How to Remove Super Glue From Plastic? | The Definitive Guide

Hello people, I hope you are doing well. I have shared many useful Plastic hacks in the past. Today I’m sharing an extensive guide on how to remove super glue from plastic.

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How to Get Super Glue Off Plastic?

Super Glue, aka crazy glue, is a wonderful creation helpful in fixing tons of things in our homes. Unlike other alternatives, the crazy glue or super glue doesn’t need any other enhancements to work; contact with air present in the atmosphere and humidity is enough to activate the bond between the glue and the surface. Although extremely handy, removing superglue from surfaces it sticks unintentionally can be a real pain. Removing super glue from plastic is something I think everyone can and should learn to incorporate into their lives.

By sparing some time and effort, Anyone can easily learn how to get super glue off plastic surfaces. Trust me, guys, there are dozens of different methods which can be utilized to do the task efficiently, and it doesn’t even require you to do a lot of brainstorming.

Let’s cut to the chase.

Things You’ll Need –

Bowl
Tape
Plastic Wraps
Knife
Soft Cotton Cloths
Dish Soap
Rubbing Alcohol
Acetone
Nitromethane Component

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Step-By-Step Explanation –

Weakening or Softening the Glue:

Pour a small amount of warm water and dish soap into a bowl. Damp a soft, cotton cloth in it, place it over the glue, and leave it there for three to four hours to make sure the cloth stays intact with the glue, use plastic wrap to enfold it.

Dabbing the Weakened Glue:

Once you notice that the glue is softened, start dabbing it with a soft cotton cloth until all the glue is removed. Don’t be hasty to rub it; you’ll spread the glue.

Time to Use Rubbing Alcohol or Acetone:

If you have done all the above things, and still the stubborn glue is not removed, the other way to turn things around to your side is to utilize rubbing alcohol or Acetone. Both these liquids are easily available at your roadside hardware shop. Both Acetone and rubbing alcohol are brassier on the plastic surface, meaning their handling should be done with utmost care.

So first, test the rubbing alcohol or acetone on a tiny, hidden area. If it is not causing any damage to the plastic, wet a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol or acetone and dab at the super glue until it weakens. Use a soft cloth and dab away the superglue.

Time to Use Nitromethnae Component:

Another viable option for weakening and removing super glue from plastic is the nitromethane compound, which lies between soapy water and rubbing alcohol when it comes to harshness on plastic surfaces. The process to use it would be the same as rubbing alcohol. It is also easily available in your neighborhood hobby stores, where you find it as the easy-glue solution.

Scraping With a Knife:

Sometimes dabbing is enough to remove glue residue stuck on plastic surfaces. In that situation, a knife can be used for scraping. However, staying cautious is important as you would not want to damage the plastic.

That was the most preferred method for super glue removal from plastic surfaces. However, that’s not it there are some other methods which I would like to discuss here.

What Removes Super Glue from Plastic –

Sandpaper:

Low grit sandpaper is another easy way to chip away the stubborn remaining glue. However, you have to be cautious and use a soft hand, or you will nick the surface underneath the glue.

Firmly slide the sandpaper on the glued surface, slowly scraping until you see nothing’s left.

Lemon Juice:

High acid foods like lemon can be super helpful in removing super glue from not just plastic but glass surfaces too. The high acid content in lemon juice is useful in many cleaning applications as it easily destroys the built-up grime. The process is simple, squeeze some lemon juice at the glue spot and let it sit for 30 minutes. Use a cotton swab to rub the part gently to get rid of the sticky residue.

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Goo Gone:

Goo Gone is a well-known product utilized mainly for removing sticker or tape residue left behind on your plastic surfaces, and it will be easily available in your neighborhood hobby store. Always follow the company instructions to get the best results.

Pour Goo gone on the glue surface and wait for 20 odd minutes. Take a wet cotton cloth as the surface loosens and scrub the troublesome area until it becomes clean.

Vegetable Oil:

Good old vegetable oil mixed with baking soda becomes a handy cleaning agent. Blend them in equal amounts and pour the mixture into the troublesome area. Let the paste sit in 15 odd minutes. Take a cotton cloth and start scrubbing the affected spot until the glue is removed. You might have to repeat the process a few times to see satisfactory results.

FAQs –

1. Does WD 40 remove super glue from plastic?

Ans. Although handling WD 40 can be a bit more difficult, it can still glue off plastic surfaces. It can be useful in loosening super glue’s stronghold. So if you’ve got some glue on a plastic product, spray a little WD-40, and after waiting for a few minutes, you can wipe the residue from the surface using a wet cotton swab.

2. How do you remove gorilla glue from plastic?

Ans. Although gorilla glue is known for its strong bond on all surfaces, using WD 40, the stubborn glue can be removed from unwanted places, i.e., plastics. Spray WD 40 on the affected area and let it penetrate the glue for a few minutes. Wipe the residue off with a soft cotton cloth or scrape it away using a kitchen knife.

3. Does Olive Oil remove super glue from plastic?

Ans Olive oil can do the trick, but as I have mentioned above, vegetable oil is the best option for removing super glue from plastic. However, if olive oil is all you have, it can do the job.

4. How long does super glue take to set on plastic?

Ans. The glue takes about 24 hours to cure the plastic fully. Super glue hardens very quickly once the bottle is opened.

5. Which glue is best for joining plastic to plastic?

Ans. Contrary to sticking metal to metal or wood to wood, joining two plastic parts can be tricky as it is a porous material. Considering the customer reviews on all major platforms and forums, epoxy glue works best with plastics. However, if your project needs a more flexible bond, you should use acrylic-based glue.

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Final Thoughts –

That is all I wanted to say on how to remove super glue from plastic. Remember, super glue is one of the best bonding options available in the market, but even once in a while, it can cause some problems, some of which we discussed above. But choosing the right glue for your project is also an integral part of getting things done. So choose wisely, and you’ll be just fine.

Thanks for reading, everybody.

Have a Fantastic Day!