# Copydex

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

This contact [adhesive](/source/Adhesive) is used when sticking a variety of materials, such as paper, board, [upholstery](/source/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](/source/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](/source/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*](https://books.google.com/books?id=2EK8EAAAQBAJ&q=copydex%2520fish&pg=PT11). Pen and Sword Transport. ISBN 978-1-3990-9493-1. Retrieved 24 August 2025.

1. Buttonbag; Marks, Sarah; Duchars, Sara (2014). [*Boycraft: Loads of Things to Make For and With Boys (and Girls)*](https://books.google.com/books?id=jei-AwAAQBAJ&q=copydex%2520fish&pg=PT228). Frances Lincoln. ISBN 978-1-78101-144-7. Retrieved 24 August 2025. copydex (be warned – it smells of dead fish)

1. ["Company History"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140204042411/http://www.henkel.com/about-henkel/company-history-11789.htm). Archived from [the original](http://www.henkel.com/about-henkel/company-history-11789.htm) on 2014-02-04. Retrieved 2014-02-02.

1. Rowswell, Geoff (1983). [*Teaching Art in Primary Schools: A Development Through Activities*](https://books.google.com/books?id=wZolAQAAIAAJ&q=copydex+%2522primary+schools%2522). Evans Brothers. p. 147. ISBN 978-0-237-45748-8. Retrieved 24 August 2025.

1. Bond, Daniel (2013). [*Stage Management: A Gentle Art*](https://books.google.com/books?id=ld9EAQAAQBAJ&q=copydex%2520paper%2520carpet&pg=PA130). Routledge. p. 139. ISBN 978-1-135-85890-2. Retrieved 24 August 2025.

1. Cooke, John (2016). [*Paintings and Drawings*](https://books.google.com/books?id=ATFiCAAAQBAJ&q=copydex%2520as%2520masking%2520fluid&pg=PA26). ShieldCrest. p. 26. ISBN 978-1-910176-50-4. Retrieved 24 August 2025.

1. O'Grady, Paul (2013). [*Still Standing: The Savage Years*](https://books.google.com/books?id=q8rTeVNF0A0C&q=copydex%2520eyelashes&pg=PA148). Transworld Publishers Limited. p. 148. ISBN 978-0-85750-102-8. Retrieved 24 August 2025.

1. Corbett, Bryce (2010). [*A Town Like Paris: Living and loving in the city of light*](https://books.google.com/books?id=pUbc8CP0PuEC&q=copydex%2520eyelashes&pg=PT277). Hachette Australia. ISBN 978-0-7336-2576-3. Retrieved 24 August 2025.

1. Adams, Robert D. (2021). [*Adhesive Bonding: Science, Technology and Applications*](https://books.google.com/books?id=-AQhEAAAQBAJ&q=%2522copydex%2522%2520latex%2520water&pg=PA47). 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

1. ["Safety data sheet Copydex adhesive"](https://media.supplychain.nhs.uk/media/documents/WZP5705/COSHH/28793_WZP5705.pdf). Henkel. p. 1. Retrieved 24 August 2025.

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