With so many adhesive types available, how do you choose the right one? Two popular options are contact cement and rubber cement. At first glance, they may seem interchangeable, but these adhesives have very different characteristics.
Understanding the unique properties and best uses for contact cement vs rubber cement will ensure you choose the right adhesive for your particular project.
Contact Cement and Rubber Cement
Before diving into a detailed comparison, let’s quickly define these two adhesives:
What is Contact Cement?
Some key features:
- Creates a rigid, high-strength bond that resists water and heat
- Applied to both surfaces and allowed to dry before pieces are bonded
- Ideal for materials like wood, laminate, metal, foam, and some plastics
- Available in brush-on formulas or aerosol spray cans
What is Rubber Cement?
Key features:
- Provides a removable, medium-strength bond
- Only needs to be applied to one surface
- Allows repositioning of surfaces after they are stuck together
- Commonly used for paper, cardboard, photos, and fabrics
- Sold in squeeze bottles for easy application
Bond Strength
One of the biggest differences between these two adhesives is the strength and permanence of the bond they create.
Contact Cement: Strong, Permanent Bond
Contact cement is unmatched in terms of high bond strength. Once cured, the contact cement forms such a robust connection that surfaces are practically fused.
This powerful adhesive bond withstands moisture, heat, and significant mechanical force or stress. It will not weaken or deteriorate over time. The only way to reverse a contact cement joint is to physically pry or chisel materials apart, likely damaging them in the process.
Rubber Cement: Medium Strength, Removable
On the other hand, rubber cement adhesive joints are relatively easy to reverse. Rubber cement provides only a medium-strength bond, allowing bonded items to be peeled apart with minimal effort.
Repositioning rubber cement bonded materials is also simple. Just peel back the surfaces and reattach in the desired spot. This removable quality makes rubber cement well-suited for situations where adjustability or temporary bonding is beneficial.
Drying Time and Application Method
In addition to bond strength, contact cement and rubber cement have very different drying times and application processes.
Contact Cement Application
Contact cement requires a slow, two-step application process:
- Apply a thin, even layer of contact cement to both surfaces. It is critical to cover the entire bonding area.
- Allow the contact cement to dry completely until it is tacky but does not transfer to your finger when touched. This takes 10-15 minutes typically.
- Once both surfaces are tacky dry, carefully align and press them together using firm, even pressure over the entire bond. The contact cement will instantly grab hold.
The initial bond forms quickly, but maximum strength is achieved in 24 hours after application as the adhesive fully cures.
Rubber Cement Application
Rubber cement can be applied in a faster one-step process:
- Apply a thin layer of rubber cement to only one of the surfaces you wish to bond.
- Allow it to partially dry until tacky, usually just a couple minutes.
- Firmly press the rubber cement coated surface and the uncoated surface together.
Adjust positioning as needed while the rubber cement is still tacky. The bond will completely set within about 15 minutes.
So rubber cement offers faster initial drying and ability to stick surfaces after just one coated layer. But the trade-off is weaker overall bond strength.
Flexibility of the Bond
In addition to differences in bond strength and application, contact cement and rubber cement joints have varying levels of flexibility after they are cured.
Contact Cement: Rigid Bond
When contact cement fully sets, it creates a rigid connection between the bonded materials. There is no flexibility in the joint.
This makes contact cement a poor choice for materials that need to bend, flex, or withstand vibration. The rigid bond can cause materials to detach as they move.
Rubber Cement: Flexible Bond
Unlike contact cement, rubber cement maintains some flexibility after drying thanks to the rubber polymers in its formulation.
The adhesive joint can flex and move to a degree without compromising the bond. This makes rubber cement well-suited for materials that will experience bending, folding, vibration, or frequent repositioning. It allows some movement without total bond failure.
Ideal Material Pairs for Each Adhesive
Contact cement and rubber cement also differ in terms of what materials they are best suited to bond together.
Contact Cement Material Pairs
Here are some of the most common material pairs for contact cement:
- Wood to wood
- Laminate to wood or particleboard
- Metal to metal
- Certain plastics to themselves and other materials (always test compatibility first)
- Foam to itself or other materials
- Rubber to itself or other materials
Contact cement is also widely used in the shoe and upholstery trades to permanently bond leather, vinyl, and fabric.
