Removing Super Glue
Super Glue
is renowned the world over for the strength of its bonds, it versatility of use,
and easy application. Whether a hole needs a
seal or a crack needs repairing, Super Glue is the first thing that
craftspersons, hobbyists, and contractors use for all their construction or
repair needs.
Because Super
Glue is so strong and bonds so fast, some people may find that they have
accidentally glued two fingers together, or found that that small piece of balsa
wood or plastic from a model they were building has completely bonded to their
skin! Not to worry, for even though Super Glue is incredibly strong, it has one
weakness: acetone.
Acetone is often
found in household nail polish remover, and a small amount on the end of a Q-tip
or cotton swab applied directly to the glue should dissolve the bond without
damaging the skin. Be very cautious in gently peeling the skin apart as in
removing a bandage from the skin; pulling the skin apart may rip the skin! Read
the label to make sure that the remover actually contains acetone, as more and
more manufacturers are turning away from the chemical because of the growing
popularity of acrylic nails (which are loosened by acetone).
Be careful
- straight acetone will discolor a number of fabrics and can mar the finish of
laminated counter tops (mainly the darker colored ones). Straight Acetone defats
the skin; wash with soap and water after use and apply hand lotion to replenish
the skin and remove any dryness effects.
Use acetone sparingly and
cautiously with these tips in the following situations:
Use acetone and an old toothbrush, reapplying the acetone a number of times
and brushing to remove it layer-by-layer. Work on outside and then on
inside. May not come off entirely. - .
Use acetone to soften glue and then start working at the glue. Brush,
scrape, shave, peel, sand or whatever mechanical means is available to work
the glue off. Reapply acetone and continue to work at the glue.
Standard Super Glue is not recommended to be used for glass bonding
applications. If bonded, soak in water until parts come apart.
The best
suggestion is to properly cover your work area with metal foil before use - and
always work with Super Glue and other adhesives in a well-ventilated area!
Should Super Glue
bond to any body part where acetone should not be applied, such as the lips or
eyes, the following steps will help you get out of any sticky situation!
Immerse bonded areas in warm, soapy water. Peel or roll skin apart; a
spatula or teaspoon handle or even a pencil will help. Remove cured adhesive
with warm, soapy water (may take several applications). Fingernail polish
remover with an acetone base has also been successful for removal of cured
adhesive from skin.
If lips are accidentally stuck together, apply
a generous amount of warm water and encourage maximum wetting and pressure
from saliva from inside the mouth. Peel or roll (do not pull) lips apart. It
is almost impossible to swallow the adhesive as a liquid. The adhesive
solidifies upon contact with saliva (moisture) and could adhere to the
inside of the mouth. Saliva will lift the adhesive in 1-2 days, avoid
swallowing the adhesive after detachment.
In the event that eyelids are stuck together
or bonded to the eyeball, wash thoroughly with warm water and apply a gauze
patch. The eye will open without further action within 1-4 days. To our
knowledge there has never been a documented case of adhesive in the eye
causing permanent damage. Do not try to force eyes open.
The adhesive will attach itself to the eye protein and will disassociate
from it over time, usually within several hours. Periods of weeping and
double vision may be experienced until clearance is achieved. Use of a
warmed 3% sodium bicarbonate solution to wash eyes repeatedly may assist in
aiding more rapid removal of the adhesive.
WE SUGGEST THAT ALL INCIDENTS OF EYE EXPOSURE TO
CYANOACRYLATE ADHESIVE (SUPER GLUE) BE
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