How to Remove Super Glue from Plastic
Updated: Apr. 03, 2023
Super glue is great! Until you need to remove it, that is, especially from something plastic.
Introduction
It's definitely possible to remove old super glue from plastic. You just need patience.Tools Required
- Bowl
- Cotton balls
- Knife or razor blade
- Plastic wrap
- Soft cloths
- Tape
Materials Required
- Acetone
- Dish soap
- Nitromethane component
- Rubbing alcohol
Project step-by-step (5)
Soften the Glue
Put a small amount of dish soap in a bowl of warm water, then moisten a soft cloth. Place the cloth over the glue and leave it there for at least three hours to soften the glue. To ensure the cloth stays damp, tape a sheet of plastic wrap over it.
Blot Up Softened Glue
Once the glue is softened, blot it with a clean cloth until all of the glue is removed. Do not rub the softened glue, or you will spread it around.
Swap Soapy Water for Rubbing Alcohol or Acetone
If the soapy water isn’t strong enough to remove the super glue residue from plastic, try using rubbing alcohol or acetone instead. Both of these liquids are harsher than soapy water, and may damage the plastic. So, first test the rubbing alcohol or acetone on a small, hidden area. If it doesn’t damage the plastic, moisten a cotton ball with the rubbing alcohol or acetone and blot at the super glue until it softens. Then blot away the soft glue with a clean cloth. Check out this collection of 33 ways to remove super glue. They may surprise you!.
Swap Soapy Water for a Nitromethane Component
Another option for softening and removing the glue is a nitromethane component. A nitromethane component is milder than acetone, but stronger than soapy water. Use it to remove super glue from plastic in the same way as acetone. You can find this de-bonding agent at hobby stores, where it’s also called a de-glue solution.
Scrape Away with a Knife or Razor Blade
If you’re trying to remove excess super glue residue from plastic, take a knife or razor blade and gently scrape off the residue, taking great care not to damage the plastic.
Originally Published: September 26, 2019
