Today is a short article, but a question I always get in class: “Is contact cement the same as rubber cement?” In short, no. Both are the predominant adhesives used in making leather goods, and each has its distinct use.
An easy way to remember the two is “forever on contact, flexible with rubber.”
Contact cement is an impact glue that makes a permanent bond between two pieces. It can be used on various materials, including rubber, wood, felt, and, of course, you can use contact cement on leather. You should apply it to both pieces you’re adhering to. If you let contact cement dry (and you should) before sticking the two pieces together, they will go together immediately.
Use contact cement when you want to glue two pieces permanently and instantly together. This is the kind of glue where you want to get all your ducks in a row before using it. If the glue isn’t fully dry, you can sometimes reposition it, but it weakens the bond. Use this glue for things like affixing the liner to the outer, holding the end of a handle for sewing, etc.
Rubber cement is a different type of glue that makes a temporary bond between pieces. Rubber cement will work on leather, too. Like contact cement, you should glue both pieces before sticking them together. Unlike contact cement, though, you can easily pull them apart. Rubber cement is great for temporary applications like bag making, where you hold two pieces together face to face to sew and then pull them apart to turn the bag. Some rubber cements like ours become permanent after 48 hours, so check which version you have.
Rubber and contact cement are made from elastic polymers like latex or other polychloroprene, aka neoprene. This means they are flexible and they are the best adhesives for leather. You don’t want glue that dries rigid, like wood glue or CA glue (cyanoacrylate), because the glue will crack once you bend your piece. Rubber cement has a weaker holding strength and is sometimes made from gum, natural rubber, or similar neoprene. Just like my previous article on gum tragacanth, knowing what each is made of will help you to remember how to use them.
Thank you for this. I am about to start a project browband for an English bridle and was trying to remember which glue to use. This really helps me!
I’m glad you found this post useful and timely, Kathryn. Thanks for taking a moment out of your day to read through it!
This us so great to know! Thanks!
Sure thing, Patty! Thanks for taking the time to read and respond!
Another excellent and informative article.
Thank you!
Thanks so much, Marlys!