I'm trying some DIY projects using some bike inner tubes. I use those because I like the idea of upcycling, and I want to make my creations as eco-friendly as possible.

I'm experiencing some difficulties with the cutting part. I've used an X-acto knife but I can't cut straight, and edges look pretty bad. I would like to know: which tools are best to work with rubber?

I've researched into leatherworking tools, but most of them don't seem right for working with rubber.

What do you use for cutting rubber? How do you make the edges look good?

Apart from the cutting I would also like to know if it's possible to paint on rubber, and which kind of paint it's best to use, what technique, etc.