Rubber cement is an adhesive made from elastic polymers (typically latex) mixed in a solvent to keep them fluid enough to be used. Once exposed to air, the solvents quickly evaporate while the "rubber" portion remains behind, forming a strong yet flexible bond.

Rubber Cement, also known as Contact Cement, is favored in art applications where easy and damage-free removal of adhesive is desired. The cement formulations will not shrink or swell paper fibers, thereby preventing wrinkles to the adhered surfaces. This makes them safe to use on most finished paper surfaces, unlike water-based glues. Because rubber cements are designed to easily peel or rub off without damaging the paper or leaving any trace of adhesive behind, they are ideal for use in paste-up work where excess cement might need to be removed. It also does not become brittle as paste does.