How To Remove Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate) From Hands (or other objects)

Remove Super Glue with a Releaser, or "De-Bonder"

Super glue, officially called cyanoacrylate bonds to your hands and just about anything else it comes into contact with. It can irritate the skin when it dries and creates a general nuisance.

Make it a point when you buy super glue (also called "crazy glue") to also buy a solvent. A company named "Goof Off" manufactures Cyanoacrylate De-Bonder.

Some Safety Precautions when Using Cyanoacrylate Glues

When using super glue debonder, follow the precautions on the back of the container. As when you use super glue, make sure you do so in a well-ventilated area.

If you use it to remove crazy glue from your skin, follow the instructions on the container, which generally include washing the skin immediately after use.

Featured Product
Super Glue Remover

Super Glue remover can be a lifesaver when bits get glued together that you didn't want bonded. It's also great for cleaning Cyanoacrlate (Super Glue) from your hands.

What to Use if You Don't Have Super Glue De-Bonder on Hand

In a pinch, you can try using 100% acetone. Fingernail polish remover contains some acetone, but it may not be concentrated enough to break a crazy glue bond. For small spills like on furniture or countertops, fingernail polish remover containing acetone may be useful in removing cyanoacrylate glue if you can let it sit for 20-30 minutes.

As with any chemical, heed the precautions on the container or on its corresponding Materials Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS.

Some emergency hotlines suggest removing super glue with vegetable oil for skin-to-skin bonding of fingers. Those using this technique report mixed success.

Some users have reported successful removal of Cyanoacrylate glue by applying lighter fluid. Naturally, it's flammable, so keep this away from flame or heat sources.

When trying to remove super glue with anything other than a de-bonder specifically designed for this purpose, keep in mind that this may have negative effects on the materials to which it's applied. Test on a small area before using it more liberally.

Prevention Provides the Best Cure

The best way not to have super glue on your hands or other objects is to avoid getting it on anything you don't want to glue in the first place. Wear latex gloves to avoid skin contact. Put newspaper or other disposable coverings under what you're gluing.

While this may seem very obvious, typically when I get glue on my fingers, it's a result of poor planning and lack of precaution on my part. Few things are more embarrassing than going into a business meeting with your hands covered in dried crazy glue or dried out from using super glue de-bonder.

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