Overall, contact cement excels at bonding porous and non-porous materials permanently, including wood, metal, plastic, foam, and more.
Rubber Cement Material Pairs
Rubber cement is the go-to choice for:
- Paper to paper
- Cardboard to cardboard
- Photos to paper, cardboard, albums, frames, glass, etc.
- Fabric to fabric
- Leather to leather (temporarily)
It can also be used for light crafting applications bonding:
- Feathers to paper or fabric
- Wiggle eyes to paper or fabric
- Glitter to paper
- Small, lightweight embellishments to paper or fabric
Rubber cement is ideal when you need a gentle adhesive for delicate materials that require repositioning or easy reversal of the bond.
Direct Comparison: Contact Cement vs. Rubber Cement
Now that we’ve covered the key differences in detail, here is a direct comparison chart summarizing the main properties and ideal uses of contact cement vs. rubber cement:
| Property | Contact Cement | Rubber Cement |
| Bond Strength | Very high, permanent | Medium strength, removable |
| Drying Time | Longer, requires drying first | Faster initial drying |
| Application Method | Two-step process | Single step process |
| Flexibility | Rigid bond | Flexible bond |
| Ideal Materials | Wood, metal, laminate, plastic, foam | Paper, cardboard, photos, fabric |
| Best Uses | Permanent bonding where high strength is needed | Temporary bonding, repositionable projects, delicate materials |
Comparing Brands and Products
There are many brands of contact cement and rubber cement available. While they share the same core characteristics, specific products can vary in their formulations.
Examining some of the top-selling options can help narrow down choices.
Top Contact Cement Brands
Popular contact cement products include:
Weldwood Contact Cement
- One of the most widely used contact adhesives
- Available in standard brush-on formula or aerosol spray
- Provides extremely strong, long-lasting bonds
- Bonds in just 15-20 minutes
- Use for woodworking, home repair, crafts, and more
Dap Contact Cement
- Extra strong formula bonds instantly with no clamps needed
- Withstands weather, water, and temperature extremes
- Use for interior and exterior applications
- Can be applied to wet surfaces
- Brush-on formula for control and smooth application
LePage Contact Cement
- Forms a strong, solid bond within 20 minutes
- Resists heat, cold, and moisture
- Can be used outdoors or indoors
- Useful for repairing furniture, shoes, bags, camping gear, and more
- Available in brush-on and aerosol spray formats
3M Contact Cement
- Industrial strength adhesive with long working time
- Bonds metal, wood, rubber, cardboard, foam, fabrics, vinyl, and more
- Maintains bond strength even after repeated freezing and thawing
- Withstands exposure to grease, oil, and solvents
- Brush-on formula for heavy duty applications
Top Rubber Cement Brands
Well-known rubber cement products include:
Elmer’s Rubber Cement
- A popular household name in adhesives
- Bonds paper, cardboard, photos, fabric, and more
- Allows repositioning of materials while still tacky
- Available in 2 oz, 4 oz, and 8 oz bottles
- Useful for arts and crafts, scrapbooking, temporary bonds
Aleene’s Rubber Cement
- Provides flexible hold for paper, fabric, photos, and delicate materials
- Repositionable formula allows adjustments
- Acid-free for use with photos
- 4 oz and 16 oz sizes available
- Great for scrapbooking and paper crafts
Helmar Rubber Cement
- Premium quality formula since 1939
- Creates flexible, non-brittle bonds
- Repositionable and reversible
- Resists cracking over time
- Good choice for photos, paper documents, and scrapbooking
Staedtler Mars Plastic Cement
- Specifically designed for bonding paper and photos
- Provides a flexible hold that resists yellowing and cracking
- Allows repositioning after application
- Dispenses easily from bottle applicator tip
- Acid-free and pH neutral
Specialty Adhesive Applications and Considerations
Contact cement and rubber cement cover many common bonding needs, but they aren’t suitable for every situation. Here are some specialty applications that require a different adhesive approach.
Leatherworking Adhesives
For leather bonding, neither rubber cement nor contact cement provide an ideal solution in all cases:
- Rubber cement allows repositioning of leather pieces, but provides only a medium-strength bond.
- Contact cement creates a strong permanent leather bond, but makes reversals or adjustments nearly impossible.
