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{{short description|Brand of correction fluid}}
{{short description|Brand of correction fluid}}
[[File:Liquid paper products Womens Museum.jpg|thumb|Liquid Paper products at [[The Women's Museum]] in Dallas, Texas]]
[[File:Liquid paper products Womens Museum.jpg|thumb|Liquid Paper products at [[The Women's Museum]] in Dallas, Texas]]
'''Liquid Paper''' is an American [[brand]] of the [[Newell Brands]] company marketed internationally that sells [[correction fluid]], [[Correction fluid|correction pen]]s, and [[correction tape]]. Mainly used to correct [[typewriting]] in the past, correction products now mostly cover [[handwriting]] mistakes.
'''Liquid Paper''' is an American [[brand]] of the [[Newell Brands]] company marketed internationally that sells [[correction fluid]], [[Correction fluid|correction pen]]s, and [[correction tape]].  


==Product history==
==Product history==
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In 1956, [[Bette Nesmith Graham]] (mother of future [[The Monkees|Monkees]] guitarist [[Michael Nesmith]]) invented the first [[correction fluid]] in her kitchen. Working as a typist, she used to make many mistakes and always strove for a way to correct them. Starting on a basis of [[tempera]] [[paint]] she mixed with a common [[Blender (device)|kitchen blender]], she called the fluid "Mistake Out" and started to provide her co-workers with small bottles on which the brand's name was displayed.<ref>{{citation | last = Blattman | first = Elissa | title = Three Every-day Items Invented by Women | publisher = National Women's History Museum | year = 2013 | url = https://www.womenshistory.org/articles/three-every-day-items-invented-women}}</ref>
In 1956, [[Bette Nesmith Graham]] (mother of future [[The Monkees|Monkees]] guitarist [[Michael Nesmith]]) invented the first [[correction fluid]] in her kitchen. Working as a typist, she used to make many mistakes and always strove for a way to correct them. Starting on a basis of [[tempera]] [[paint]] she mixed with a common [[Blender (device)|kitchen blender]], she called the fluid "Mistake Out" and started to provide her co-workers with small bottles on which the brand's name was displayed.<ref>{{citation | last = Blattman | first = Elissa | title = Three Every-day Items Invented by Women | publisher = National Women's History Museum | year = 2013 | url = https://www.womenshistory.org/articles/three-every-day-items-invented-women}}</ref>


By 1958, Graham founded the Mistake Out Company and continued working from her kitchen (and eventually garage) nights and weekends to produce small batches of correction bottles. She was fired from her typist job as executive secretary at Texas Bank and Trust after she accidentally put her own company’s name on a sheet of her employer’s company letterhead. She subsequently decided to devote all her time to Mistake Out.<ref name="BetteNesmith">{{cite web |url=http://www.celebratingtexas.com/tr/lsl/94.pdf |title=Bette Nesmith Graham |access-date=2010-03-18 |publisher=Celebrating Texas }}</ref>
Graham formed the Mistake Out Company in 1956.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyatarr/2020/04/22/how-this-secretary-built-a-multi-million-dollar-corporation-without-any-capital/|title=How This Former Secretary Built A Multimillion-Dollar Corporation (Without Any Capital)|first=Tanya|last=Tarr|website=Forbes|date=April 22, 2020}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://historycooperative.org/who-invented-white-out/|title=Correcting History: Uncovering Who Invented White Out|website=historycooperative.org|date=January 18, 2024}}</ref> She developed alternative formulas for quicker drying times and better application brushes. Sales were about 100 bottles per month in 1957; however, they increased fivefold when the correctional liquid appeared in ''The Office'' magazine, which led to a large corporate order from [[General Electric]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=1980-05-15 |title=Bette C. Graham, invented paper correction fluid |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-bette-c-graham-invented-paper/179976632/ |access-date=2025-08-29 |work=The News |pages=77}}</ref>  


