Research was carried out to explore the different stages of the deterioration of rubber cement, including the induction time. Samples were tested for color change, for evidence of oxidation through weight gain and of increased polarity or solubility parameter of the adhesive. Hydroperoxide formation was also analyzed. A sticky state which apparently begins at the time of the first gain in weight and ends about when solubility in cyclohexane is lost seems to be the earliest obvious stage in the deterioration process. It was also shown that light reduces the induction time. Naturally aged samples from office files were examined and the results related to the experimental samples. Poor grades of transparent mending tapes were examined. Stains resulting from chemical breakdown of the adhesive were measured by determining the reflectance of the translucent paper/tape combination. Results indicate that the translucency of the taped area increased well ahead of the discolored stage. Stickiness and the first indication of migration of breakdown products indicate that removal of the adhesive may still be relatively easy but will become increasingly difficult, particularly as discoloration sets in. See AATA 19-956.