Specialized leather adhesives include:
- Hide glue – Traditional adhesive used in leatherworking. Provides a strong bond but allows some flexibility. Best for permanent leather joints.
- Barges all-purpose cement – Made specifically for leather. Flexible formula good for belts, shoes, bags, saddles, and more. Easier to undo than contact cement.
Foam Bonding Adhesives
EVA craft foams require the right adhesive to create durable bonds without damaging the foam:
- Rubber cement contains solvents that can melt EVA foam on contact. It should be avoided.
- Contact cement works well for most applications bonding EVA foam to itself or other materials.
Alternatives include:
- Super glues – Provide exceptionally strong foam bonds. Can be too rigid for bonding large pieces.
- Hot glue – Useful for quickly bonding foam pieces. The bond is permanent but somewhat brittle.
Waterproof Adhesives
For applications involving prolonged water exposure, neither rubber cement nor standard contact cement are suitable choices, as they lose bond strength when wet.
For truly waterproof bonds, use:
- Epoxy adhesives – Resin-based formulas that cure into a waterproof bond. Great for bonding metal, fiberglass, wood, ceramic, glass, and some plastics.
- Polyurethane glues – Expand as they cure to create joints that resist water. Good for bonding wood, foam, metal, and plastics.
- Silicone adhesives – Seal and bond surfaces while remaining flexible. Withstand humidity, rain, snow, and immersion.
Tips for Using Contact Cement and Rubber Cement
To get the best results from contact cement and rubber cement, follow these tips:
Contact Cement Tips
- Make sure all surfaces are clean before applying adhesive. Remove any dust, oil, or debris first.
- Only apply contact cement in thin, even layers. Too much adhesive will slow drying time and weaken the bond.
- Allow adequate drying time before bonding. Surfaces should be tacky but not transfer adhesive when touched.
- Bond immediately once surfaces are dry. Don’t let contact cement over-dry or the bond strength will decrease.
- Apply firm pressure over the entire bond for 30 seconds or more to ensure maximum contact.
Rubber Cement Tips
- Only apply rubber cement to one surface, and allow it to become tacky before sticking surfaces together.
- Position surfaces carefully, as the bond happens instantly. Reposition gently while still pliable.
- Apply rubber cement in thin, even coats. Thick globs take longer to dry and can weaken the bond.
- Let rubber cement dry completely (1-2 hours) before stressing the bond. Full strength is achieved in 24 hours.
- Avoid soaking and submerging rubber cement bonds in water, as they are not waterproof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about choosing and using contact cement vs. rubber cement? Here are answers to some common FAQs.
Is contact cement waterproof?
Standard contact cement is water resistant, but not fully waterproof. It can withstand some moisture but will degrade with prolonged water exposure. For truly waterproof bonds, use a specialty adhesive like epoxy or polyurethane glue.
Does rubber cement wash off?
Yes, rubber cement can wash off over time if exposed to water or moisture, since it is water soluble. It is not suitable for outdoor use or applications involving prolonged water contact. The bond will slowly weaken and deteriorate.
Is rubber cement toxic?
Rubber cement contains solvents that can be toxic if inhaled or ingested. Use rubber cement in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing the vapors. Keep it away from children. Once fully cured, bonded rubber cement joints are non-toxic.
How long does contact cement take to dry?
Contact cement typically becomes dry to the touch in 10-15 minutes. But it reaches optimal bonding tackiness in about 30 minutes. Allow at least 15-30 minutes drying time before bonding surfaces together for best results.
Can you reuse rubber cement?
Yes, rubber cement can be reused, unlike some other adhesives. As long as the adhesive is still liquified in the container, it can be applied multiple times. The bonding strength may decrease slightly with reuse.
Choosing the Right Adhesive for Your Project
Contact cement and rubber cement each have characteristics that make them ideal for certain situations. Keep these key points in mind when selecting an adhesive:
- Use contact cement when you need a super-strong, permanent bond, like joining wood, laminate, metal, and some plastics.
- Choose rubber cement for temporary bonding, repositioning ability, and delicate materials like paper, photos, and fabric.
- For specialty materials like leather or foam, opt for a specialized adhesive designed for those surfaces.
- If your project involves water exposure, select a waterproof adhesive like epoxy or polyurethane glue.