Copydex

Copydex is a common latex-based rubber cement in the UK. It can be recognised by its characteristic "fishy" odour.¹² 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.⁴⁵ 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.⁷⁸

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 ammonia¹⁰ to stabilise the rubber solution.⁹ This is the source of its characteristic smell.

References

Ashwood, David (2025). Constructing Buildings for Model Railways. Pen and Sword Transport. ISBN 978-1-3990-9493-1. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
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)
"Company History". Archived from the original on 4 February 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
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.
Bond, Daniel (2013). Stage Management: A Gentle Art. Routledge. p. 139. ISBN 978-1-135-85890-2. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
Cooke, John (2016). Paintings and Drawings. ShieldCrest. p. 26. ISBN 978-1-910176-50-4. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
O'Grady, Paul (2013). Still Standing: The Savage Years. Transworld Publishers Limited. p. 148. ISBN 978-0-85750-102-8. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
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.
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
"Safety data sheet Copydex adhesive" (PDF). Henkel. p. 1. Retrieved 24 August 2025.

[k909-1] Ashwood, David (2025). Constructing Buildings for Model Railways. Pen and Sword Transport. ISBN 978-1-3990-9493-1. Retrieved 24 August 2025.

[a292-2] 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.

[o257-4] 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.

[q517-5] Bond, Daniel (2013). Stage Management: A Gentle Art. Routledge. p. 139. ISBN 978-1-135-85890-2. Retrieved 24 August 2025.

[g157-6] Cooke, John (2016). Paintings and Drawings. ShieldCrest. p. 26. ISBN 978-1-910176-50-4. Retrieved 24 August 2025.

[f765-7] O'Grady, Paul (2013). Still Standing: The Savage Years. Transworld Publishers Limited. p. 148. ISBN 978-0-85750-102-8. Retrieved 24 August 2025.

[u625-8] 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.

[z095-9] 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

[q168-10] "Safety data sheet Copydex adhesive" (PDF). Henkel. p. 1. Retrieved 24 August 2025.

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