Super Glue Remover
Super Glue is fantastic stuff, however, that is also its downfall. When people are using it and make a mistake such as gluing something to a surface that they didn’t mean to, or perhaps gluing the skin to an object or another area of the body then they can get into trouble.
When this happens there are 2 ways to handle the situation. People can either use acetone or a special super glue remover.
Acetone is commonly found in nail polish remover and people can use this to remove super glue from the skin. However, please be aware that the label needs to be read before use, to check that any nail polish remover does contain acetone.
Many manufacturers are now producing nail polish remover without acetone, due to the growing popularity of acrylic nails These types of nails can actually be loosened by acetone.
Acetone also carries the risk of discoloring certain fabrics and can actually damage the finish of certain surfaces, such as kitchen work tops, (normally the ones that are darker in color).
It is generally for these reasons that we recommend a specialist super glue remover instead of nail polish remover. They are safe to use on all types of surfaces as well as skin, are very effective, and can be bought very cheaply.
Whether individuals decide to use acetone, or a specialist super glue remover it is best applied with a Q-tip, or a cotton bud. When working with super glue or any other adhesives people need to make sure that they are in a well ventillated area.
It is also very wise to test the remover on a small area first to see any potentially bad effects it may have.
If the super glue does stick to the skin then people should soak it in warm soapy water as soon as possible.
Although super glue is generally not recommended for glass-bonded materials, if these do become stuck together or people need to remove super glue from these surfaces, then they should also be soaked in warm soapy water.
Ways to Remove Super Glue
The ways to remove super glue can be broadly categorized into several main methods, based on their chemical composition and the method of application. Here are the main types:
Solvents that Remove Super Glue
Acetone-based super glue removers are widely used due to their effectiveness in dissolving cyanoacrylate, the main ingredient in many super glues. Here’s a description of the different types:
Acetone
Acetone-based super glue removers are widely used due to their effectiveness in dissolving cyanoacrylate, the main ingredient in all super glues. Here’s a detailed description of their pros and cons:
Pros:
- Highly Effective: Acetone is a powerful solvent, making these removers extremely effective at breaking down super glue bonds quickly.
- Fast-Acting: They usually work rapidly, often dissolving the glue within minutes.
- Versatility: Acetone-based removers can be used on a variety of surfaces such as glass, metal, and some types of stone.
- Availability: These removers are readily available in many hardware and beauty supply stores (as it’s a common ingredient in nail polish remover).
Cons:
- Surface Damage: Acetone can damage or discolor certain materials, especially plastics and synthetic fabrics. It’s important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Health and Safety Concerns: Acetone fumes are strong and can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities. It’s essential to use them in well-ventilated areas and avoid skin contact.
- Flammability: Acetone is highly flammable, so it requires careful handling and storage away from heat sources.
- Limited Effectiveness on Some Surfaces: While effective on many surfaces, acetone-based removers might not work well on porous materials like wood, as the glue can penetrate deeply into the material.
Super Glue Debonders
Debonders for super glue are specialized chemical agents specifically designed to weaken or dissolve the bonds of cyanoacrylate adhesives. Here’s an overview of their pros and cons, including a mention of their active ingredients:
Super glue debonders typically use one or a combination of the following active ingredients:
Nitroalkanes:
- Most common are nitromethane and nitroethane.
- Highly effective at dissolving cyanoacrylates (super glue) through a chemical reaction that breaks down the adhesive bonds.
- Generally considered less damaging than solvents like acetone, but still require caution.
- Can emit strong fumes and irritate skin and eyes, so proper ventilation and protective equipment are essential.
Esters:
- Ethyl acetate is a common example.
- Effective at dissolving some super glues, but not as potent as nitroalkanes.
- Generally have milder fumes and skin irritation potential than nitroalkanes.
Ketones:
- Acetone is the most well-known example, but not typically used in debonders due to its strong dissolving power and potential to damage surfaces.
- May be present in low concentrations in some debonders for specific purposes.
Specialist Super Glue Remover
We have seen other publications recommend the use of things like rubbing alcohol, or even lighter fluid as a super glue remover. We can’t recommend using these types of liquids for this job.
They are flammable for one and the fumes can also have negative effects. They really are too dangerous, especially when the specialist super glue removers, or nail polish containing acetone work so well for the purpose of Super Glue Removal.