Stuck? Here’s how to remove super glue from skin and anything else

Knowing how to remove super glue is essential when working with powerful adhesives. If they get on your skin, your projects, or your work area, you will have to deal with it the right way. The following guide will help you quickly get unstuck and back on track with your latest job.

How to remove super glue

Super glue can work wonders on everything from home fix-ups to your latest craft project. However, it can be really frustrating when it gets on surfaces it’s not supposed to.

If this happens, don’t worry: our guide explains everything you need to know to get super glue, super glue stains, and super glue residue off your skin, out of your work area, and away from your projects.

Super glue can save you in a pinch during all your projects. Powerful adhesives like Loctite Super Glue Liquid Professional work faster and have a stronger hold on most surfaces than normal instant adhesives thanks to patented additives. Unfortunately, removing super glue from your skin can be a challenge since it dries so quickly. Follow our easy steps for removing super glue, and you’ll be unstuck and back to your projects in no time.

Check out this quick video to learn more about Loctite Control Gel Super Glue:

How to remove super glue from skin

Cyanoacrylate glues like Loctite Super Glue Liquid are specially formulated to create powerful, durable bonds with all kinds of surfaces. Unfortunately, that means it can also bond to your skin. But knowing how to get super glue off skin does the trick:

  1. Begin by soaking your skin in warm, soapy water as soon as possible. This will soften the glue.
  2. Dip the affected area in an acetone-based nail polish remover. Let the area dry.
  3. Use a nail emery board to remove the glue.

Watch this video for more information on how to remove super glue from fingers.

 

How to remove super glue stains from your work area

Working with super glue can sometimes leave you with a messy work area. Here’s how to remove super glue residue so you can get back to your latest job.

  1. Add a small amount of acetone-based nail polish remover to a clean cloth. Make sure it won’t damage your affected surface by spot-treating an inconspicuous area.
  2. Apply to the surface. Wait 10 minutes to see if the acetone is too harsh for the surface. If it’s not, reapply acetone to the cloth and dab the liquid onto the dried super glue.
  3. Gently scrub off any residue with a soft-bristle toothbrush, adding more acetone as needed. Make sure to proceed slowly.
  4. Once the stain is gone, dampen a clean cloth with water, and dab the area to remove any remaining acetone. Finally, use a clean cloth to dry.

Loctite Super Glues come in a wide range of formulas and with applicators to meet the needs of every application. This helps to minimize glue stains and residues.

How to remove super glue residue

Loctite Super Glue Ultra Liquid Control comes in a patented side-squeeze design for maximum control, and its ultra-control applicator allows for unmatched precision to prevent stains.

But no matter how careful you are, spills and overflow sometimes just happen. Here’s how to remove super glue residue from metal, wood, plastic, or fabric.

For metal: Try acetone [jump mark to “How to remove super glue stains from your work area”], commonly found in nail polish remover. If that does not work, give your metal project a 30 minutes soak in a 2:1 mix of water and white vinegar. Now try to remove the residue with a rough cloth or fine sandpaper.

For wood: Try the nail polish remover trick again. Alternately, use coconut oil or olive oil. Once the glued area has detached, scrub the entire affected area with fine sandpaper.

For plastic: Lay a damp cloth over the glued area and secure it tightly. Alternately, soak the glue in vegetable oil or diluted vinegar. Let it sit for a few hours to allow the glue to moisten. Blot the glue with acetone or rubbing alcohol and let this substance break down the glue. Clear away with a damp cloth.

For fabric: Use acetone, but test sparingly first to avoid potential damage. Once the adhesive bond has begun to break, apply a pretreatment stain remover deep into the glue. Let it sit, then wash the fabric item at a warm temperature.

Always be sure to test any chemicals or adhesive removers on an inconspicuous area before applying them to skin or materials.

The best option is not to get the product in the wrong place to begin with. With our patented applicators, you control where the super glue goes.

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