How to Get Super Glue Off

You may find yourself using super glue to fix all kinds of things, from garden hoses to broken dishes. When you need something to stay put, super glue is usually the solution.

Super glue solves a lot of problems … until it gets where you don't want it to be. The good news is that most super glue accidents can be fixed with common household products and a little patience.

Here are several common household products that will help you get super glue off just about anything:

  • Acetone/nail polish remover.
    Unless you have very sensitive skin, you can use nail polish remover and a cotton ball to remove super glue from your skin. Once the glue is dissolved, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Pure acetone or clear nail polish remover can also be used to remove super glue from fabric, upholstery, or wood. Test the acetone in an inconspicuous part of the item first, to see if it damages the color of the item.
  • Rubbing alcohol.
    Super glue can be removed from glass, countertops, tile, and other hard surfaces with rubbing alcohol. Pour enough alcohol to cover the glue spot and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. It will loosen the glue's grip on the surface and allow you to scrape it off.
  • Vinegar
    If you're nervous about chemicals damaging an item you've spilled super glue on, vinegar could be the solution. It's a natural super glue remover that can be used on a wide range of surfaces. However, vinegar should not be used on rubber, stone, or wood because its acidity damages these materials.
  • Sandpaper.
    You can use sandpaper to gently grind super glue off wood, metal, and many other surfaces. Just be careful not to ruin the finish of the item you're sanding.
  • Nail file/emery board.
    An emery board is really just a fancy little piece of sandpaper. You can use yours to remove super glue from all kinds of objects, including your fingers.
  • Coconut oil and baking soda.
    Make a paste of equal parts coconut oil and baking soda, and let it sit on affected skin for 15 minutes. Once the oil softens the glue's grip on your skin, you should be able to gently peel the glue away. If you don't have coconut oil handy, any other cooking oil, margarine, or butter can be substituted.
  • Hot, soapy water.
    If you don't have any of these helpful products around but you do have super glue on your hands, run a sink full of hot, soapy water. Soak your hands and gently rub the affected area to encourage the glue to loosen its grip. This is the most gentle and natural super glue remover you can use. It's also the best way to remove super glue from leather.

Need Help Removing Super Glue from Cherished Objects?

Many people try to fix damaged dishes and pottery with super glue but some items, like fine china and ceramic figurines, should never be repaired with super glue. Antiques and valuable specimens should only be repaired by a qualified restoration professional. These experts use specialized materials and methods to perform an effective and lasting repair. And when you leave these delicate restorations to the pros, you won't have to worry about how to get super glue off your hands.

When your heirlooms experience tragedy, Art Recovery Technologies (ART) is here to help. Our restoration experts repair all kinds of items using the very best materials and techniques. When disaster strikes, put the super glue away and contact the restoration experts at ART instead. Request art repair services online or call us today at 800-227-0796