a brush or pen applicator and dries to form an opaque, white layer that can be written over. The product is commonly employed in offices, schools, and other settings where handwritten or typed documents require amendment.
History and Development
- The formulation was invented in 1951 by Bette Nesmith Graham, a typist for the United States Department of the Treasury.
- Graham initially produced the fluid at home, using a mixture of water, latex, and a white pigment. She called the original product “Liquid Paper” and began selling it to coworkers.
- In 1956, Graham secured a patent (U.S. Patent No. 2,866,943) for her correction fluid composition.
- The company, Liquid Paper, Inc., was incorporated in 1956 and later purchased by the Gillette Corporation in 1979. Gillette subsequently sold the brand to the Newell Rubbermaid Company (now Newell Brands) in 2000.
Composition
Typical correction fluids contain a solvent (such as toluene, ethanol, or a blend of volatile organic compounds), a binder (often latex or a synthetic polymer), and a pigment (typically titanium dioxide) that provides opacity. Formulations have evolved to reduce the presence of high‑volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in response to health and environmental concerns.
Usage
- The user shakes the container to disperse pigment uniformly.
- The fluid is applied to the error area using the built‑in brush or an external applicator.
- After a brief drying period (generally 30–60 seconds), the corrected surface can be written or typed over.
Regulation and Safety
- Early versions of correction fluid contained solvents classified as flammable and potentially hazardous if inhaled.
- Many jurisdictions now require labeling for VOC content and provide safety instructions, including ventilation and avoidance of ingestion.
- Modern “low‑odor” or “eco‑friendly” formulations have reduced or eliminated many of the more hazardous solvents.
Market and Competition
Liquid Paper competes with other correction fluid brands such as Tipp‑Ex, Bic Correction, and numerous generic store‑brand products. In addition to liquid formulations, correction tapes and pens have become popular alternatives, offering instantaneous application without drying time.
Cultural Impact
The brand name “Liquid Paper” has become a genericized term in some English‑speaking regions, often used to refer to any correction fluid regardless of manufacturer. This widespread usage reflects the product’s prominence in office and educational settings throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
