What dissolves dried Gorilla Glue?

Gorilla Glue is a popular brand of polyurethane-based adhesive known for its incredibly strong bonding power. However, this also makes it notoriously difficult to remove once dried, especially from skin and surfaces. Thankfully, there are several solvents and methods that can be used to dissolve dried Gorilla Glue.

Acetone

One of the most effective solvents for breaking down dried Gorilla Glue is acetone, which is found in nail polish remover. The acetone molecules are able to penetrate the polyurethane polymers in Gorilla Glue, causing them to swell and break apart. This allows the glue to be scraped or peeled away more easily.

To use acetone on dried Gorilla Glue:

• Purchase a bottle of 100% acetone nail polish remover. Avoid acetone-free nail polish removers as these will not work.
• Soak a cotton ball or pad with the acetone and press it against the glue residue. Allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes.
• Gently scrape at the glue with a plastic scraper, credit card, or your fingernail to help lift it away.
• Reapply more acetone and scrape again until all glue residue is gone.
• Wash the area with soap and water when finished to remove any remaining acetone.

Acetone is effective at dissolving Gorilla Glue, but it can also damage or dull the finish on some plastics, varnishes, and painted surfaces. Test acetone on an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility.

Goo Gone

Goo Gone is an adhesive remover gel that can be useful for tackling dried Gorilla Glue. It contains d-limonene, a natural citrus oil solvent, along with other ingredients to break down glue bonds.

To use Goo Gone on Gorilla Glue:

• Apply a generous amount of Goo Gone gel to the dried glue and let it soak in for 5-10 minutes.
• Scrape off any loosened glue with a plastic scraper.
• Reapply Goo Gone and scrape repeatedly until all residue is removed.
• Wipe the area clean with a dry cloth followed by warm, soapy water to remove the citrus oil residue.

Goo Gone is safer than acetone for use on more delicate materials like plastics, painted surfaces, and varnishes. However, it may take more applications and scraping to fully remove Gorilla Glue.

WD-40

WD-40 is another solvent option for tackling dried Gorilla Glue. The main solvent in WD-40 is a petroleum distillate called aliphatic hydrocarbons. When sprayed on glue residue, WD-40 can soften and loosen the bonds.

To use WD-40 on Gorilla Glue:

• Spray liberally over the dried glue and let it penetrate for 10-15 minutes.
• Gently scrape at the glue with a plastic scraper to peel it up.
• Spray and scrape repeatedly until all glue is removed.
• Wipe down the area with a dry cloth followed by warm, soapy water to remove oily residue.

WD-40 is safe for use on all surfaces. However, the petroleum solvents can stain porous materials or painted surfaces if not fully cleaned up afterwards. WD-40 may also require more applications than stronger solvents like acetone.

Vegetable Oil/Cooking Oil

Using cooking oils like vegetable, canola, or olive oil is a more gentle way to dissolve Gorilla Glue. The oils are able to slowly penetrate and swell the glue bonds over time, allowing the residue to be mechanically scraped away. Oils can be used safely even on skin.

To use cooking oils on dried Gorilla Glue:

• Generously apply the vegetable/cooking oil over the glue residue.
• Allow the oil to soak in for at least 1-2 hours, replenishing if it gets absorbed.
• Gently work at the softened glue by rubbing, rolling, or scraping to remove it.
• Repeat oil applications and scraping until all residue is gone.
• Clean the area with dish soap and warm water to remove oily residue.

Cooking oils are very safe and effective at dissolving Gorilla Glue with patience over time. The downside is oils require longer soaking times compared to stronger solvents.

Hot Water

Hot water can also help soften and gradually swell dried Gorilla Glue bonds. With repeated hot water applications and scraping, the glue can slowly be removed.

To use hot water on Gorilla Glue:

• Bring a bowl/pot of water to a boil, then let it cool slightly so it is very hot but not boiling.
• Submerge the glued item into the hot water and let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
• Remove and gently scrape at the glue to peel up softened pieces.
• Repeat hot water soaking and scraping until it is all removed.
• Use a dry cloth followed by soap and water to remove any glue residue.

Hot water is very safe and accessible. But it requires repeating the hot water treatments multiple times to fully dissolve dried Gorilla Glue, which can be time consuming.

Isopropyl Alcohol

For removing Gorilla Glue from skin or sensitive materials, isopropyl alcohol is another option. Isopropyl alcohol can slowly penetrate the glue bonds and cause swelling. With repeated applications it will dissolve the glue.

To use isopropyl alcohol:

• Pour some isopropyl alcohol 70% or greater concentration into a small bowl.
• Soak a cotton pad with the alcohol and press it against the glue residue.
• Let it soak for 10-15 minutes, reapplying alcohol as needed.
• Gently roll, peel, or scrape at the glue to remove softened pieces.
• Repeat alcohol applications and scraping until it is gone.
• Rinse skin with water when finished.

Isopropyl alcohol takes more applications than stronger solvents, but is safer and more accessible. It can be used on bare skin unlike other solvents.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

For eco-friendly removal, baking soda and vinegar can work together to dissolve Gorilla Glue. Baking soda helps gently abrade the glue, while vinegar swells and softens the bonds.

To use baking soda and vinegar:

• Sprinkle baking soda generously over the dried glue.
• Spray or drizzle vinegar over the baking soda until it foams up.
• Let the foaming reaction sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Wipe or scrape away any loosened glue pieces.
• Repeat applications of baking soda and vinegar until glue is fully removed.
• Wipe clean with a dry cloth and soapy water.

