The instant-bonding nature of cyanoacrylate glue, commonly referred to as super glue, has made it the preferred adhesive for quickly repairing almost anything that is broken, cracked, or loose. Super glue dries almost instantly and becomes completely clear, creating an exceptionally strong bond.
However, the very feature that makes super glue so effective its rapid drying time can also be its greatest disadvantage. If you accidentally get super glue on your skin or spill it on an unintended surface, it dries so quickly that there’s little time to wipe it away.
To assist you in removing super glue from your skin and various smooth surfaces, here are several methods to consider. Keep in mind that no single method works for every situation, so you may need to try a combination of techniques to successfully eliminate unwanted super glue.
Removing Super Glue from Skin
Once super glue dries, it forms a tough film on the skin. If you find some on your skin, you may be able to peel it off. Start by soaking the affected area in warm, soapy water for around 10 minutes. If you cannot fully immerse the glued skin, you can wrap it in a warm, wet, soapy cloth.
Soaking and Peeling
After soaking, stretch the skin tightly; you might need a friend to help with this step. Gently work your fingernail under the edge of the glue film and try to peel it off. If your fingernail isn’t sufficient, consider using tweezers or, if you’re careful, a pocketknife.
Baking Soda and Coconut Oil Poultice
If warm, soapy water isn’t effective, try making a poultice by combining equal parts of baking soda and coconut oil to create a thick paste. Apply this mixture to the glued area and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Then, wipe off the paste and attempt to peel off the glue.
Salt and Water Scrub
Another method involves mixing table salt with a bit of water to form a thick paste. Rub this mixture into the glued area for a couple of minutes. The salt acts as an abrasive that helps scrub off the glue.
Petroleum Jelly or Olive Oil Treatment
You can also apply a generous layer of petroleum jelly over the glue, or soak the affected skin in olive oil. Wait about 20 minutes, then carefully scrape off the glue using a pocketknife or putty knife.
Using Acetone
If you accidentally bond two fingers together with super glue, you can try dissolving the glue with acetone or nail polish remover, which contains acetone. Pour a small amount of acetone directly onto the glue, wait about 20 seconds, and then gently pull your fingers apart. If the glue bond doesn’t loosen, stop and reapply more acetone.
Avoid continuing to pull, as this could result in skin damage. Since acetone evaporates quickly, you may need to apply it multiple times. If acetone is unavailable, you can use mineral spirits (paint thinner), which is milder and has a slower evaporation rate, though it may not be as effective in dissolving super glue as acetone.
Removing Super Glue from Smooth Surfaces
Many of the techniques mentioned for skin can also be applied to smooth surfaces such as wood, glass, stone, and metal. As noted earlier, acetone is effective at dissolving super glue. However, exercise caution: acetone can also damage clear coat finishes, such as polyurethane, on finished wood surfaces like tabletops, cabinets, and flooring.
Lemon Juice Soak
For a gentler approach, apply lemon juice to the glue and let it soak for about 10 minutes. The citric acid will help soften the glue. Afterward, carefully scrape off the glue using a pocketknife or putty knife, being cautious not to scratch the surface. If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use rubbing alcohol or mineral oil as substitutes.
Dish Soap and Plastic Wrap
Pour some full-strength liquid dish soap onto the glue and then cover it with plastic wrap. Wait an hour, then scrape off the glue. While the soap is generally safe for most hard surfaces, it may discolor finished wood.
Sanding
If none of the above methods are successful, you may need to resort to sanding off the glue. Start with 120-grit sandpaper. If that doesn’t work, try using 100-grit or even 80-grit sandpaper (the lower the number, the coarser the sandpaper). Sanding will eventually remove the glue, but you’ll need to refinish the surface afterward to cover up the sanding marks.
Paint Scraper
As a final option, you can attempt to remove super glue using a paint scraper. Look for a scraper with tungsten-carbide blades, which remain sharper longer and cut more efficiently than high-speed steel blades. Just be careful not to scratch or gouge the surface you’re working on.
Additional Tips and Precautions
When dealing with super glue, it’s important to act swiftly to minimize damage. If you get super glue on a surface or item that you value, always start with the least aggressive method to prevent any potential harm.
Testing any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first is a good practice to ensure it won’t damage or discolor the surface.
For your safety, always handle acetone and other chemical solvents in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Wear protective gloves if necessary to prevent skin irritation. In cases where you’re unsure about the best method or if the glue is on delicate items, consulting a professional may be a wise choice to avoid causing further damage.
In Summary: Handling Super Glue Accidents with Ease
While super glue is an incredibly useful tool for quick fixes, its fast-drying nature can lead to accidental spills and messes. By utilizing the various methods outlined above, you can effectively remove super glue from both skin and surfaces without causing damage.
Whether you opt for natural remedies or more potent solutions, a little patience and care will help you handle any super glue mishaps with ease.