How to Remove Gorilla Glue From Skin – 13 Different Methods

How to Remove Gorilla Glue From Skin – 13 Different Methods

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Gorilla Glue is one of the best and toughest adhesives on the market today. It is always recommended when something breaks and needs to be mended, as it can stick to almost any surface. The glue is also very easy to mess, however, as if you accidentally spill some on your skin it can be difficult to remove because it dries so fast. In this article, we will reveal all you need to know about how to remove gorilla glue from skin.

Table of Contents

• 1 Is Gorilla Glue on Skin Harmful?
• 2 Removing Gorilla Glue From Your Skin
  • 2.1 Removing Wet or Tacky Gorilla Glue From Your Skin
  • 2.2 Removing Hardened or Dry Gorilla Glue From Your Skin
• 3 How to Remove Gorilla Glue From Fingers
• 4 Useful Tips When Working With Gorilla Glue
• 5 Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gorilla Glue on Skin Harmful?

Over the past two or three decades, adhesives have radically improved concerning viscosity and curing time. This means that if you accidentally get gorilla glue on your skin, it will begin to harden within seconds. This is due to its fast curing time, making it difficult and often painful to remove.

So, if it does come into contact with your skin, it is advisable to remove it immediately before it begins to cure. Another characteristic of Gorilla Glue is that once it has been applied to any surface, it penetrates deep into the pores of the material. This makes it unsafe if allowed to remain on your skin.

When dealing with this kind of adhesive, you need to take extra care, as it becomes waterproof when cured. Once it hardens, Gorilla Glue on skin can be seriously tough to take off. There is no problem removing glue from your skin if it is ordinary water-based glue. However, Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane adhesive, which is why you need to take extra care when working with it.

Removing Gorilla Glue From Your Skin

How to get gorilla glue off skin? As we have already discussed, time is of the essence when removing Gorilla Glue from your skin. Two scenarios can occur, when the glue is still wet and secondly when it has cured and become hard.

Removing Wet or Tacky Gorilla Glue From Your Skin

We will first deal with removing Gorilla Glue that is still wet. As you know by now, the glue sets rapidly, so this can be difficult to achieve. Here are some steps on how to get Gorilla Glue off skin that is still wet.

• You need to act quickly and remove the glue while it is still soft, this could be a matter of seconds
• Have paper towels or a clean cloth nearby, and wipe away as much of the soft glue from your skin as you possibly can
• Next, take some soap and water and wash the remaining glue residue away. Liquid soap like dishwashing liquid is best, as solid or bar soap can add friction.
• It is advisable to have a basin of water and liquid soap nearby
• After washing your hands with the soap and water and there is still some glue remaining, exfoliate your skin by rubbing it with some salt or sugar
• This process may dry out your skin, so you need to moisturize afterward

Removing Hardened or Dry Gorilla Glue From Your Skin

Maybe you have waited too long after spilling gorilla glue on your skin and it has hardened. There are various methods you can apply to remove the glue from your skin without harming your skin or causing pain.

Scrubbing Method

How to get Gorilla Glue off hands by scrubbing? You can use some coarse salt or sugar, which you can find around the house for this method. The most effective method is to use a pumice stone, as it a lot gentler on your skin than those other rough objects. However, if you have a very sensitive type of skin then you should avoid using this method. Below is the process you need to follow:

• Take some baby oil and apply it over the area where the glue is on your skin
• Rub the oil over the glue using a circular motion to soften the glue
• Use the pumice stone and scrub the affected area, but do not apply too much pressure as this may result in skin abrasions
• As soon as you see the glue beginning to flake, massage the area with your fingers until the glue starts coming off
• Once the glue has been completely removed, wash your hands in some warm soapy water. If you still find some glue sticking to your skin, you can repeat the process

Citrus Method

How to get Gorilla Glue off the skin using the citrus method? Any citrus fruit, like limes, grapefruit, oranges, or lemons, can be used for this method. We have found that lemons are the most effective. This makes use of natural and organic materials and has no dangerous chemicals. Also, this approach is affordable and easy to do. The acidic content in the lemons causes the glue to break down and can then be easily removed. However, if your skin has been damaged or broken you may experience a slight stinging effect. Below is the process you will need to follow:

