From broken heels or cracks in shoes to fixing things up, it pays to be ready for any mishaps you can quickly mend using glue or adhesives. However, working with adhesives can be quite tricky. No matter how careful you are, spills can happen—leaving you with yet another problem to fix.
These little accidents can happen when working with adhesives. That’s why you need to be ready in case of spills on surfaces. You wouldn’t want to damage a wooden table in perfect shape, would you? Know how to remove adhesives and sealants off different surfaces. Below are three methods you can use to get rid of adhesive residue.
Three Approaches for Removing Adhesives
Generally, there are three ways you can remove adhesives: mechanical, chemical, and thermal. Here’s how they differ.
1. Mechanical
Using tools you may already have at home, such as paint scrapers, razor blades, and other scraping tools, you can then scuff away adhesive residue. Make sure to use these tools with care to prevent further damage.
2. Chemical
In this approach, you can use solvents to break down and blot adhesive properties to eliminate remnants. Before you grab any product, think about the surface material to be cleaned as different solvents are more effective on certain types of materials.
For example, oil-based products like cooking oil can get rid of adhesive properties on plastic surfaces and containers when you soak them for extended periods. Ensure to test any solvents on used clothing or towel before applying them to the affected fabric.
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3. Thermal
This method utilizes heat to eliminate adhesives. For instance, you can use a blow dryer to melt and dissolve glue or adhesives on glass materials before scraping it off (if still necessary). However, using the heat approach isn’t recommended for plastic products, and it’s best to exercise caution when using it on glass materials.
5 Ways to Remove Adhesives from Different Materials
Removing sticky and stubborn sealants and adhesive residue can be a pain, but it’s doable with the right approach and tools.
1. Metal
What you’ll need: Pure acetone/nail polish remover/hydrogen peroxide, scraping tool
Removing unwanted glue or industrial sealant on steel or any type of metal may seem like a tricky challenge at first. But it’s actually simpler than you might think. All you have to do is clean the surface and have a scraping tool and pure acetone on hand.
After cleaning the surface, use a piece of cloth or cotton ball and soak it in pure acetone or nail polish remover. Place the soaked cloth or cotton ball against the glue stain and hold until the glue breaks down. If you see some remnants left, scrape them using a plastic knife or a dull razor blade. Repeat the process if necessary.
For stubborn stains, you can use hydrogen peroxide and follow the same process. If you’re trying to clean metal surfaces in electrical or mechanical machineries, the Weicon Electro Contact Cleaner will get the job done easier and faster.
2. Rubber
What you’ll need: Acetone, spare toothbrush
First, try to remove as much of the adhesive as you can from the surface of the rubber with your fingers. Be careful not to scrape the rubber off with your fingernails. Then, wash the surface with soapy water and dry with a clean cloth.
Once you’ve removed the big pieces of adhesive, what’s left is the sticky residue. Put acetone on a clean piece of cloth and wipe it on the surface of the rubber, paying attention to areas where the adhesive is most sticky. Leave the acetone on the surface for about five to ten minutes, and then use the toothbrush to scrape off the remaining adhesive. Rinse and repeat until the adhesive is completely removed.
3. Wood
What you’ll need: Sandpaper, petroleum jelly
Whether you’ve accidentally left an adhesive patch on an untreated table or varnished furniture, all hope isn’t lost. You can still save the furniture easily.
For untreated wood, you can chafe the glue and then sand it carefully to remove the residue. But if you’re dealing with treated wood like your dining table or coffee table, try using petroleum jelly. Apply a thin layer of the product on the patch and leave it overnight. This should loosen the adhesive. Then, wipe it off and oil the wood if needed.
4. Plastic
What you’ll need: Cooking oil or vinegar
Removing adhesive from plastic materials can be challenging since the plastic can fade or melt if treated using the wrong method. One of the best ways to deal with unwanted glue on plastic is using vinegar or cooking oil.
After scuffing away the glue, you can eliminate the remnant by saturating the area with vinegar or oil. Before proceeding with this, try applying a small amount of solvent to a tiny area to check if there will be a reaction.
Let the product sit on the sticky part for several minutes. Then rub the part with a cloth, and you’ll see the residue slowly come off. Repeat as necessary and wash the plastic product clean.
5. Fabric
What you’ll need: Scraper, bleach mix
Before applying any solvent or stain remover, try to remove as much sticky remnant as you can using a scraper. For the leftover glue, soak the fabric in cold water first. Then mix your bleach solution with cold water and pour it over the affected area. Afterward, wash the garment as normal. If you find any patches left, start the process again. For stubborn residues, you can use an adhesive stain remover to eliminate any trace.
6. Glass
What you’ll need: Nail polish remover, petroleum jelly, oil-based products
Got unwanted adhesive on a glass surface? You can use various approaches to remove the adhesive. For example, you can use nail polish remover, petroleum jelly, cooking oil, or vinegar to get rid of the patch. Simply apply the product to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then wipe it clean and use a scraper to chafe off what’s left.
Alternatively, you can use warm water to get rid of the adhesive. First, soak the glass material in warm soapy water to loosen the glue. Then scrape off the remaining residue, if any.
Deal with Sticky Situations Wisely
Adhesive removal can be a lot of work, especially if you’re working on stubborn residue. The good thing is there are various effective stain- and adhesive-removal options you can try using tools you can find right in your home.
For your sealing needs, you can check out Simplex, the Philippines’ leading distributor of adhesives, sealants, and premium industrial and engineering parts. Browse the shop to see our range of available products.
