Gorilla Glue is renowned for its exceptional adhesive properties, making it a popular choice for various projects and repairs. However, the fast-drying nature of Gorilla Glue can pose challenges when it comes to accidental contact with the skin.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps I use to remove Gorilla Glue from the skin. I’ve had my fair share of mishaps, so I’ll share some effective methods and techniques that work for both wet and hardened glue, drawing on my own experience.
Is Gorilla Glue on Skin Harmful?
Gorilla Glue can have adverse effects when in contact with the skin due to its strong bonding capabilities. Immediate glue removal prevents it from curing and penetrating deeper into the skin.
Removing the glue can result in discomfort, irritation, and potentially more severe skin issues. When Gorilla Glue comes into contact with the skin, it starts to form a bond due to the moisture on its surface. As the glue cures and hardens, it becomes more challenging to remove.
In some cases, Gorilla Glue can cause skin irritation, redness, and even chemical burns. Therefore, it is essential to take quick action to remove the glue before it fully sets.
Removing Wet or Tacky Gorilla Glue From Your Skin
Quick Actions for Removing Wet Glue
Whenever I spot that wet or tacky Gorilla Glue on my skin, I know speed is of the essence. It’s crucial to move quickly to limit how much it dries, avoiding a stronger bond. I’m going to share some prompt measures that I always take:
1. Avoid spreading the glue
Immediately stop any activity that might extend the bond to other parts of your skin or clothing.
2. Wipe away excess glue
Use a paper towel or cloth to gently wipe away as much wet glue as possible. Be careful not to spread the bond further.
Steps to Remove Wet Gorilla Glue from the Skin
Once I’ve taken those immediate steps I mentioned before, here’s how I usually go about getting wet Gorilla Glue off my skin:
1. Wipe away excess glue with paper towels or cloth
Gently blot or wipe the affected area to remove any remaining wet glue. Avoid rubbing, as it can push the glue further into the skin.
2. Wash the affected area with warm water with soap
Use mild soap and warm water to cleanse the skin gently. Rub the soapy water over the glue to help loosen its grip. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
3. Exfoliate the skin with salt or sugar if residue remains
If residue remains left on the skin after washing, mix salt or sugar with a small amount of water to form a paste. Gently rub the paste onto the affected area using circular motions. This exfoliation helps remove the remaining glue residue.
4. Moisturize the skin after the process
Rinse off the exfoliating paste and pat the skin dry. Apply a gentle moisturizer to replenish lost moisture and restore the skin’s natural balance.
Getting Rid of Dry or Hardened Gorilla Glue
If I’m dealing with hardened Gorilla Glue on my skin, I switch tactics because it’s a whole different ballgame compared to wet glue. Let me share with you a few methods that I’ve found to be effective:
Scrubbing Method
The scrubbing method involves using baby oil and an abrasive substance to break down and remove hardened Gorilla Glue.
1. Apply baby oil to the glued area
Dampen a clean cloth and gently apply it to the affected area. Allow the oil to soak into the glue for a few minutes.
2. Rub in a circular motion using a pumice stone or salt/sugar
Mix a pumice stone or salt or sugar with water to form a gritty paste. Use the pumice stone or the paste to scrub the hardened glue in a circular motion. Be gentle to avoid damaging the skin.
3. Massage the area to remove loosened glue
After a good scrub, I like to gently massage the area. It helps break down the glue residue even more, making it easier to remove from the skin.
4. Wash hands with warm soapy water and repeat if necessary
Rinse off the oil, glue residue, and any remaining abrasive substance with warm soapy water. If the glue is not entirely removed, repeat the process until the skin is clean.
Citrus Method
I often turn to the citrus method, using lemon juice because its natural acids are great at breaking down the hardened glue.
1. Use lemon juice to break down the hardened glue
Saturate a cotton ball or a clean cloth with lemon juice. Apply it to the affected area and gently rub the glue in a circular motion. The acidic properties of lemon juice help weaken the glue bonds.
2. Rub the affected area with lemon juice until disintegration occurs
Continue rubbing the lemon juice onto the glue until it disintegrates and peels away from the skin.