• Take a kitchen knife and slice the lemon in half
• Squeeze the lemon to extract its juice into a bowl
• Rub the lemon juice over the area of hardened glue until you see it disintegrating
• Repeat this process if not effective the first time
• Once all the glue has been removed, wash the area in warm soapy water to remove the lemon juice
• If your skin is still stinging run some cold water over it

Acetone Method

Acetone is a colorless chemical compound that is used in many products, including household products like nail polish remover. Acetone is very effective in removing Gorilla Glue from your skin or any other surface and is regarded as the most effective method for this purpose. You need to take extra care as the acetone will dry your skin out, so you need to apply some moisturizer after using it on your skin. Below is the process you will need to follow:

• First, wash the affected area with some warm soapy water and leave the skin wet
• Pour some acetone on some cotton balls
• Use the cotton balls to rub over the affected area making circular movements to remove the Gorilla Glue
• Continue this process until you are satisfied that all the Gorilla Glue has been removed
• Now wash the area with warm soapy water including your hands
• As the acetone dries out your skin, you will need to apply some lotion to moisturize your skin again

Rubbing Alcohol Method

How to get Gorilla Glue off your hands using rubbing alcohol? Rubbing alcohol is very similar to acetone when removing Gorilla Glue from your fingers, as it breaks down the glue loosening it from your skin. You need to work gently and carefully trying to avoid tearing the skin and causing unnecessary pain. Below is the process you will need to follow:

• Take a deep enough bowl to cover your hands and fill it with some warm water
• Add a few drops of some liquid soap and mix until bubbles appear
• Submerge your fingers in the bowl
• Keep them in the warm water for at least 10 minutes to soften and loosen the glue
• If the glue has also been spilled on other parts of your hands or arms, soak a cloth in the warm soapy water and hold it over the affected area
• After soaking in the water, take a cotton swab and soak it in the rubbing alcohol
• Take the swab and rub it over the affected area until you notice the glue beginning to dissolve
• Wash your skin in some warm water and make sure you remove all the glue and alcohol residue
• As the alcohol dries out your skin, you need to apply some lotion to moisturize your skin again

Special Mixture Method

How to get Gorilla Glue off your hands with a special mixture? You can also make a special mixture to get the Gorilla Glue off your skin, and it only takes three ingredients and a few minutes to make it. You will need washing soda, liquid detergent, and vinegar or water. Below is the process to follow:

• Prepare a deep enough basin with warm water to cover your hands completely. This should be about 2 liters (2 Quarts)
• Now add ten percent of baking soda to the water
• Then add two percent liquid detergent
• Immerse your hands into the liquid and rub gently until the glue is removed
• Wash your hands in clean warm water

Vegetable Oil Method

After dealing with all the above aggressive materials when removing gorilla glue from your skin, you may find it unbelievable that ordinary cooking oil can also do the job. You will also find the same results when you use baby or almond oil. Below is the process you need to follow:

• Take a clean cloth or towel and pour some oil onto it
• Rub the skin gently where the glue is using a circular movement
• Leave the oil on the skin for a few minutes
• The dried glue will begin to peel off

WD-40 Method

WD-40 is an ordinary silicone-based cleaner and a very powerful product that removes grease, gum, sticker residue, and lots more. Also, it has been found to remove Gorilla Glue from your skin. Although, you will have to be careful when working with this product, as it can cause skin irritation and should not be inhaled. Only apply to the affected area on the glue and try to avoid skin contact. Below is the process you need to follow:

• Spray some of the WD-40 lubricant onto a clean cloth or towel
• Hold the towel against the affected area of your skin for a few minutes
• After you remove the towel the glue will start to peel off
• Repeat this process if it is not successful the first time

• Acts as a corrosion inhibitor to shield against moisture
• Frees and loosens sticky parts and mechanisms
• Removes grease, grime, and residue from various surfaces

Hand Lotion Method

How to get Gorilla Glue off hands using hand lotion? If you only have a small amount of Gorilla Glue on your skin or hands, the hand lotion method should be effective. This type of method will also work if you use petroleum jelly. Below is the process you need to follow:

