How to Remove Super Glue from Metal

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Super glue is nifty for a ton of fun projects and crafts, but what’s the best way to remove it when it accidentally drips onto a metal surface? Dissolving the glue in acetone is the go-to method, but there are a ton of other household cleaners you can use to get just as clean of a result. We’ve put together a handy list of ways to remove super glue from metal surfaces, including chemical and natural cleaners. If you’re ready to de-glue, stick around!

Things You Should Know

  • Use household options like acetone , WD-40 , hydrogen peroxide, lighter fluid , or rubbing alcohol to dissolve the glue bonds.
  • For more natural options, you can try white vinegar, baking soda, or baking soda and coconut oil .
  • Sand the glue away if you are unable to soak it, or if you need to remove particularly stubborn bits.
1

Dissolve the super glue in acetone.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Wipe the glue area clean with a cotton pad and rubbing alcohol, then soak a cotton pad in acetone and hold it to the glue for 5 to 10 minutes. Scrape the glue away with a plastic scraper once the glue loosens up. [1]
    • Use a razor blade or putty knife if you don’t have a plastic scraper, or nail polish remover in place of pure acetone.
    • Scrape gently to avoid scratching or damaging the metal surface.
    • Repeat the acetone soak until all of the glue is gone. Afterward, use a clean rag and soapy water to wash the metal, then dry.
    2. Advertisement
2

Use lighter fluid to break the glue’s bonds.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Put on protective gloves and soak a cotton pad or rag in lighter fluid . Hold the rag to the glue for several minutes until the glue is soft enough to wipe away. Clean the metal with soapy water to remove any lingering lighter fluid. [2]
    • If needed, repeat the lighter fluid soak or use a plastic scraper to remove large chunks or glue or residue.
    • Ventilate your work area as much as possible to reduce the chance of inhaling lighter fluid fumes.
3

Spray the glue in WD-40.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Wipe the area clean with rubbing alcohol and a rag, then spray the glue generously with WD-40 . Wait about 5 minutes for the WD-40 to dissolve the glue, then wipe the glue away with a rag or scrape residue off with a plastic scraper. [3]
    • Afterward, clean the metal with soapy water and dry it to remove toxic chemicals and prevent rust.
    • Use WD-40 to remove adhesive from a variety of household objects and materials.
    2. Advertisement
4

Break down the glue with hydrogen peroxide.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Wipe the metal and dried glue clean, then hold a rag or cotton pad soaked in hydrogen peroxide onto the glue spot until it’s saturated. Wipe the glue away once it’s loose, or use a scraper to remove big chunks and residue. [4]
    • Repeat the hydrogen peroxide soak if necessary to remove all of the glue.
    • Once the glue is gone, use a rag and soapy water to clean away residue and leftover chemicals.
    • Use hydrogen peroxide for a variety of cleaning tasks around the house.
5

Soak the glue in rubbing alcohol.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Rubbing alcohol is great for removing sticky substances like glue. Soak a cotton pad or rag in alcohol and hold it to the glue spot for 5 to 10 minutes. When the glue loosens, use the pad to wipe the glue and residue away. Clean the metal with a fresh cloth and hot water. [5]
    • Rub the glue in the direction of the metal’s grain (if it has one).
    • Alcohol evaporates quickly, which makes for an easy cleanup.
    2. Advertisement
6

Soften the glue with petroleum jelly.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use your fingers to apply the jelly to the glue spot, rubbing in circular motions to unbind the glue from the metal surface. Wipe the metal clean with soapy water and a rag once the glue is gone, or use a scraper to lift stubborn pieces. [6]
7

Dissolve the super glue with white vinegar.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Wipe the area clean and then apply distilled, white vinegar to the glue with a cotton pad. Vinegar works slowly, so let it soak for about an hour. Scrape off the dissolved glue with a plastic scraper.
    • Wash the metal with a clean rag and soapy water after all of the glue is gone.
    2. Advertisement
8

Use a mixture of baking soda and coconut oil.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Combine equal parts baking soda and coconut oil in a bowl (the bigger the glue spot, the more you should use). Then rub the paste over the dried glue and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wipe the glue away or use a scraper to remove it, if needed. [7]
    • Rinse the metal with clean water afterward and then dry it off to prevent rust.
9

Use cooking oil to soften the super glue.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Cooking oils, like olive oil , will loosen the glue’s hold on the metal. Pour some oil into a clean rag and hold it to the glue spot for several minutes until the glue is pliable. Then use a spatula or scraper to lift the glue away. [8]
    • Wash the oily residue away with hot water afterward.
    • Use cooking oil to remove super glue from skin or hair, too.
    2. Advertisement
10

Sand the glue away.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use fine grit sandpaper or a nail file on flat metal surfaces. Tape off the area that needs to be sanded, then rub away the glue with your paper or nail file. Sand gently as you get close to the metal’s surface to avoid scratching it. [9]
    • Use the sharp edges of a nail file to pry off chunks of glue or residue.
    • After the glue is gone, clean the spot with soapy water and a cloth.
11

Remove super glue residue with soapy water.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Mix 1 cup (237 mL) of hot water and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of dish soap in a container until it’s sudsy. Use a cloth to soak the glue in the soapy water and let it sit for 15 minutes. Use a toothbrush to scrub the residue away. [10]
    • Dry the metal thoroughly after removing the glue to prevent rust.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      Tips

      • Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton pad to clean oil, dirt, and debris off of the surface of the metal to make the glue removal faster. [11]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • It’s OK if the super glue dries before you try to remove it. In many cases, this makes it easier to lift since dried chunks can be scraped or popped off of metal.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      • Home improvement and hardware stores carry glue removal products that are safe for various materials and finishes. Read the instructions or consult a store employee for help choosing the right product.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Wear protective gloves when working with chemicals like acetone, lighter fluid, WD-40, or hydrogen peroxide to prevent damage to your skin. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Always dry the metal after removing super glue to avoid rust formation. [12]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Tell if a Stain Is Sperm
      How to
      Get Pee Out of a Couch & Prevent Future Accidents
      How to
      Clean Yellowed & Discolored Plastic
      Quick & Easy Ways to Remove Wax Stains from Clothing
      How to
      Effectively Clean and Get Stains Out of Paper
      The Best Way to Make Your Own Enzymatic Cleaner at Home
      How to
      Remove Oil Stains from Paper
      How to
      Get Foundation Stains Out of Your Clothes
      How to
      Remove Heat Stains from Wood
      Best Ways to Remove Oil and Grease Stains from Your Driveway
      How to
      Remove Scorch Marks
      11 Ways to Remove Deodorant Stains from Shirts Quickly
      How to
      Remove Oil from Wood
      How to
      Remove Stains from Stainless Steel
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.polaroidfotobar.com/how-to-remove-super-glue-from-metal/
      2. ↑ https://resin-expert.com/en/guide/how-to-remove-super-glue#How_to_Remove_Super_Glue_from_Metal
      3. ↑ https://yardandgardenguru.com/how-to-remove-super-glue-from-metal/
      4. ↑ https://craft-art.com/how-to-remove-super-glue/
      5. ↑ https://gluecare.com/how-to-remove-glue-from-metal/
      6. ↑ https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-remove-super-glue/
      7. ↑ https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-remove-super-glue/
      8. ↑ https://gluecare.com/how-to-remove-glue-from-metal/
      9. ↑ https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-remove-super-glue/
      1. ↑ https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-remove-super-glue/
      2. ↑ https://www.polaroidfotobar.com/how-to-remove-super-glue-from-metal/
      3. ↑ https://yardandgardenguru.com/how-to-remove-super-glue-from-metal/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 48,492 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement