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How to remove super glue off metal

Spilling super glue on a metal surface doesn’t have to spell disaster. Learn how to get super glue off metal and metal paint using products you already have on hand – in just 5 simple steps. 

What you need to get super glue off metal

No matter how careful you are, DIY accidents happen now and again. Thankfully, there’s no need to pay for pricey super glue removers. Even the stickiest super glue mishaps can be fixed with everyday household products like acetone or nail polish remover, which dissolves the glue and other residue.

Here’s what you need:

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

Five steps to removing super glue off metal

Once you’ve grabbed your cleaning products, here’s what you need to do to get super glue off metal:

  1. Clean. Before you get started, clean and dry the metal surface you’re working on.
  2. Press. Put on your gloves, saturate a cotton ball or pad with acetone (or nail polish remover) and press it onto the metal surface until the super glue softens and becomes malleable. This might take five to ten minutes. 
  3. Lift. Using a razor place, putty knife or plastic scraper, gently lift the loosened super glue from the metal. Take special care when using a razor blade so as not to scratch the surface.
  4. Wipe. Once you’ve scraped off the glue, wipe any remaining residue with the acetone-soaked cotton ball or pad. You might need to repeat steps two and three a couple of times until the glue is gone.
  5. Dry. Once you’re sure all super glue residue has been removed, soak the cleaning sponge in warm, soapy water and wipe over the metal surface. Then using a dry cloth, wipe the surface dry. 

Don’t have acetone on hand? To get super glue off metal without acetone, you can try using white vinegar as a substitute. Just be aware that vinegar doesn’t work quite as fast as acetone, so you’ll need to keep the cotton ball pressed against the affected area for up to an hour. If that doesn’t work, repeat all steps using denatured alcohol or lighter fluid.

How to remove super glue from metal paint

If you’ve gotten super glue on metal paint, for instance on cars, removal gets a bit trickier (but not impossible!). Here’s one way to remove super glue from metal paint safely, without causing damage to the surrounding paint. You’ll need:

  • a bucket of hot water
  • 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap
  • a soft cloth

Then, follow these simple steps:

  1. Clean and dry the metal surface you’re cleaning.
  2. Combine the dish soap with the hot water in the bucket.
  3. Soak the cloth in the warm soapy water and rub the affected area in a circular motion to loosen the adhesive and remove super glue from metal paint. 
  4. Repeat until the super glue dissolves.

Sticky goo gone?

Time to check out Loctite’s full range of glues and adhesives and get started on your next DIY project.
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