• Apply some hand lotion to the affected area of your skin
• Leave it for a few minutes
• The glue should begin to peel off
• With this method, there is no need for moisturizing your skin afterward, as the hand lotion has already done the job

Razor and Shaving Cream Method

This method can be very effective in removing Gorilla Glue from your skin, but it needs to be on a flat surface of your skin. This is the process you need to follow:

• Put some warm water in a small bowl
• Apply shaving cream over the affected area where the dry glue is
• Dip your razor into the warm water
• Now shave or scrape the dried glue off your skin taking care not to cut the skin
• Wash the area with clean soapy water

Goo Gone Method

Goo Gone is a very safe and easy way to remove Gorilla Glue from your skin and does so without causing any pain. Not only that it is also excellent for removing sticker residue, chewing gum, and many other uses around the house. Below is the process you need to follow:

• Soak some cotton balls in the Goo Gone solution or simply apply it to a paper towel or clean cloth
• Now put the cotton balls or towel on the affected area of your skin and wait for a few minutes
• You will now be able to easily wipe the softened glue off your skin

• Removes the Adhesive without harming your surface
• Try it on stickers, wax, markers, crayons, glue, tar, window decals, glitter, gum and so on
• Safe to use

How to Remove Gorilla Glue From Fingers

Knowing how to remove Gorilla Glue from fingers is a little more difficult, especially if you have glued your fingers together. If you are ever in this situation never try to force your glued fingers apart, as you can easily tear your skin and can be painful. Here are some methods you can use to separate your fingers without causing any damage or pain:

Using Acetone or Nail Polish Remover

• Take a small container and fill it with some acetone or nail polish remover
• Now immerse your fingers into the solution
• Keep it there for at least three minutes
• Remove your fingers from the solution and using the fingernail of your other hand try to pry the fingers apart
• If this is not successful repeat the process until your fingers are free
• Now that the glue is soft, use some exfoliating cream or lotion to remove the dried glue
• If you do not have any exfoliating product available, use some salt, sugar, and cooking oil
• Wash your hands with some warm soapy water and apply some moisturizer

TIP: When applying the Gorilla Glue rather use a cotton swab and avoid the danger of getting your fingers stuck together.

Using a Pen or Pencil

Insert a pen or pencil between you are your fingers where they are joined and simply roll the pen or pencil forward, This will apply pressure to the glue forcing your fingers apart.

Useful Tips When Working With Gorilla Glue

To keep your hands and fingers from harm when handling Gorilla Glue, here are some helpful tips to keep you safe without the concern of trying to get the glue off your skin before it causes damage.

• To ensure your hands, fingers and skin remain safe; wear protective gloves and protective clothing to cover your arms
• Always have a clean cloth or towel nearby so that you can wipe off any spills before the glue hardens
• If all the above methods fail, you can try using a knife or scraper to scrape off the glue
• You can simply leave the glue on your skin and over two to four days it will automatically peel off, as your skin renews itself
• Ensure the cap remains tightly shut when not in use to avoid the glue spilling onto your skin

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Will Gorilla Glue Take to Harden?

Gorilla Glue starts to dry within seconds and is completely dry within minutes, so try to remove it from your skin as soon as possible.

Will Gorilla Glue Solvent Dissolve the Glue?

To dissolve it from your skin, warm soapy water works well if caught soon enough. Otherwise, acetone is the best Gorilla Glue solvent to use.

How Can I Prevent Dripping Gorilla Glue on my Skin?

Use protective wear like gloves and long sleeve shirts. Always keep the cap on the tube when not in use. Use toothpicks or cotton buds to apply the glue instead of your fingers.

Is Gorilla Glue Toxic?

Gorilla Glue is not toxic on your skin, but there are toxic chemicals in its formulation that are harmful to your health if you inhale them. If the glue is swallowed it will swell and foam in your stomach, so extra care needs to be taken with children and animals nearby.

In this guide, we have given you all the methods for trying to remove Gorilla Glue from your skin. All you need to do is choose the one that suits you or that works best for you. Remember, that any damage done to your skin is not permanent and you can easily remove it immediately before it hardens.