Best Rubber Cement in 2023
Rubber cement is a type of adhesive made by natural or synthetic rubber dissolved in a solvent.
There are many advantages to using it over other types of glue, including its flexibility, strength, removal, and wrinkle-free nature.
However, not all rubber cement products are created equal. Some may contain harmful chemicals, have a strong odor, or dry too quickly or slowly.
Therefore, it is important to choose the perfect rubber cement for your needs and preferences.
In this article, I will review some of the best rubber cement products available in the market right now.
Read More: How To Use Rubber Cement?
Top 4 Picks for the Best Rubber Cement
1. Gorilla Rubber Cement
2. Best-Test Rubber Cement
3. Elmer’s Rubber Cement
4. Slime 1050 Rubber Cement
#1. Gorilla Rubber Cement
Specs and Key Features
- Great for paper, fabric, foam board, photos, and more
- Non-wrinkling, non-yellowing, photo-safe adhesive
- Integrated brush for easy application
Gorilla Rubber Cement Review
Gorilla Rubber Cement is a high-quality product that is perfect for various crafting projects.
It has a smooth and even consistency that brushes on easily and rubs off cleanly.
It does not wrinkle or damage the surface of the materials, unlike some other glues that may cause discoloration or warping.
It also allows for precise placement and adjustment of the glue before it sets.
It is acid-free and photo-safe, meaning it will not harm the quality or longevity of your photos or artworks.
Many users have praised its performance and durability, saying that it works well on different materials and does not lose its adhesion over time.
It is also affordable and comes in different sizes to suit your needs.
Gorilla Rubber Cement Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong and reliable formula
- Easy and neat application
- Repositionable and removable
- Acid-free and photo-safe
- Affordable and versatile
Cons
- May have a strong odor
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty or permanent applications
#2. Best-Test Rubber Cement
Specs and Key Features
- Acid-free, archival-quality adhesive
- Will not shrink, wrinkle, or curl paper
Best-Test Rubber Cement Review
Best-Test Rubber Cement is a high-quality product that has been trusted by artists, crafters, and educators for over a century.
It is easy to apply and clean up, and provides a strong and smooth bond for various materials.
Many users praise its versatility, durability, and wrinkle-free performance.
One user said: “I like to make greeting cards and scrapbook pages and this is my FAVORITE glue to use!”
Another user said: “This is the best rubber cement I have ever used. It holds well and does not damage the paper. I use it for collage and mixed media art.”
Best-Test Rubber Cement Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dries quickly and clearly
- Easy to apply and clean up
- Versatile and reliable for various projects
Cons
- Strong odor
- Can be messy if not used carefully
#3. Elmer’s Rubber Cement
Specs and Key Features
- Acid-free, photo-safe natural rubber formula
- As excess glue dries, it rubs cleanly off without leaving wrinkles
Elmer’s Rubber Cement Review
Elmer’s Rubber Cement is a great product for adhering photos and detailed cut-and-paste projects.
Many users have praised its smooth application, strong adhesion, and wrinkle-free finish.
It is also easy to remove any excess glue without damaging the paper or leaving any residue.
Some users have used it for scrapbooking, card making, genealogy, and other crafts that require archival-quality glue.
One user said, “This glue works well for all kinds of crafts, especially for sticking paper to paper. Not for kids, as improper use can cause fire.
The glue leaves paper wrinkle-free and is acid-free for photos and important documents.”
Elmer’s Rubber Cement Pros and Cons
Pros
- Acid-free and photo-safe
- Wrinkle-free and repositionable
- Rubs off cleanly
- Versatile and durable
- Comes with a brush applicator
Cons
- Flammable and hazardous
- May damage some plastics or polished surfaces
- May dry out quickly if not sealed properly
#4. Slime 1050 Rubber Cement
Specs and Key Features
- 8 oz. can of rubber cement with a brush applicator attached to the lid
- Compatible with rubber materials and suitable for tire repair
Slime 1050 Rubber Cement Review
Slime 1050 Rubber Cement is a popular product for fixing flat tires and patching tubes.
It comes with a convenient brush applicator that allows for precise application on the roughened surface around the puncture.
It also works well with Slime patches and plugs, which are sold separately.
Many customers have praised its effectiveness, durability, and value for money.
Some customers have also used it for other purposes, such as repairing rubber shoes, boots, or hoses.
However, some customers have also reported that the can is hard to open or close, or that the brush is too small or too stiff.
Overall, Slime 1050 Rubber Cement is a reliable and affordable product for tire repair, but it may not work for everyone or every situation.
Slime 1050 Rubber Cement Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable and durable
- Convenient and easy to use
- Compatible with rubber materials and tire repair kits
- Provides a secure and firm hold
Cons
- May not adhere well to certain materials
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Rubber Cement
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best rubber cement for your needs and preferences.
Some of the most important ones are:
Quality
If you want to use rubber cement, you will need to make sure that it is made of high-quality ingredients and contains no harmful chemicals.
Look for products that are made from natural or synthetic rubber and do not have toluene or VOCs, which are solvents that can cause health and environmental problems.
Also, look for products that have a high concentration of rubber, which means they have stronger bonding power and less solvent evaporation.
Additionally, look for products that have a smooth and even consistency, which means they are easy to apply and spread on surfaces.
Performance
You want to use a rubber cement that performs well on different surfaces and materials.
Look for products that have strong adhesive power that can bond paper, cardboard, fabric, leather, glass, metal, wood, and more.
Also, look for products that dry clear and do not wrinkle or shrink the paper, which means they give a neat and professional finish.
Moreover, look for products that allow repositioning and easy removal of excess glue by rubbing it off, which means they give you more flexibility and control over your projects.
Read More: How Long Does Rubber Cement Take to Dry?
Versatility
You want to use a rubber cement that can be used for various purposes and projects.
Look for products that are acid-free and photo-safe, which means they are suitable for archival and photo projects.
Also, look for products that are water-resistant and heat-resistant, which means they are suitable for outdoor and indoor use.
Furthermore, look for products that come in different sizes and types, such as paper cement, premium paper cement, and one-coat rubber cement, which means they can cater to your different needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Rubber Cement Best Used For?
Rubber cement is best used for projects that require attaching paper, cardboard, fabric, leather, and other materials that can be easily damaged by other types of glue.
Rubber cement dries clear and flexible, and does not wrinkle or discolor the surface of the materials. It also allows repositioning and removal of the glue without leaving any residue.
Is Rubber Cement a Strong Glue?
Yes, rubber cement is a strong adhesive. It is typically made from elastic polymers (usually latex) mixed with a solution such as acetone, heptane, hexane, or toluene to keep it fluid so that it can be used.
Due to the rapid evaporation of the solvents, the rubber solidifies, forming a strong but flexible bond between the two surfaces.
Final Thoughts
Rubber cement is a handy and versatile adhesive that can be used for various purposes.
Whether you need to create a collage, repair a tire, or seal a gap, there is a rubber cement product that can suit your needs.
I hope that this article has helped you find the best rubber cement for your projects.