3. Rinse with warm soapy water and cold water if skin stings
Once the glue has been successfully removed, rinse the area with warm soapy water to cleanse the skin. If the skin feels irritated or stings, rinse with cold water to soothe discomfort.
Acetone Method
I’ve found that acetone, which you’ll usually find in nail polish removers, is really effective at dissolving hardened Gorilla Glue.
1. Rinse the area with warm soapy water
Clean the affected area with warm soapy water to remove dirt or debris.
2. Apply acetone on cotton and rub the affected area in circular motions
Saturate a cotton ball with acetone and gently rub it on the glue. The acetone will help break down the adhesive properties of the bond.
3. Repeat until all Gorilla Glue is removed
Continue applying acetone and rubbing the affected area until the glue is completely dissolved and removed from the skin.
4. Rewash Your Skin and Moisturize to Soothe it From Acetone's Drying Effect
After removing the glue, rinse the area with warm soapy water to remove any residual acetone. Apply a moisturizer to replenish the skin’s moisture, as acetone can have a drying effect.
Rubbing Alcohol Method
In my experience, if acetone is too harsh or just not available, rubbing alcohol can be a good alternative for tackling hardened Gorilla Glue on the skin.
1. Soak fingers in warm soapy water
Prepare a bowl and soak the affected fingers for a few minutes to soften the glue.
2. Submerge fingers in rubbing alcohol after soaking
Remove the fingers from the warm soapy water and submerge them in rubbing alcohol. Allow the alcohol to penetrate the glue for a few minutes.
3. Rub the affected area until the glue dissolves
Gently rub the glued area with a clean cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. The alcohol helps break down the adhesive properties of the bond.
4. Wash the skin thoroughly and moisturize afterward
Rinse the area with warm soapy water to remove any remaining glue or alcohol. Later, apply a moisturizer to prevent skin dryness.
Special Mixture Method
A mixture of warm water, baking soda, and liquid detergent can effectively remove hardened Gorilla Glue.
1. Prepare a mixture of warm water, baking soda, and liquid detergent
Combine warm water with a small amount of baking soda and liquid detergent in a bowl. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
2. Immerse hands in the mixture and gently rub to remove the glue
Immerse the affected hands or skin in the prepared mixture and gently rub the glued area. The combination of baking soda and detergent helps break down the adhesive properties of the glue.
3. Wash hands with clean, warm water
After removing the glue, rinse the hands with clean, warm water to remove any residue from the mixture.
Vegetable Oil Method
Vegetable oil can help soften and remove hardened Gorilla Glue from the skin.
1. Pour oil on a cloth or towel and rub the affected area
Pour a small amount of vegetable oil onto a cloth or towel and gently rub it on the glued area. Allow the oil to sit on the glue for a few minutes.
2. Allow the oil to sit for a few minutes
Let the oil penetrate the glue for a few minutes to soften it.
3. Peel off the softened glue
After the oil has softened the adhesive, gently peel off the glue from the skin using your fingers or a clean cloth.
WD-40 Method
WD-40, a multipurpose lubricant, can remove hardened Gorilla Glue from the skin.
1. Spray WD-40 onto a clean cloth or towel
Spray a small amount of WD-40 onto a clean cloth or towel. Be cautious not to overspray or apply it directly to the skin.
2. Apply the towel to the affected area and wait
Place the cloth or towel with the WD-40 onto the glued area and allow it to sit for a few minutes. The WD-40 will help loosen the glue.
3. Peel off the glue once it starts to loosen
After the WD-40 has had time to soften the adhesive, gently peel off the glue from the skin using your fingers or a clean cloth.
4. Repeat if necessary, but exercise caution due to potential skin irritation
If glue remains, repeat the process. However, be mindful of possible skin irritation and discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.
Hand Lotion Method
I’ve also learned that using a bit of hand lotion or petroleum jelly can work wonders to loosen and lift away hardened Gorilla Glue from the skin. It’s a gentler method I often resort to.
1. Apply hand lotion or petroleum jelly to the glue
Apply layers of hand lotion or petroleum jelly [1] directly to the hardened glue. Allow it to sit on the bond for a few minutes.
2. Allow it to sit for a few minutes:
Let the hand lotion or petroleum jelly penetrate the glue and soften it.
3. Peel off the glue without needing moisturizing afterward
After softening the glue, gently peel it off the skin using your fingers or a clean cloth. The hand lotion or petroleum jelly should prevent the glue from re-adhering to the skin, eliminating the need for additional moisturizing.
Razor and Shaving Cream Method
A razor and shaving cream can help scrape dried Gorilla Glue off the skin.
1. Wet the area with warm water
Wet the dried glue with warm water to soften it slightly.
2. Apply shaving cream to the dry glue
Apply a layer of shaving cream directly onto the dried glue. The shaving cream will act as a lubricant for the razor.
3. Use a razor to scrape off the dried glue carefully
With gentle pressure, use a razor to scrape off the dried glue from the skin carefully. Be cautious not to cut or irritate the skin.
4. Wash the area with soapy water
Rinse the area with warm soapy water to remove residual shaving cream and glue residue.
Goo Gone Method
Goo Gone is a commercial adhesive remover that removes dried Gorilla Glue from the skin.
1. Soak cotton balls in Goo Gone solution or apply it to a paper towel or cloth
Saturate cotton balls in a Goo Gone solution or apply Goo Gone to a paper towel or cloth.
2. Apply the cotton balls or towel on your skin
Lay the Goo Gone-soaked cotton balls or towel on the glued area and let them sit for a few minutes. It allows the Goo Gone to penetrate and loosen the adhesive.
3. Wipe off the softened glue
After the Goo Gone has had time to work, gently wipe off the softened glue using a clean cloth or paper towel.
4. Clean the skin with warm soapy water
Wash the skin with warm soapy water to remove any residue from the Goo Gone.
How to Remove Gorilla Glue From Fingers
Using Acetone or Nail Polish Remover
When I need to remove Gorilla Glue from my fingers, I usually reach for acetone or nail polish remover. They work effectively to get the job done.
1. Fill a container with acetone or nail polish remover
Pour acetone or nail polish remover into a container deep enough to soak your fingers fully.
2. Immerse fingers in the solution for at least three minutes
Place your fingers in the container, ensuring that the glued areas are fully submerged. Leave them in the solution for at least three minutes to allow the acetone to dissolve the glue.
3. Use your other fingernail to separate your fingers
After soaking, use the fingernail of your other hand to poke the glued fingers apart gently. Be cautious and gentle to avoid any injury.
4. Remove dried glue with an exfoliating cream or a mixture of sugar, salt, and cooking oil
If there is any remaining dried glue, apply an exfoliating cream or a combination of salt, sugar, and cooking oil. Gently rub the mixture onto the adhesive to help remove it.
5. Wash hands and moisturize
Thoroughly rinse your hands with warm soapy water to remove any residue. Finally, wet your hands to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
Using a Pen or Pencil
If only a small area of your fingers is glued together, you can use a pen or pencil to separate them.
Lodge a pen or pencil between the glued fingers and roll it forward to apply pressure, separating the fingers. Slowly and carefully maneuver the pen or pencil until the glue bond is broken, allowing the fingers to be separated.
Tips to Note When Using Gorilla Glue
Wearing gloves and clothing
When working with Gorilla Glue, wearing disposable gloves and protective clothing can help prevent direct contact with the skin.
Promptly wiping off spills before it hardens
If Gorilla Glue spills onto the skin, promptly wipe it off with a cloth or paper towel before it dries and forms a strong bond.
Using alternative application methods to avoid contact with the skin
Consider using brushes, applicators, or other tools to apply Gorilla Glue instead of direct finger contact, reducing the risk of skin exposure.
Other tips to consider for safe handling
Ensure proper ventilation in the working area to minimize inhalation of fumes. Read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for safe and effective use of Gorilla Glue. Store Gorilla Glue in a secure location away from children and pets.
Conclusion
Removing Gorilla Glue from the skin can be challenging but not impossible. Prompt action prevents the glue from fully curing and penetrating deeper into the skin.
Following the methods and techniques outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can effectively remove wet and hardened Gorilla Glue from your skin.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
