Traditionally, adhesives of natural origin have been used to repair and adhere paper-based material — most particularly, starch paste, gum arabic, and animal glue or gelatine. These adhesives are expected to remain relatively reversible over time. However, adhesives based on natural substances may react with the paper and related media to become less treatable than expected. Similarly, components within the adhesive may affect the degradation of the cellulose. In this paper, three reaction pathways are investigated: Multivalent metal ions such as copper and iron are known to degrade cellulose, gum arabic, and other polysaccharide substances. There is evidence to suggest that they may also react with protein adhesives to form insoluble complexes. Aldehydes formed during the oxidation of cellulose may react with natural polymers, resulting in hardening. Adhesives containing both proteins and carbohydrates may undergo condensation reactions, resulting in discolouration and loss of solubility. These reactions may also occur with the cellulose or with a sizing layer on the paper sheet. The paper provides an overview of these mechanisms and calls for further studies specific to the paper–adhesive bond. A better understanding of the reactions occurring between adhesive and paper would assist with the assessment of deterioration patterns and the evaluation of treatment options for adhesives that resist solubilization.