How do you remove dried Gorilla Super Glue from plastic?

What is Gorilla Super Glue?

Gorilla Super Glue is a popular brand of cyanoacrylate adhesive. It is known for forming strong, fast bonds between many types of materials, including plastic.

The active ingredient in Gorilla Super Glue is ethyl cyanoacrylate. When exposed to moisture, the cyanoacrylate molecules react and join into long, strong chains that bond tightly with the plastic surface. This reaction happens very quickly, which allows Gorilla Super Glue to set and create a solid bond within seconds.

Once fully cured, Gorilla Super Glue forms a durable, rigid plastic-like bond that can be difficult to break. It bonds so tightly to the surfaces that attempting to pull them apart often results in damage to the plastic rather than disruption of the glue. This trait makes Gorilla Super Glue excellent for assembling and repairing plastic items, but it can also make it tricky to remove dried excess glue without damaging the plastic underneath.

Why is dried Gorilla Super Glue difficult to remove from plastic?

There are a few reasons why dried Gorilla Super Glue bonds so tightly to plastic and resists removal:

– Strong adhesive bond: The cyanoacrylate glue forms very strong chains as it cures that grip tightly onto uneven surfaces like plastic. This creates a tough, rigid bond.

– Plastic absorbing glue: Plastic is porous enough for the liquid cyanoacrylate to partially penetrate into the surface, where it cures within the plastic to create an even stronger bond.

– Cured glue is hard and brittle: Once fully cured, cyanoacrylate glue becomes a hard, inflexible plastic-like material. Attempting to peel or chisel cured glue off plastic risks cracking and flaking the glue rather than removing it intact.

– Cured glue can fuse with plastic: If allowed to fully cure against plastic, cyanoacrylate glue can partially melt and fuse with the plastic surface, creating a very difficult to remove bond.

These factors together make removing dried Gorilla Super Glue from plastic a tricky endeavor requiring careful techniques to avoid damaging the plastic surface.

How to Remove Dried Gorilla Super Glue from Plastic

Removing dried Gorilla Super Glue completely from plastic without damage requires patience and the right techniques. Here are some methods that can work:

Soften the Glue with Solvents

Applying solvents like acetone, nail polish remover, or cyanoacrylate debonders to the dried glue can soften it and loosen its grip on the plastic:

– Apply a small amount of solvent directly onto the dried glue. Acetone works best for cyanoacrylate, but nail polish remover also contains acetone and can be effective.
– Let the solvent sit for 30 seconds to a few minutes to penetrate and soften the glue. Reapply if needed.
– Once softened, you may be able to carefully scrape or peel off the glue with a plastic scraper, being careful not to scratch the plastic.
– Repeat as needed until all glue is removed. Wipe with isopropyl alcohol after to remove any residue.

Use Dental Floss to Saw Through the Glue

You can saw through hardened glue using sturdy dental floss:

– Wrap dental floss around the glue line and pull the ends tight so the floss is pressed into the glue.
– Firmly and slowly saw the floss back and forth through the glue to separate and slice through it.
– Keep sawing with the floss until the glue is cut through. If needed, repeat on any remaining glue spots.
– Clean off any remaining glue residue with solvent.

Scrape Off Glue After Freezing

Freezing can make the dried glue more brittle so it scrapes off easier:

– Place the plastic item with the glue in a freezer for 1-2 hours until completely frozen.
– Take out and immediately scrape at the glue with a plastic scraper while still frozen. The cold, brittle glue should flake off more easily.
– Return to the freezer and repeat freezing and scraping until all the glue is removed.
– Wipe with a solvent-soaked rag to remove any remaining residue.

Use a Plastic Razor Blade Scraper

A sharp plastic razor blade can scrape off glue without scratching plastic like metal blades can:

– Allow glue to soften for 30 seconds with solvent if possible first.
– Hold blade at 45 degree angle and gently scrape glue off surface using smooth, steady motions.
– Take care not to gouge or scratch plastic. Reapply solvent and continue scraping to remove all glue.
– For tight areas, wrap blade with tape leaving just bottom edge exposed for safer scraping.

Sand Away Glue with Fine Sandpaper

For thin glue residue or film, use fine grit sandpaper to gently abrade it away:

– Use 600 grit or higher sandpaper to avoid scratching plastic. Fold sandpaper over a sponge for easier grip.
– Rub with light, circular motions to gradually sand glue film away. Check often to avoid damaging plastic.
– Once glue film is removed, wipe plastic with isopropyl alcohol or soap and water to remove sanding residue.
– Take care when sanding to avoid excessive friction heat on the plastic.

Remove Embedded Glue with a Plastic Paint Scraper

For glue that has soaked into porous plastic, use a plastic paint scraper:

– Soak the glue residue thoroughly with solvent like acetone until softened.
– Carefully scrape across glue line with sharp edge of rigid plastic scraper.
– Repeat soaking and scraping until you’ve shaved off the outermost layer of plastic containing the embedded glue.
– Avoid digging too deeply to prevent gouging or thinning the plastic.

Tips for Avoiding Damage When Removing Dried Glue

Removing dried Super Glue without damaging plastic requires careful techniques and patience. Here are some tips:

– Always use plastic scrapers, blades, and tools to avoid scratching the plastic surface. Metal tools risk gouging plastic.

