How To Remove Super Glue From Your Nails

If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you’ll know that super glue is one of the strongest adhesives, making it ideal for a wide range of projects, from wood and plastic to rubber and paint. However, because it’s so sticky, it tends to get everywhere.

So, what do you do when you get glue on your hands and nails? Luckily, there are several easy ways to remove super glue from fingernails.

Super Glue Vs Nail Adhesives

While nail glue and super glue are both adhesives used to bond things together, there are some key differences between the two.

• Nail glue is specifically tested to be safe for use on nails, such as fixing broken nails or attaching acrylic nails to your natural ones.
• Super glue is a multipurpose adhesive used to permanently and tightly bond materials together that is not recommended to be used on skin.

Super glue isn’t recommended for use on fake nails, as it contains harsh chemicals that can damage the skin. Some of the chemicals in super glue have a toxic odour, which can also cause respiratory issues if breathed in for too long.

Another risk of using super glue on your nails is that if you have an injury, it can cause chemical burns or infection around the injury, leading to lifelong sensitivity in the area.

It can also be very challenging to remove super glue from skin due to its strong adhesive nature. So, how to remove super glue from nails and skin?

Tip: Consider these 5 alternative uses for super glue for inspiration.

What You’ll Need

• Acetone-based nail polish remover
• Cotton balls or pads
• Foil
• Bowl of warm, soapy water
• Petroleum jelly or cuticle oil
• Nail file or orangewood stick
• Nail moisturiser or hand cream
• Towel

Remove Super Glue With Warm Water

• Soak your fingers: Place your fingers in a bowl of warm, soapy water and soak for about 10 minutes. Make sure all the super glue is submerged in the water. If you don’t have a lot of glue on your hands, or it hasn’t been on for long, just this step should be enough to remove the glue. You can use a gentle dish soap with warm water.
• Rub your nail to remove super glue: Gently rub your nail with a finger in a circular motion to help loosen the glue’s bond on your natural nails. You shouldn’t need to rub too hard, but avoid scratching or picking at your nails, as this may damage them.

Remove Super Glue With Acetone

• Spread petroleum jelly around your nails: Acetone is the most effective way to remove super glue, but if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to apply a protective layer, such as jelly or cuticle oil, around your nail beds to keep the acetone away from your skin.
• Soak a cotton ball in acetone: Most nail polish removers contain acetone along with other ingredients. Place the soaked cotton ball on your nail and hold it in place, or wrap some foil around it.
• Wait 5–10 minutes: After soaking the glue, gently wipe or roll the remaining glue away with a cotton ball. You can also use a nail file to gently scrape away the remaining glue residue.

Tip: Here are other ideas on how to soften super glue.

Nail Aftercare And Recovery

Acetone can cause dehydration and irritation to your skin. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands after removing glue with acetone. You should also consider moisturising your hands and nails to recover from the strong adhesive quality of the super glue.

A nail strengthener is also a good option to help your nails recover. You should also avoid using any nail polish or adhesives for a few days to let your natural nails recover.

Tips And Precautions

• Don’t scrape or peel the glue forcefully from your nails, as this can damage your nails and the surrounding skin.
• Acetone can also damage your nails, so it’s a good idea to use a nail strengthener to protect them.
• Avoid metal tools if you need to use a nail file to remove stubborn glue.
• Acetone can have strong fumes, so be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
• If the glue isn’t causing you any pain, irritation, or discomfort, you can consider leaving it on. It usually peels off on its own after a day or two.
• If the super glue under your nail or around it is causing pain, seek medical help rather than attempting to remove it on your own.

Removing Super Glue From Other Hard Surfaces

Super glue tends to be quite viscous when used, and you may end up with glue in places you don’t want it, such as on your watch. If this happens, use a cotton ball soaked in a small amount of acetone to soften the glue first. Then, use a cloth or a nail file to wipe away the remaining glue, depending on its stubbornness.

For More DIY Tips

It’s easy to get super glue in places you don’t want it, like on your hands and nails. Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to remove with warm, soapy water or acetone.

For more tips and tricks when using glue, check out the Gorilla Glue Blog, where you’ll find guides and DIY and craft ideas.

Information provided within this content is for informational and consideration purposes only.

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