Baking soda and vinegar take more effort than solvents but are non-toxic and safe for all surfaces. They can be used repeatedly as needed to dissolve the Gorilla Glue.

Conclusion

Dried Gorilla Glue is difficult but not impossible to remove with the right solvents and techniques. Acetone and Goo Gone work quickly to dissolve the polyurethane polymers. Oils, hot water, isopropyl alcohol, and baking soda with vinegar are safer options that take more applications but will also get the job done. With some scrubbing and patience, you can conquer dried Gorilla Glue.

Comparison Table of Gorilla Glue Removal Methods

Method	Time Required	Safety	Effectiveness
Acetone	5-10 minutes	Not safe for all surfaces	Very effective
Goo Gone	10-15 minutes	Safe for most surfaces	Very effective
WD-40	10-15 minutes	Safe for all surfaces	Moderately effective
Cooking Oil	1-2 hours	Very safe	Moderately effective
Hot Water	15-30 minutes per treatment	Very safe	Moderately effective
Isopropyl Alcohol	15-20 minutes per treatment	Safe for skin	Moderately effective
Baking Soda & Vinegar	15-30 minutes per treatment	Very safe	Least effective

As shown in the table, acetone and Goo Gone provide the fastest way to dissolve Gorilla Glue with high effectiveness. But they may not be suitable for all surfaces. Oils, hot water, alcohol, and baking soda with vinegar take more applications but are safer options.

Tips for Removing Gorilla Glue

Follow these tips when trying to remove dried Gorilla Glue for best results:

• Test your removal method on a small hidden area first to ensure surface compatibility.
• Try to remove Gorilla Glue as soon as possible while still wet for easiest removal.
• Gently heat glued surfaces with a hairdryer before applying solvents to help penetration.
• Use scrapers made of plastic or wood rather than metal to avoid scratching.
• Repeat applications of your chosen solvent and gently scrape repeatedly.
• Wash surfaces thoroughly after removal to eliminate any solvent residue.
• For skin contact, use vegetable oil or isopropyl alcohol and gently roll glue off.

How to Avoid Dried Gorilla Glue

While dried Gorilla Glue can be removed with effort, it is better to try to avoid the problem in the first place by following these tips:

• Carefully apply Gorilla Glue using small amounts only where needed.
• Clamp glued items together firmly for the full curing time.
• Wipe up any excess Gorilla Glue immediately with a dry cloth.
• Keep Gorilla Glue capped tightly when not in use to avoid accidental spills.
• Clean up glue from surfaces before it has dried using moistened cloths.
• When using on skin, apply petroleum jelly as a barrier around areas first.

Paying close attention when applying Gorilla Glue and cleaning up thoroughly afterwards will help avoid having to later deal with stubborn dried glue bonding to surfaces.

When to Call for Professional Help

In some cases, Gorilla Glue residue may be so extensive or in such a sensitive area that professional help is needed for removal. Consider calling an experienced contractor for assistance if:

• The dried Gorilla Glue covers a very large surface area.
• It is adhered strongly to a porous or delicate surface.
• Your own removal attempts have caused damage.
• The glue is in a dangerous or difficult to reach location.
• Time and efficiency are important concerns.

Professionals have commercial-strength solvents, steam machines, scrapers, and protective equipment that can safely dissolve Gorilla Glue without harming surfaces. They can efficiently tackle even the most stubborn glue residue situations.

Common Questions About Removing Gorilla Glue

Does WD-40 remove Gorilla Glue?

Yes, WD-40 can be used to remove dried Gorilla Glue. Its solvents are able to soften and swell the glue over time. Repeated applications and scraping will gradually dissolve the Gorilla Glue.

What solvent removes Gorilla Glue from skin?

Cooking oils and isopropyl alcohol are the safest solvents for removing dried Gorilla Glue from skin. Generously apply the oil or alcohol and let it soak in for 10-15 minutes. Gently roll and peel at the glue to remove it slowly.

What about using vinegar to remove Gorilla Glue?

White vinegar can help soften and swell dried Gorilla Glue bonds. It works best when combined with baking soda. The foaming reaction helps break down the glue. Soak and scrub repeatedly with vinegar and baking soda to dissolve the glue fully.

Will nail polish remover take off Gorilla Glue?

Yes, nail polish remover containing 100% pure acetone will effectively dissolve dried Gorilla Glue. Soak a cotton pad in the acetone and keep it pressed against the glue for 5+ minutes. Then scrape off the softened glue.

Can you use gasoline to remove Gorilla Glue?

Gasoline should not be used to remove Gorilla Glue due to its flammability and toxicity. Safer and more effective solvents are available such as acetone, Goo Gone, WD-40, cooking oils, and isopropyl alcohol.

Never use gasoline indoors or near flames or sparks. It can ignite easily and cause dangerous chemical inhalation.

In Conclusion

Removing dried Gorilla Glue can be a challenge due to its strong adhesive bonding. But with some potent solvents and thorough scraping, even this tough glue can be conquered. For best and safest results, act quickly while the glue is still wet. But even hardened glue residue will eventually yield to acetone, Goo Gone, oils, hot water, alcohol or baking soda and vinegar. With some strategic cleaning methods, you can remove Gorilla Glue from virtually any surface.