Whether it is a broken chair, a shoe sole that has come off, or a damaged glass mug, you would probably get Gorilla Glue to the rescue! But regardless of the household or surface project repairs, you might expect more than just a messy workplace – tacky Gorilla Glue residues on your hands!
From then on, your next step is how to get Gorilla Glue off hands and get them smooth and clean again. However, removing Gorilla Glue from the skin is not always easy as a breeze since they dry and harden in seconds! But the good news is that exfoliation, oil, and other oil-based removers will do the trick.
Read on to check out the steps on how you can do this without a hitch!
Is Gorilla Glue Harmful to Your Skin?
First of all, can Gorilla Glue cause harmful effects on your skin? It is probably your utmost concern why you are taking it off your hands or skin hastily.
Like most super glues, Gorilla Glue contains Cyanoacrylate, which is the primary adhesive material for strong and fast-acting bonds.
According to the manufacturer’s safety guidelines, there are no known acute toxicity issues and significant hazards with Gorilla Glue with regard to skin contact. Thus, if you get a small amount of it on your skin, it is not really harmful and should not result in lasting damage. Washing it with plenty of water and soap will do.
However, Gorilla Glue may cause skin irritations or dermatitis such as rash or burns for people with allergies or sensitivity. Any contact with cotton or wool clothing may also result in an exothermic reaction, generating heat that can cause small blisters, burns, and redness. Should any of these happen to you, it is a must to see your doctor.
Different Methods to Get Gorilla Glue Off Skin or Hands
Now that you have learned about the possible effects of Gorilla Glue on your skin, the next question is: how do you get Gorilla Glue off your fingers or hands? You can try the following quick, easy, and safe methods for the best results.
Things You Will Need:
- Oil-based Materials and Removers
- Pumice stone
- Sugar or Salt
- Acetone or Nail Polish Remover
- WD-40
1st Method: Rub and Massage the Skin with Oil
Any oil-based material or remover can work with this method. This includes tea tree oil, castor oil, vegetable or cooking oil, olive oil, baby oil, oil-based makeup remover, Shea butter, petroleum jelly, coconut oil, and sunflower oil – these materials are gentle and safe to use on the skin.
All you need to do is simply apply oil to your hand and rub it in. Continue massaging it over the glue for a couple of minutes or until it softens and comes off eventually.
2nd Method: Exfoliate Gently
You might need to do some gentle and slow scrubbing to get rid of Gorilla Glue from your skin. You may use sugar or salt for this step. Apply some on top of the glue and rub it on your skin.
Pumice stone is also a good option and is more forgiving on the skin for effective exfoliation. However, this may not be applicable to people with sensitive skin or allergies.
3rd Method: Use Acetone
Perhaps, your next concern is, “how do I get Gorilla Glue off my fingers?”. Acetone or nail polish remover is one of the effective products to try although it may come with a few caveats. Too much application may result in skin dryness, irritation, and cracking, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Should you ever need to use this product (or if it is the last resort!), make sure to use only a small amount of it. Pour acetone into the cotton pad and rub it in your fingers. When the glue comes off, wash your fingers or hands with soap and water. You may apply some lotion to your skin for moisture.
4th Method: Apply WD-40
This all-around product has been a staple for many households because of its versatile removal properties. It can displace moisture and lubricate almost anything, making it an alternative option to eliminate Gorilla Glue from your hands.
Spray it directly to your skin or hands and rub it briskly until you feel the glue coming off. When it does, wash your hands with warm water and soap.
Additional Tips for Safe and Easy Removal
Gorilla Glue hardens much more quickly when exposed to water. However, if the Gorilla Glue is still fresh and you are able to catch it right away, you can clean it with warm water and dish soap.
But sometimes, it just does not come off your hands easily. When that happens, you may have to wait for a couple of days instead of using or applying harsh chemicals that may damage your skin. During this period, you can regularly apply oil or lotion to soften the glue until you can pull it out or it comes off easily.
What Not to Do When Removing Gorilla Glue Off Your Hands
When your hands or fingers are stuck with dried Gorilla Glue that does not seem to break off, you tend to try out different products and methods. However, it is crucial to know what you should and should not do when doing so.
- Avoid using harsh chemical products to remove the glue.
- Do not use abrasive tools as they may damage and irritate the skin.
- If you ever injure yourself during the process of removing the glue, do not apply chemicals and other removers to it. Wash it with soap and water immediately. Cover it with a bandage afterwards.
- Do not pull dried glue out of your skin forcefully to avoid blisters, injuries, and other skin damage.
- Do not use knives or any sharp objects to peel off the dried glue.
- Do not use wool or cotton gloves or clothing when using Gorilla Glue. This is due to an exothermic reaction that can cause heat, which will eventually lead to serious skin burns and injuries. Therefore, it is imperative to wear chemical-resistant clothing or equipment such as safety glasses and gloves.
Conclusion
To sum it up, following the ways on how to get Gorilla Glue off hands or skin involves the utmost precaution and the correct choice of products and tools. Keep in mind that this adhesive product contains chemical ingredients that may react with certain materials, and hence, may exacerbate skin irritations and issues.
Moreover, it is important to use the recommended steps and products to detach the glue from your hands safely and effectively. In this way, you can keep your hands free from glue residues and clean without any irritations or adverse effects.