How to Remove Gorilla Glue from Metal

Have you ever noticed how glue always seems to make its way onto unintended surfaces? Just like all other adhesives, Gorilla Glue is no exception with its resistant bond. We’ll show you how to remove Gorilla Glue from metal surfaces using a fundamental and advanced removal process.

There is a basic and a super glue form of Gorilla Glue, and both types are great tools for fixing many problems. While it does not stick as well to certain surfaces such as polypropylene and polyurethane, this strong adhesive has no problems sticking to metal hard surfaces.

That said, there are times when this glue needs removal, whether from an accidental spill or a project that has gone wrong.

While the basic formula takes time to dry and is relatively easy to remove, the super formula is a bit more tedious. Fortunately, many useful solutions loosen the bond of this glue from skin, metal, and other materials.

Ways to Remove Gorilla Glue from Metal Surfaces

Adhesives are terrific for holding things together. However, their sticking ability also makes them difficult to remove. Sometimes you need to know how to get super glue off a kitchen counter or other surface. Here are several ways to remove Gorilla Glue from metal for a clean surface.

One Way to Get Gorilla Glue off Metal

If it isn’t completely cured, the easiest way to get Gorilla Glue off metal is to use a bit of dish soap and warm water. This method works to clean vertical blinds and other surfaces and is most useful for removing basic glue from a metal countertop or work area.

Dish soap like Dawn, when combined with water and some vinegar, is an excellent homemade degreaser for metal pieces, too.

Add a couple of squirts of dish soap to a container of hot water and dunk a scrubbing sponge or toothbrush into the soapy water. Scrub the affected area using circular motions until the glue is gone. Rinse the spot with clean water and dry it with paper towels.

Try soap and water as the first way to get Gorilla Glue off hands and fingers, too.

Getting Gorilla Glue off Metal Surfaces with Nail Polish Remover

Fingernail polish remover that contains acetone is ideal for getting Gorilla Glue off metal surfaces and to clean Gorilla Glue off silver, as well as to remove Gorilla Glue from fingers. Nail polish remover is a common household item that dissolves the bond for simple removal.

Soak a large cotton ball with nail polish remover and rub it onto the glue spot or use it to remove spray paint from metal surfaces. If the stain is large, pour some of the liquid onto a washcloth and lay it over the area.

Leave the cotton or cloth in place for about ten minutes, and then use a scraper to peel away the adhesive. If glue remains, repeat the process once more. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a towel.

How to Remove Gorilla Glue from Metal with Goo Gone

To remove Gorilla Glue from metal without acetone, consider using a popular cleaner such as Goo Gone. This product removes sticky substances such as gum, glue, stickers, and adhesive, and it is available in many stores.

Spray the Goo Gone onto the spot of glue, let it sit for about three minutes, and then use a putty knife or blade to scrape away the bond gently.

To clean away residue, spray the cleaner over the area once more, wipe it with paper toweling, and rinse it with warm water.

Removing Gorilla Glue from Metal with Rubbing Alcohol

Another way to get Gorilla Glue off metal or dissolve Gorilla Glue from skin is to use isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol, a safer alternative to denatured alcohol. This liquid acts as a solvent to loosen the adhesive for effective glue removal.

To clean a small Gorilla Glue spot or get super glue off metal, dunk a cotton swab into a bottle of rubbing alcohol and rub it into the sticky surface to dissolve the glue.

For larger areas, pour some alcohol on a rag and clean the adhesive using a circular motion. After the stain is gone, rinse it with warm water and dry it thoroughly with paper towels.

Ways to Remove Gorilla Glue off Metal with Oils

If you’re having problems getting Gorilla Glue off metal surfaces, try using oil. Oils work well to soften the bond for quick removal, and any oil works, including baby oil and cooking oil.

Dampen a cloth with baby oil or cooking oil such as olive or coconut oil and rub it on the glue stain for a minute before spreading it over the affected area.

Allow the cooking oil to soak into the adhesive for about five minutes, then use the washcloth to scrub it clean. If you do not have any oil, try using a moisturizer or lotion.

Rinse the rag under warm water and squeeze a couple of drops of dish soap on the metal surface. Clean the area with the wet cloth to remove glue and oil residue and dry it with paper toweling.

You can also use oils for restoring rusted metal, such as on antiques or old tools.

Using Paint Thinner to Remove Gorilla Glue from Metal

If a straightforward technique doesn’t work to clean Gorilla Glue off metal, attempt using paint thinner. This strong solvent dissolves the adhesive and works well to clean away glue film and residue. It’s the perfect solution for getting off dried super glue from metal.

Apply some paint thinner to a piece of cotton and rub the dried glue using a circular motion. Discard the dirty cotton and use a new one soaked with the solvent as needed until the bond is gone.

After removing all of the glue, consider using a homemade galvanized steel cleaner to bring back its shine. Otherwise, put a couple of drops of dish soap onto a wet washcloth to clean away the paint thinner and glue residue, and dry the area with a paper towel.

Sanding Thick Spots of Gorilla Glue off Metal

Glue mishaps aren’t always small and easy to clean. If you have a thick or large patch of glue, an abrasive is often necessary to remove it from metal. However, this technique requires a bit of patience and elbow grease.

If the glue patch is thick, try using a razor blade’s edge to gently chip away the adhesive’s top layers. Use fine-grit sandpaper or pumice stone to sand the spot until it is near the metal surface.

After most of the glue is gone, make a soapy solution with hot water and a couple of squirts of dish soap.

Apply the cleaner to the affected area with a scrubbing sponge and clean the stain using circular motions. Rinse the metal material with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a towel.

Gorilla Glue has its purpose, and getting stuck to the wrong things is not one of them. While it seems impossible to remove, this adhesive is easier to clean away from metal than you may have thought, using the right cleaner and a little bit of patience.

Now that you know how to remove Gorilla Glue from metal for a clean and finished surface, why not share our glue removal solutions with your crafty circle of friends on Facebook and Pinterest?