How To Remove Super Glue From Metal – 5 Easy Steps Explained

Have you spilled superglue over your metal pots? Or probably you have used an excessive amount of super glue for a bonding project.

An excess amount of super glue can dry and become hard. This can create a sharp unevenness on metal.

That is why you need to use thin layers of super glue. But, errors can happen. Maybe you squeezed the glue bottle too hard, and too much came out, or maybe you simply forgot to work in thin layers.

Don't worry, there are ways with which you can remove excess super glue from metals. If you act quickly, and if you know the steps on how to remove super glue from metal, you can fix this issue within minutes.

So without further ado, let's get started.

Table of Contents

Things You Will Need To Remove Super Glue From Metal

Before you start scraping super glue off of metal, let's take a look at a few items you will need for the process.

Here's a list of all the things you will need.

Protective Gloves
Sponge
Cleaning Rags
Cotton Pads
Acetone, Rubbing Alcohol, Or Nail Polish Remover
Scraper

How To Remove Super Glue From Metal Quickly & Easily - The Steps

step by step guide To Remove Super Glue From Metal

Here is a step-by-step guide that you can follow to remove super glue from metal safely and efficiently.

Step 1: Clean The Surface

Before you start working, you need to ensure that the surface area is fully clean. Any oil, dirt, or debris that might be left behind on the surface, can make the superglue removing process longer.

We recommend using rubbing alcohol and a cotton pad to clean the surface of the metal.

Step 2: Soak With Acetone

Now, soak your cotton pads completely with acetone.

Take this saturated cotton pad, and put it on top of the excess super glue. Hold the cotton pad on this place for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Start Scraping

After waiting for about 10 minutes, you will see that the glue will start to loosen up.

Take your scraper and start scraping off the excess glue. If you don't have a plastic scraper, you can use razor blades, or even putty knives to do this process.

When doing this, make sure you don't scrape or scratch the surface of the metal.

Step 4: Wipe The Surface

Wipe the surface of the metal as needed. After a good session of scraping, wipe the surface. This will give you a clear idea about how much glue you have successfully removed. Then, scrape off the part that remains.

Step 5: Dry Off The Surface

After getting all of the glue off of the metal surface, use a sponge or a cleaning rag to dry off the surface.

It is not advisable to keep moisture on top of metal surfaces, as it can cause corrosion.

Tips And Tricks For Removing Super Glue From Metal

Now that you know how you should clean super glue from metal surfaces, you can understand that the process is not too hard. But, there are a few tips and tricks that you should follow to make this blue removing process easier.

1. Clean The Surface

After you have removed all of the superglue from the metal surface, you might feel a sticky layer.

This sticky layer is caused by acetone, or they're having alcohol that you have used.

If the stickiness bothers you too much, you should clean the metal surface with some mild soap and water.

Always remember to dry off the surface after cleaning to prevent rusting.

2. Don’t Scratch Too Hard

When you are using the scraper, remember to apply gentle pressure. Applying too much pressure might cause scratches on the surface.

3. Repeat The Process If Needed

If the super glue has been attached to the metal surface for quite some time now, it will take you a while to remove it.

The trick here is to not lose patience. If needed, you can repeat all of the steps that we have mentioned above to completely remove the super glue.

Frequently Asked Questions

a. How Do I Remove Super Glue From Metal Without Acetone?

You do not have acetone at home, and that’s no problem! You can just use vinegar to remove the glue.

Soak a small cotton ball in vinegar and let it sit on the surface similar to how you would use acetone.

b. What Kind Of Scraper Should You Use To Remove Super Glue From Metal?

It is better if you use a gentle scraper on metal. That is why we recommend using a scraper that is made out of rubber.

If you don't have anything else, you can alternatively use plastic knives and utensils.

c. How Long Does Super Glue Take To Dry On Metal?

This depends on the brand of glue that you are using. But in general, super glue will start to dry within 5 seconds of application.

Superglue will cure completely on metal if left for 24 hours.

d. What Kind Of Super Glue Can You Use On Metal?

Epoxy-based glues or glues that have polyurethane or cyanoacrylate are better for use on metal.

e. Is Super Glue Harmful For Metal?

No, if you use the right kind of superglue, it will not do any harm to metal.

But, it is better not to use super glues that are too harsh on thin metal surfaces.

Final Words

Superglue dries very fast. While this is a benefit in a lot of cases, it can turn into a disadvantage as well. If you accidentally spill super glue on top of metal surfaces, it can dry within seconds.

Because super glue glues your fingers together as well, it is a tricky substance to remove. But, worry not, if you know how to remove super glue from metal, you can get out of this hassle quite easily.

All you need is a little bit of acetone, a scraper, and cotton pads. If you work with patience, you can remove excess super glue from metal in no time at all!