Graham offered her correction fluid to [[IBM]], which declined the offer (the company announced its own [[Selectric#Correcting_Selectric_II|Correcting Selectric]] with an integrated lift-off tape in 1973). By 1968, the product – now renamed Liquid Paper was profitable, and in 1979 the company was sold to the [[Gillette Corporation]] for $47.5 million with royalties.
Graham was fired from her typist job after she accidentally put her own company’s name on a sheet of her employer’s company letterhead. She subsequently decided to devote all her time to Mistake Out.<ref name="BetteNesmith">{{cite web |url=http://www.celebratingtexas.com/tr/lsl/94.pdf |title=Bette Nesmith Graham |access-date=2010-03-18 |publisher=Celebrating Texas |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071816/http://www.celebratingtexas.com/tr/lsl/94.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1958, Graham renamed her business the Liquid Paper Company and applied for a [[United States Patent and Trademark Office|patent and trademark]].<ref name="overlooked">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/11/obituaries/bette-nesmith-graham-liquid-paper.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&smtyp=cur&smid=tw-nytobits |title=Overlooked No More: Bette Nesmith Graham, Who Invented Liquid Paper  |work=The New York Times |date=July 11, 2018 |access-date=2018-07-13}}</ref> By 1968, the company "had become a multimillion-dollar organization, breaking ground on a huge business and manufacturing facility in Dallas, Texas. LPC scaled internationally and eventually opened offices and manufacturing plants in Canada, England, Belgium and Australia".<ref name="auto"/> By 1975, "Liquid Paper was producing 25 million bottles a year and holding a vast share of a multimillion-dollar market that had spawned several competitors, like Wite-Out".<ref name="overlooked" />
 
Graham sold Liquid Paper to [[Gillette|Gillette Corporation]] in 1979.<ref name="overlooked" />{{efn|While some sources say Graham sold Liquid Paper for $47.5 million,<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/historical-stories/perseverance-thy-name-bette|title=Perseverance, thy name is Bette|website=www.uspto.gov|last=Pandil-Eaton |first=Whitney |access-date=September 24, 2025}}</ref><ref name="overlooked" /> another says she sold it for $48.5 million.<ref name="auto"/>}}


==Acquisition==
==Acquisition==
In 2000, the Liquid Paper product and brand name was acquired by Newell Rubbermaid (now Newell Brands). In some regions of the world, Liquid Paper is now endorsed by [[Papermate]], a widely known writing instruments brand (also owned by Newell).
In 2000, the Liquid Paper product and brand name was acquired by Newell Rubbermaid (later Newell Brands). In some regions of the world, Liquid Paper is endorsed by [[Papermate]], a widely known writing instruments brand also owned by Newell.{{cn|date=September 2025}}


==Ingredients==
==Ingredients==
[[File:liquid paper.png|thumb|right|155px|A traditionally shaped bottle of Liquid Paper]]
[[File:liquid paper.png|thumb|right|155px|A traditionally shaped bottle of Liquid Paper]]
{{asof|2009}} [[MSDS]]s list Liquid Paper as containing [[titanium dioxide]], solvent [[naphtha]], [[mineral spirits]], [[resins]], dispersant, and fragrances.<ref name="Paper Mate Liquid Paper Fast Drying Correction Fluid">{{Cite web|url=http://www.liquidpaper.com/res/Fast%20Drying.pdf|title=Paper Mate Liquid Paper Fast Drying Correction Fluid|access-date=2009-08-18|publisher=Sanford NA|year=2003|work=MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET - MSDS #: 56401|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227085832/http://www.liquidpaper.com/res/Fast%20Drying.pdf|archive-date=2012-02-27|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{asof|2009}}, [[MSDS]]s list Liquid Paper as containing [[titanium dioxide]], solvent [[naphtha]], [[mineral spirits]], [[resins]], dispersant, and fragrances.<ref name="Paper Mate Liquid Paper Fast Drying Correction Fluid">{{Cite web|url=http://www.liquidpaper.com/res/Fast%20Drying.pdf|title=Paper Mate Liquid Paper Fast Drying Correction Fluid|access-date=2009-08-18|publisher=Sanford NA|year=2003|work=MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET - MSDS #: 56401|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227085832/http://www.liquidpaper.com/res/Fast%20Drying.pdf|archive-date=2012-02-27|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Liquid Paper came under scrutiny in the 1980s, due to concerns over recreational [[Inhalant|sniffing]]. The organic solvent [[1,1,1-trichloroethane]] (TCA) was used as a thinner in the product.<ref name="LiquidPaper1985">{{Cite web|url=http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/safety/MSDS/LIQUID%20PAPER%20CORRECTION%20FLUID%20THINNER.htm |title=Liquid Paper Correction Fluid, White. Material Safety Data Sheet |date=1 January 1985 |publisher=Ohio State University College of Biological Sciences |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621021044/http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/safety/MSDS/LIQUID%20PAPER%20CORRECTION%20FLUID%20THINNER.htm |archive-date=21 June 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Liquid Paper containing TCA was thought to be toxic and [[carcinogenic]], but later studies showed that although the thinner was toxic there was no evidence of carcinogenicity.<ref>{{cite book
Liquid Paper came under scrutiny in the 1980s due to concerns over recreational [[Inhalant|sniffing]]. The organic solvent [[1,1,1-trichloroethane]] (TCA) was used as a thinner in the product.<ref name="LiquidPaper1985">{{Cite web|url=http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/safety/MSDS/LIQUID%20PAPER%20CORRECTION%20FLUID%20THINNER.htm |title=Liquid Paper Correction Fluid, White. Material Safety Data Sheet |date=1 January 1985 |publisher=Ohio State University College of Biological Sciences |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621021044/http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/safety/MSDS/LIQUID%20PAPER%20CORRECTION%20FLUID%20THINNER.htm |archive-date=21 June 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Liquid Paper containing TCA was thought to be toxic and [[carcinogenic]], but later studies showed that although the thinner was toxic there was no evidence of carcinogenicity.<ref>{{cite book
  |last1=Sullivan
  |last1=Sullivan
  |first1=John Burke
  |first1=John Burke
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  }}</ref> to the TCA  contained in correction fluids, including Liquid Paper.
  }}</ref> to the TCA  contained in correction fluids, including Liquid Paper.


