- What removes super glue from glass?
- How to get super glue off glasses lenses
- How to get super glue off glasses frames
- How to get dried super glue off a glass table
- How to get dried super glue off glass
- How to get super glue off glasses without acetone
Super glue is what it says on the tin — super. You can use it for almost anything, especially strong types, such as Gorilla Glue or nail glue, which will hold longer than expected. But what do you do if you accidentally get this glue on something in your home? Super glue can bond to most materials, not least glass, which can cause you a pretty major problem.
Whether you’re dealing with glasses, plastic lenses, or glass surfaces, there is a simple way that you can get the glue off without causing any unnecessary damage. In this guide, we’ll look at the main solutions you should try and how to gently remove super glue for good.
What removes super glue from glass?
First things first, let’s take a peek at your options. We won’t beat around the bush — super glue can be stubborn. However, you do have options. Let’s take a look at some of the things that can remove super glue from glass once and for all:
Nail polish remover
Acetone — known to you or me as nail polish remover — is one of the most effective ways to deal with super glue quickly. The solvent breaks down polymers, which means it can quickly dissolve things like nail varnish and even super glue.
You can use this for solid glass as it will quickly get the super glue off the surface. However, it can damage plastic lenses and coatings as it may dissolve them. For that reason, if the glass you’re cleaning happens to have a coating on it, you should avoid using this substance.
There are so many different uses for nail polish remover - take a look!
Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is less harsh than acetone, but it can help soften the super glue to get it off the glass. If you’re using this option, you might want to use some elbow grease to remove the rest of the super glue from the surface that you’re working on.
Avoid mixing bleach with rubbing alcohol! While you might think that this makes a stronger remover, it is potentially dangerous. The combination creates chloroform, which is harmful if you inhale it. Instead, keep these two products well away from one another.
Warm soapy water
If you’re dealing with a minor super glue stain, you should try using some warm soapy water. This option allows you to clean off the glue if you act quickly. So, should the super glue not have dried yet, you can mix up this concoction and use it to clean down your surface fast.
Vinegar
Want to avoid using harsh chemicals? Vinegar is a natural alternative that helps break down glue bonds. This is an appropriate approach if you’re dealing with a small super glue problem.
Bicarbonate of soda and coconut oil
Here’s a gentle, non-toxic method for removing dried super glue — plus, it smells wonderful. Combine baking soda and coconut oil and get to work on your super glue mark.
Commercial glue removers
Of course, if all else fails, you might want to get a product that is designed for removing glue residue without damaging surfaces. Make sure you research and read customer reviews before choosing the right cleaning product for your needs.
How to get super glue off glasses lenses
Have you accidentally glued your glasses lenses? Don’t panic — it happens. Believe it or not, you can get the glue off the surface. Follow the below steps to remove it carefully:
Step 1: Check the lens material
Before deciding what to use, you need to figure out whether your lenses are plastic or glass. That’s important as some solvents can cause plastic to dissolve. That means that you can accidentally damage your lenses.
Step 2: Grab the soapy water first
The first thing you want to try is soapy water. Find a bowl and add warm water and a few drops of washing-up liquid. Use a microfibre cloth and dip it into the water.
Start wiping your lenses. Work in a circular motion to gently soften up the glue. Keep on going until the super glue starts to lift off the
Step 3: Try acetone (if the lenses are glass!)
If that doesn’t work and your lenses are glass, you can try nail polish remover. Use a cotton pad and then dab the glue spot directly. Avoid touching the frames of your glasses. Keep going until the glue completely softens and then wipe it off.
Step 4: Use rubbing alcohol (for plastic lenses)
Of course, if your lenses are plastic (or plastic coated), you should use rubbing alcohol instead. Start by soaking a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and then press it against the glue for a few minutes. This should start to break it down. Finally, wipe away the softened glue.
Step 5: Use a commercial glue remover
Dealing with a tough glue mark? You might want to get a commercial glue remover. Make sure that the product you use is suitable for your glasses type.
How to get super glue off glasses frames
But wait, what if the super glue is on your glasses frames? When that happens, you need to be careful. Avoid nail polish remover, especially if the frames are plastic, which can ruin them.
Start by trying the soapy water method we’ve covered above. If that doesn’t work, you can use either vinegar or rubbing alcohol to try and lift the glue from the frame of your glasses.
If you’re dealing with dried-on super glue, you may be able to scrape it off. Soften the super glue with one of the approaches we’ve detailed above, then scrape it off.
For more glasses hacks, take a look at our other article.
How to get super glue off a glass table
So you’ve spilled super glue over your nice glass table. What do you do next? It can be tricky, but there are things that you can try. Here’s a quick rundown:
Step 1: Try nail polish remover
Make sure that the table doesn’t have a plastic coating first. Then, dab a cotton ball in acetone and press it onto the glue to soften it. Let it sit for a few minutes.
Step 2: Scrape it off
Next, grab a plastic scraper and get to work. Be gentle and start at the edges of the mark. As you work, you’ll be able to lift the glue off.
Step 3: Clean the surface
The final step in the process is to clean the surface well. Get yourself a cloth and wipe away any of the residue. You can use soapy water if you want to.
How to get dried super glue off glass
Dried-on super glue can be extremely challenging. However, there are ways that you can deal with this problem. Here’s how:
Step 1: Use a scraper
To get started, grab a plastic scraper and try to remove the glue. If it’s not stuck on too much, you should find that this is a simple solution.
Step 2: Get the rubbing alcohol
If scraping doesn’t do the trick, get some rubbing alcohol instead. You can dip a cotton ball into this and then press it onto the mark.
Step 3: Use bicarbonate of soda
Finally, you might want to try bicarbonate of soda and coconut oil. Combine the two to make a paste and then apply it to the super glue. You can then rub it gently with a cloth.
How to get super glue off glasses without acetone
If you’re not confident using nail polish remover — i.e. acetone — there are plenty of other options. We recommend soapy water and vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or the bicarbonate of soda mixture we’ve described above. Choose whichever one suits your needs.
Super glue can be wonderful… unless you get it where it’s not meant to be. When you have a little accident, remember that it doesn’t have to be a disaster. The solution is simple, whether you’re removing dried super glue from a glass table, plastic glasses lenses, or eyeglass frames. Use the steps we’ve outlined here to get it right.
For more tips on how to clean glass, take a look at our dedicated blog post.
Q&A
Will vinegar remove super glue from glass?
In some cases, vinegar can be a simple solution. Since it’s acidic, it can help break down super glue on glass surfaces. Give it a go.
How do I get Gorilla Glue off glass?
Gorilla Glue can be particularly hard to shift. You can try using acetone, rubbing alcohol, or scraping with a plastic scraper. Keep going until you get it off.
What if the glue won’t come off?
If you’ve tried our ideas above and you’re having no luck, don’t panic. You can try a commercial glue remover. Look for a product that has great reviews.
Did it work? Let us know in the comments below!
Leave a Reply