Easy clean

How to remove super glue from metal the right way

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A dried patch of super glue on an otherwise shiny metal surface might seem catastrophic, but with Loctite’s simple-to-follow guide you’ll discover that learning how to remove super glue from metal is a quick and easy procedure.

Getting super glue off metal: Easier than you’d imagine

Perhaps it’s due to metal’s solid and permanent feel, perhaps it’s due to its heft and weight, but when you spill super glue on this material in particular, it can look disastrous. It needn’t though – removing it and returning any metal surface to smooth perfection is surprisingly simple.

Even better is the fact that you’ll likely already have almost everything required for the job in your home. All you’ll need to do is grab a few items commonly found in the bathroom, kitchen and toolbox and you’re good to go.

This includes:

  • acetone or nail polish remover
  • cotton balls or pads
  • rubber gloves
  • clean rag 
  • plastic scraper, putty knife or razor blade
  • cleaning sponge
  • clean, dry cloth

How to remove super glue from metal

So the spill’s happened and you’re wondering how to get super glue off metal. In five easy steps, it’ll be like it never even happened.

  1. Clean. Clean the affected area with a damp cloth. 
  2. Soak. Soak a cotton ball, pad or cleaning cloth with the acetone and press it against the hardened super glue. After a few minutes, the glue should start to soften, making it easier to wipe away.
  3. Scrape. If any stubborn glue patches remain, use the plastic scraper, putty knife or razor blade to gently scrape the softened glue off the metal. Take extra care not to scratch the surface!
  4. Wash. Wash any remaining residue off the metal surface with warm, soapy water and a cleaning sponge.
  5. Wipe. Use a clean cloth to wipe off any soapy residue and dry the surface. If it is unpainted, any moisture could lead to rust.

Want to know how to get super glue off metal without acetone or other harsh substances? Then use vinegar as a substitute. The one drawback is that it will take up to an hour longer to soften the glue with it.

The simplest option: Loctite Glue Remover

An alternative method is to use Loctite Glue Remover. It has a gel formula that makes it perfect for cleaning stained surfaces.

  1. Lightly cover the affected area with Loctite Glue Remover.
  2. Place a folded tissue on the treated area and leave for several hours.
  3. Remove and discard the tissue, then wipe the area clean with a fresh tissue. Rinse or wash with water and dry. Repeat the process for heavy stains.