In 1989, Gillette reformulated Liquid Paper without TCA, in response to a complaint under [[California Proposition 65 (1986)|California Proposition 65]].<ref>{{cite news
In 1989, Gillette reformulated Liquid Paper without TCA in response to a complaint under [[California Proposition 65 (1986)|California Proposition 65]].<ref>{{cite news
  |last=Paddock
  |last=Paddock
  |first=Richard C.
  |first=Richard C.
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* [[Wite-Out]]
* [[Wite-Out]]
* [[Tipp-Ex]]
* [[Tipp-Ex]]
==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 02:53, 14 December 2025

Template:Short description

File:Liquid paper products Womens Museum.jpg
Liquid Paper products at The Women's Museum in Dallas, Texas

Liquid Paper is an American brand of the Newell Brands company marketed internationally that sells correction fluid, correction pens, and correction tape.

Product history

File:Liquid paper, picture and eraser.jpg
Liquid Paper

In 1956, Bette Nesmith Graham (mother of future Monkees guitarist Michael Nesmith) invented the first correction fluid in her kitchen. Working as a typist, she used to make many mistakes and always strove for a way to correct them. Starting on a basis of tempera paint she mixed with a common kitchen blender, she called the fluid "Mistake Out" and started to provide her co-workers with small bottles on which the brand's name was displayed.[1]

Graham formed the Mistake Out Company in 1956.[2] [3] She developed alternative formulas for quicker drying times and better application brushes. Sales were about 100 bottles per month in 1957; however, they increased fivefold when the correctional liquid appeared in The Office magazine, which led to a large corporate order from General Electric.[4]

Graham was fired from her typist job after she accidentally put her own company’s name on a sheet of her employer’s company letterhead. She subsequently decided to devote all her time to Mistake Out.[5] In 1958, Graham renamed her business the Liquid Paper Company and applied for a patent and trademark.[6] By 1968, the company "had become a multimillion-dollar organization, breaking ground on a huge business and manufacturing facility in Dallas, Texas. LPC scaled internationally and eventually opened offices and manufacturing plants in Canada, England, Belgium and Australia".[2] By 1975, "Liquid Paper was producing 25 million bottles a year and holding a vast share of a multimillion-dollar market that had spawned several competitors, like Wite-Out".[6]

Graham sold Liquid Paper to Gillette Corporation in 1979.[6]Template:Efn

Acquisition

In 2000, the Liquid Paper product and brand name was acquired by Newell Rubbermaid (later Newell Brands). In some regions of the world, Liquid Paper is endorsed by Papermate, a widely known writing instruments brand also owned by Newell.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Ingredients

File:Liquid paper.png
A traditionally shaped bottle of Liquid Paper

since 2009Template:Dated maintenance category (articles)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters"., MSDSs list Liquid Paper as containing titanium dioxide, solvent naphtha, mineral spirits, resins, dispersant, and fragrances.[7]

Liquid Paper came under scrutiny in the 1980s due to concerns over recreational sniffing. The organic solvent 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) was used as a thinner in the product.[8] Liquid Paper containing TCA was thought to be toxic and carcinogenic, but later studies showed that although the thinner was toxic there was no evidence of carcinogenicity.[9] There were several studies linking fatalities[10][11] to the TCA contained in correction fluids, including Liquid Paper.

In 1989, Gillette reformulated Liquid Paper without TCA in response to a complaint under California Proposition 65.[12][13]

See also

Notes

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References

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External links