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How to Use Rubber Cement for Art

Rubber cement was a staple of the commercial art industry for years before it became mainstream. Its formulation has changed some over the years and there is now a one-coat version available for crafting. Rubber cement is removable, making it a miracle product for commercial art applications. It allows art work to be adjusted without the artist starting from scratch. A commercial artist will use rubber cement for the creation of mechanical art boards. A fine artist would use rubber cement to attach two-dimensional art to a board for display purposes or mounting of art work.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber cement Rubber cement applicator Two paper surfaces Rubber cement remover Rubber cement remover dispenser Rubber cement eraser
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Instructions

  1. Joining Surfaces

    • 1

      Layout flat the two surfaces you intend to join. This could be paper, fabric, foam board, whatever you are working with.

    • 2

      Cover both surfaces to be joined with rubber cement, apply using a brush. Covering more area than needed is o.k., the rubber cement is removable.

    • 3

      Allow the rubber cement to dry on both surfaces.

    • 4

      Join the two surfaces covered with rubber cement together. The rubber cement will stick to itself making a very tight bond.

    • 5

      Use the rubber cement eraser and rub any additional residue away from the unnecessary areas. The rubber cement residue will form a "build up" on the eraser. You can tear it off and throw it away.

    Repositioning or Removal

    • 6

      Flood the surface with rubber cement thinner and while wet, separate the two surfaces.

    • 7

      Allow both surfaces to dry. This will happen quickly since the rubber cement thinner is alcohol based and evaporates.

    • 8

      Apply any additional rubber cement as needed. Allow it to dry. Reposition the piece.

    • 9

      Reposition the piece.

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