Stick it to that sticker!
If you’re DIYer, you should know how to remove sticker and duct tape residue from metal. Sooner or later, you’ll need these handy skills – learn them here!
How to remove adhesives from metal: 101
If you’re fixing up an old appliance, piece of furniture or other object made of metal, you might have to remove some adhesive from the metal every now and then. This can present a problem if you don’t know how to remove it!
But don’t stress. You can learn the best ways of removing glue from metal - from mild adhesives like sticker residue to stronger adhesives decals - with this guide.
How to remove sticker residue from metal
First, we’ll cover how to remove sticker residue from metal. Be careful about using chemical glue removers because they might damage the surface. Instead, follow these steps:
- Peel away as much of the sticker as you can.
- Apply vegetable oil to what’s left of the sticker or sticker residue and allow it to soak in.
- Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the area. Be careful not to overheat it.
- Wipe away the softened adhesive or residue with a disposable cloth.
- Wash the area with soap and water.
Duct tape residue can be removed in a similar way. Try using rubbing alcohol or vegetable oil as the solvent. Give it a few minutes to loosen up and then wipe away.
If super glue drips or runs are your problem, the best solvent is probably acetone or nail polish remover. If this doesn’t work, try mineral spirits. Generally speaking, one of the two will dissolve glue from metal so you can easily wipe it away.
For really challenging jobs, you might need to remove the adhesive from the metal using a bit of elbow grease first. You might need to scrape, chip or sand away the majority of the adhesive residue before using a solvent. Pro tip: to protect the surface of the metal, place several layers of masking tape around the area you’re working on.
Once you’ve gotten the majority of the glue off the metal, you can begin softening up the residue and remaining adhesive. Again, acetone and mineral spirits are your best bets to soften up what remains. If the glue doesn’t wipe away with a cloth once soft, try using a razor blade to carefully scrape away the residue. Lay the blade very low - almost parallel to the surface - to avoid scratching.
Hopefully, these tips will help you remove glue from metal successfully on your projects.
Safety first! Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, when removing adhesives. Not only do you want to be protected from the solvents, but also from the small shards of metal that might chip off as you’re removing stickers from metal surfaces.
Remove adhesive from metal so you can complete your project
Sometimes when you need to remove adhesives from metal, it’s so you can repair or modify the item. That means you’ll need new adhesive to make the adjustment. But what are the best adhesives for metal?
For small repairs, try Loctite Super Glue Liquid Control. It dries fast to a very durable bond, will stick to most metals, and is ideal for any non-porous surface. It dries clear, is shock and water resistant, and it stands up to a wide range of temperatures.
For larger jobs, try Loctite Epoxy Metal/Concrete. This two-part epoxy produces an extremely strong, rigid bond in just 5 to 12 minutes. It will bond to metal, glass, concrete, and wood. It’s great for repairing machinery, appliances, pipes, and even auto parts. When cured, it can be drilled and sanded and can hold a bolt or screw. It will work for interior and exterior applications and comes in a convenient dual syringe for easy mixing.