Gorilla Glue, while incredibly strong, can sometimes end up where it's not wanted. Whether it's glued-together fingers, a sticky mishap on furniture, or an accidental spill on clothing, knowing how to remove Gorilla Glue is crucial. This comprehensive guide explores various methods and considerations for removing Gorilla Glue from different surfaces, emphasizing safety and effectiveness.
Understanding Gorilla Glue's Strength
Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane-based adhesive, renowned for its tenacious bond. This strength comes from a chemical reaction with moisture in the air, causing it to expand and harden. This expansion is what makes it so difficult to remove; it physically interlocks with the surfaces it bonds to. Therefore, a gentle approach rarely works. You need methods that either break down the glue's chemical structure or weaken its hold.
Methods for Removing Gorilla Glue
The best method for removing Gorilla Glue depends heavily on the surface it's stuck to. There's no one-size-fits-all solution.
Removing Gorilla Glue from Skin
This is crucial: Never try to peel Gorilla Glue off your skin. This will only cause more damage and pain. Instead:
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Acetone: Acetone, found in nail polish remover, is a common solvent effective against Gorilla Glue. Soak a cotton ball in acetone and gently dab it on the affected area. The glue should slowly dissolve. Be patient; this may take time. Caution: Acetone is harsh and can dry out your skin. Moisturize thoroughly afterward.
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Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol): A less harsh alternative to acetone, isopropyl alcohol can also help soften the glue. Apply it similarly to the acetone method. Higher concentrations (90% or higher) are generally more effective.
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Petroleum Jelly: Applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly can help to prevent the glue from adhering further to the skin while simultaneously softening it, making it easier to remove after a period of time. Try this in combination with gentle scrubbing.
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Professional Help: For large areas or particularly stubborn glue, consider seeking professional medical advice. They may have more specialized solutions.
Removing Gorilla Glue from Hair
Getting Gorilla Glue in your hair is a nightmare scenario. This requires immediate action:
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Mineral Oil: Saturate the affected hair with mineral oil. This helps to break down the glue's bond and lubricate the hair, making it easier to comb out.
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Conditioner: Use a generous amount of hair conditioner. Work it through the glued area to loosen the adhesive. Leave it on for several minutes before gently combing out the affected strands.
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Professional Help: Again, for serious cases, a salon specializing in hair removal and repair is the best approach.
Removing Gorilla Glue from Fabrics
Removing Gorilla Glue from clothing or upholstery is tricky and requires careful attention:
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Freezing: Freezing the affected area can make the glue brittle, making it easier to chip away. Use ice cubes wrapped in a plastic bag to avoid moisture damage to the fabric.
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Steam: A steamer can help soften the glue, making it easier to scrape off. Work in small sections and be careful not to damage the fabric with excessive heat.
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Solvent-Based Cleaners: Test a small inconspicuous area first! Depending on the fabric type, you might try a solvent-based cleaner like denatured alcohol or paint thinner. Always test in an inconspicuous area first!
Removing Gorilla Glue from Hard Surfaces
For wood, metal, glass, or plastic:
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Mechanical Removal: Once the glue has dried, you may be able to carefully scrape it off with a plastic scraper or putty knife. Be gentle to avoid scratching the surface.
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Chemical Solvents: Acetone or denatured alcohol can be effective. Apply liberally and let it sit for some time before scraping.
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Heat: A heat gun can soften the glue, making it easier to remove. Use extreme caution to avoid damaging the surface material with excessive heat.
Safety Precautions
- Always wear gloves when working with solvents.
- Work in a well-ventilated area. Solvents release fumes that can be harmful.
- Test any solvent on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the surface.
- Never use harsh abrasives on delicate surfaces.
- If you're unsure, seek professional help.
Case Study: Removing Gorilla Glue from a Wooden Table
A client spilled Gorilla Glue on their antique wooden table. After trying several methods, they found that a combination of freezing the glue (making it brittle) followed by careful scraping with a plastic putty knife and finally, gentle application of denatured alcohol proved effective in removing the glue without damaging the finish.
Conclusion
Removing Gorilla Glue requires patience and the right tools. Choosing the appropriate method based on the affected surface and employing safety precautions is crucial for successful removal and prevention of further damage. Remember to always test solvents in an inconspicuous area first! If in doubt, consult a professional.