How to Remove Super Glue from Metal
Super glue is one of the best adhesives to use in different craft projects because of the great hold it has. You can use it on a variety of surfaces and with different materials such as plastic and wood. When you use it on metal though, you may want to know how to remove super glue from metal. Not only can you remove two pieces of metal stuck together by the glue, but you can also remove any leaks too. The best way to remove the glue is with some acetone.
Using Acetone
Acetone is the best material to use when removing crazy glue and other types of adhesives from a piece of metal. Instead of using pure acetone, you can use a bottle of nail polish remover. You should make sure that the ingredient listing includes acetone though. Some formulas do not include this ingredient because it can be quite harsh on the skin. You’ll apply a thin layer of the liquid to the metal and let it sit for at least five minutes. A cotton swab or cotton ball lets you apply the acetone without getting it on your hands.
Scraping the Surface
Once the super glue is soft and pliable, you can scrape the residue off that surface. Fine grit sandpaper works particularly well for this task. You can also use a paint scraper or any other tool with a sharp edge, though you should use caution because you can damage the metal. If there is a large amount of glue left behind, you may need to apply more acetone and scrape the object a few times to work through each layer.
Cleaning the Residue
Any type of super glue or epoxy can leave behind some residue on a metal surface. The best way to remove that residue is with warm water. You can dip a cloth in the mixture and rub the cloth over the surface of the metal. It will gently remove any of the old glue left behind without damaging the metal.
How to Remove Super Glue from Metal without Acetone
If you worry about using acetone in your home, you can use plain distilled white vinegar instead. Vinegar is acidic enough that it should eat through the layers of adhesive. You’ll want to use a cotton ball or swab to dab the vinegar to the glue. Vinegar does not work as quickly as acetone does. You may find that you need to let it sit for an hour or longer. With a razor blade, you can scrape off the old glue before cleaning the metal with warm water mixed with soap.
Super glue works on a range of non-porous surfaces, including metals and plastics. You can also use the glue to treat cuts. Hospitals and medical facilities call this type of glue cyanoacrylate. When using super glue, you’ll want to work in a well-ventilated area that keeps you from inhaling the fumes. No matter what projects you work on, you can remove the excess glue with or without acetone.
