What is the difference between contact cement & rubber cement? Whether you are doing a heavy project based on wood-like material or busy with hassle-free artwork, the relevancy of cementing agents can not be denied.
After reading this blog, you will be wise enough to pinpoint that what is the difference between contact cement & rubber cement. And, what should be your ideal choice of cement suiting best to your needs?
Let’s discuss the defining differences between these two cement types here.
What is a contact cement?
A synthetic sticking applied individually to each joining surface which is allowed to bind after dryness is called contact cement.
Distinctive Properties of Contact Cement
Here is the list of properties:
◈ Unmatched durability
◈ Easy application and swift dryness
◈ Instant bonding
◈ Unaffected by heating and moisture.
◈ Flexible chemistry both in solvent and non-solvent formation.
Limitations of contact cement
Following are some limitations of contact cerement:
◈ Has a heavy smell due to the intensification of solvents.
◈ Very difficult to remove from a surface ( Often involves damage).
◈ Leave stains on the surface due to massive application.
◈ Easily flammable due to solvent chemistry.
◈ Very limited flexibility in application.
What is a rubber cement?
A flammable adhering liquid having unprocessed rubber disseminated in gasoline, benzene, or like material is called Rubber Cement.
Potential Advantages of Rubber Cement
The following are the potential advantages of rubber cement:
◈ Easily applicable without waiting for the dryness of surfaces.
◈ Hassle-free after application cleaning without a potential stain.
◈ It is used extensively due to its better repair ability compared to other cementing agents.
◈ Highly flexible in application.
Disadvantages of rubber cement
Here are some limitations of rubber cement:
◈ It is fragile and becomes useless after a specific time of application due to the evaporation of adhesive.
◈ It can cause a chemical reaction to an applied surface due to sulfuric acid. Therefore, it is not fit for generalized use.
◈ Breathing can be dangerous (Especially for children) due to poisonous ingredients like acetone it has.
Which one you should choose and why?
- You should choose contact cement for long-term and heavy usage involving wood and metal-like materials.
- If you need a flexible and temporary adhesive solution involving artwork projects then rubber cement is the best choice.
Conclusion
Preferring contact cement over rubber cement should be your decision based on your requirements. Do contemplate the impacting factors such as ease of application, flexibility, durability, potential side effects, and pricing before choosing either type of cement.
We have tried to equip you with core knowledge of these cement types with the help of this article. Do use this knowledge to stand out in your project.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
1: When should use contact cement ideally?
It should be used for sealing leaks, metal and wood bonding, large surface area projects, leather adhesiveness, and other similar purposes.
2: What is the core use of rubber cement?
It is chiefly used for artwork projects, delicate materials, and other similar uses.
3: From where can find contact cement easily?
You can find it in a hassle-free way by clicking this link.
4: Can contact cement and rubber cement be used interchangeably?
Not at all. Rubber cement can only be used for lightweight materials such as paper and cardboard. While for heavy materials such as wood and metal contact cement should be used.
5: What is the best alternative to rubber cement?
Barge All-Purpose TF Cement is the best and easily available alternative to rubber cement.