– Work slowly and gently when scraping to avoid cracking off chunks of glue or digging into the plastic.

– Limit use of sandpaper and focus pressure on glue to prevent thinning the plastic. Higher grit sandpaper removes glue film without damaging plastic.

– Keep glue removal localized to avoid removing too much plastic material and compromising its integrity.

– Test solvents and scraping on inconspicuous areas first to ensure they don’t damage or cloud the plastic.

– Allow sufficient solvent soak time for maximum glue softening and easier removal.

– Take breaks to avoid generating excess friction heat that could melt the plastic. Let plastic cool if needed.

With careful glue softening and controlled scraping, you can successfully remove dried Gorilla Super Glue without ruining the plastic underneath. Just take your time and use the proper plastic-safe tools.

What to Avoid When Removing Glue from Plastic

Some chemicals and techniques should be avoided when removing Super Glue, as they risk damaging plastic:

– Avoid metal tools like steel wire brushes or metal scrapers that can scratch and gouge plastic. Use plastic alternatives instead.

– Avoid excessive heat from hairdryers or heat guns that could melt or deform the plastic.

– Avoid dish soap or cleaning products containing ammonia, as these can damage and cloud certain plastics.

– Avoid excessively coarse sandpaper or sanding too vigorously, which can overly thin and weaken the plastic.

– Avoid applying concentrated solvents directly to bare plastic, as some solvents can soften or swell plastic. Instead, apply solvent only to the glue.

– Avoid scraping too aggressively and digging into plastic rather than solely removing glue.

– Avoid solvents and chemicals not specifically intended for cyanoacrylate glue removal. Household chemicals can damage plastic.

Carefully removing glue without digressing beyond the glue itself is key to avoiding plastic damage. Patience and using the proper plastic-safe methods is essential.

What Kind of Plastic is Safest to Use Solvents On?

Some plastics are more resistant to solvent damage than others when removing glues. The safest plastics for solvent use include:

Plastic Type	Solvent Resistance
Polycarbonate	Excellent
Acrylic	Excellent
ABS	Excellent
PVC	Good
Polypropylene	Good
Polystyrene	Poor
Plexiglass	Poor

The most solvent-resistant plastics are polycarbonate, acrylics, and ABS. PVC and polypropylene also fare well. Polystyrene and plexiglass are more prone to damage like cracking from solvent exposure.

Always test solvents on small, inconspicuous areas first. For more delicate plastics, rely more on freezing, dental floss, and scraping methods to avoid solvent damage. With care, these techniques can remove dried glue from even solvent-sensitive plastics safely.

Common Household Items That Can Remove Dried Super Glue

Many common household products can be effective at dissolving and removing dried cyanoacrylate glue:

– Acetone nail polish remover – Contains acetone solvent that dissolves super glue.

– Rubbing alcohol – The 90% isopropyl alcohol formulation softens glue bonds.

– White vinegar – Acetic acid in vinegar can break down super glue over time.

– Lemon juice – Contains citric acid that can react with and weaken super glue bonds.

– Vegetable oil – Oils help penetrate glue and loosen its grip on plastic.

– WD-40 lubricant – The petroleum distillates in WD-40 can dissolve cyanoacrylate glue.

– Hydrogen peroxide – The extra oxygen molecule interferes with cured glue molecules.

– Cooking oil – Like vegetable oil, cooking oils help seep into glue and swell it up.

– Window cleaner – Ammonia in window cleaners can dissolve some super glues.

Always spot test household products on the plastic before using them. While helpful dissolving glue, some contain chemicals that may damage plastic.

How to Prevent Super Glue from Drying on Plastic Surfaces

To avoid having to remove dried glue from plastics, it helps to take measures to prevent the glue from drying out and sticking in the first place:

– Avoid using too much glue by applying thin bonding drops rather than flooding the area. Excess glue has more surface to stick.

– Delay reassembly slightly to allow glue a few seconds to penetrate surfaces before parts bond. This prevents squeeze-out.

– Apply vegetable oil along glue seams using a cotton swab before gluing. The oil prevents glue contact with plastic.

– Separate bonded items gently rather than prying to reduce glue leftover on surfaces. Pull apart carefully.

– Clean up glue wet with acetone immediately before full curing. Don’t allow to dry on surfaces.

– Apply masking tape on plastic around the bond area prior to gluing. Removes easily along with any glue.

– Use a specialty plastic-safe cyanoacrylate debonder immediately after bonding while glue is still wet.

– Store bonded items allow connection points to avoid resting glued surfaces on other plastics.

Planning ahead helps minimize excess glue drying on plastics. But even using extreme care, some residual glue is hard to prevent. By mastering plastic-safe removal techniques, dried glue can still be removed without plastic damage.

Conclusion

Dried Gorilla Super Glue can be vexing to remove from plastic without causing damage. With patience and the proper techniques, however, it can be done. Plastic-safe solvents like acetone and isopropyl alcohol work to soften the glue and loosen its grip. Plastic dental floss can saw through rigid glue. Careful scraping with plastic tools, gentle sanding, and freezing also help remove the glue when done with a light touch. Avoiding metal tools and chemicals that can interact with plastics is key. The combination of freezing, solvent softening, and light scraping or sanding with plastic tools works on even the most stubborn dried glue. With some care and effort, you can remove Gorilla Super Glue from plastic without marring the surface.