Spreader, Rubber

Quick Answer: The Spreader, Rubber is a hand tool with a flexible rubber blade, silicone rubber according to the product image filename, used to spread viscous materials such as pastes and ointment bases in an even layer and to scrape material cleanly off flat surfaces, dishes and trays.

A Flexible Blade Instead of a Rigid One

Metal and glass spatulas are rigid, so they spread material unevenly on anything that is not perfectly flat and can scratch plastic ware. A rubber blade bends to follow the surface, pressing material into a uniform layer and wiping a surface almost clean in one pass. That makes it useful for spreading pastes, ointment bases and sealing compounds, and for recovering the last of a viscous sample from a dish, tray or mortar.

The listing does not give the blade shape, size or handle design, so those details should be checked when ordering. The image filename refers to silicone, a rubber that is generally heat-resistant and non-stick, which helps with sticky or warm materials; natural rubber blades are softer but less tolerant of heat and solvents.

This tool is not the same as the glass or steel ‘hockey stick’ used to spread bacterial cultures over agar. That spreader, such as the L Shaped Spreader 2, is sterilised with alcohol and flame between plates, which would damage rubber. For scraping precipitate from inside beakers and flasks, the rubber policeman on a glass rod is the usual choice.

Specifications

Applications

• Spreading ointment bases, pastes and creams during pharmacy practicals.
• Scraping viscous samples and residues out of dishes, trays and mortars.
• Spreading sealing grease or adhesive evenly when assembling or repairing apparatus.
• Clearing condensed or dried material from flat trays and plates.

Care & Handling

• Wash the spreader after each use with warm water and detergent; silicone blades tolerate hot water.
• Keep knives and sharp tools away from the blade edge, since a nick leaves streaks when spreading.
• Check solvent compatibility before use, as many organic solvents swell rubber.

Why Choose LabEquip

Pharmacy colleges, general chemistry labs and maintenance workshops buy rubber spreaders as inexpensive bench tools. LabEquip supplies this one through General Lab Products; ask via the contact page for the blade size that suits your work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this rubber spreader be used to spread bacteria on agar plates?

No. Spreading cultures on agar calls for a glass or metal L-shaped spreader that is sterilised with alcohol and flame between plates. A rubber blade cannot be flame-sterilised.

What is the advantage of a rubber blade over a metal spatula?

The flexible edge follows curved and uneven surfaces, spreads material in a smooth layer and does not scratch plastic or glassware.

Is the spreader heat-resistant?

Silicone rubber generally tolerates much higher temperatures than natural rubber, and the image filename indicates silicone. Confirm the blade material if the spreader will be used with hot materials.

How is it different from a rubber policeman?

A rubber policeman is a small rubber tip fitted on a glass rod, used to dislodge precipitate from inside beakers and flasks. The spreader has a broader blade for spreading and wiping open surfaces.

Can it be used with organic solvents?

Short contact with water, alcohols and dilute solutions is usually fine. Many hydrocarbon and chlorinated solvents swell rubber, so avoid prolonged contact with them.

How should the spreader be cleaned?

Wash it in warm water with detergent, rinse and let it air dry. Avoid abrasive scourers on the blade edge.

Last Updated: September 2026