Copydex

Copydex is a common latex-based rubber cement in the UK. It can be recognised by its characteristic "fishy" odour.[1][2] Since 1986, it has been owned by Henkel.[3]

This contact adhesive is used when sticking a variety of materials, such as paper, board, upholstery, and carpet.[4][5] Copydex is used by model makers as a "mask" to protect areas during airbrushing.[6] It is used to apply false eyelashes in the theatre.[7][8]

Composition

Unlike many other rubber cements, it consists of latex dissolved in water.[9] As such it is relatively non-toxic and so is frequently used in primary schools.[4] It also contains ammonia[10] to stabilise the rubber solution.[9] This is the source of its characteristic smell.

References

  1. ^ Ashwood, David (2025). Constructing Buildings for Model Railways. Pen and Sword Transport. ISBN 978-1-3990-9493-1. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  2. ^ Buttonbag; Marks, Sarah; Duchars, Sara (2014). Boycraft: Loads of Things to Make For and With Boys (and Girls). Frances Lincoln. ISBN 978-1-78101-144-7. Retrieved 24 August 2025. copydex (be warned – it smells of dead fish)
  3. ^ "Company History". Archived from the original on 4 February 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  4. ^ a b Rowswell, Geoff (1983). Teaching Art in Primary Schools: A Development Through Activities. Evans Brothers. p. 147. ISBN 978-0-237-45748-8. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  5. ^ Bond, Daniel (2013). Stage Management: A Gentle Art. Routledge. p. 139. ISBN 978-1-135-85890-2. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  6. ^ Cooke, John (2016). Paintings and Drawings. ShieldCrest. p. 26. ISBN 978-1-910176-50-4. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  7. ^ O'Grady, Paul (2013). Still Standing: The Savage Years. Transworld Publishers Limited. p. 148. ISBN 978-0-85750-102-8. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  8. ^ Corbett, Bryce (2010). A Town Like Paris: Living and loving in the city of light. Hachette Australia. ISBN 978-0-7336-2576-3. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  9. ^ a b Adams, Robert D. (2021). Adhesive Bonding: Science, Technology and Applications. Woodhead Publishing. p. 47. ISBN 978-0-323-85143-5. Retrieved 24 August 2025. 'Copydex' which is natural rubber latex with ammonia added as a stabiliser
  10. ^ "Safety data sheet Copydex adhesive" (PDF). Henkel. p. 1. Retrieved 24 August 2025.


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