How to Get Super Glue off Fingers and Nails (AVOID Doing This!)

Working with super glue can be a tricky business. Just like glitter, if you’re not careful with it, super glue can get everywhere and things can get messy too quickly.

Since super glue is more or less a hazard to work with, this helpful guide will show you how to get super glue off fingers and nails. We go through a few, tried and tested methods you can use to effectively remove adhesive when needed.

Let’s help you remove that pesky product!

How to Get Super Glue off Fingers

Super glue on your hands or fingers is not only annoying but also harmful to your skin. For instance, adhesives contain a chemical known as Cyanoacrylate. When left for long on human skin, it may cause a super glue burn.

So, in other words, you need to react as soon as possible once you get super glue on your fingers.

Not to worry! Below, you’ll find seven main approaches to clear your fingers from that sticky adhesive.

Soap and Water

First off, you should soak your hands in a bowl of warm water and soap. This method works better if the glue hasn’t had the chance to dry off yet.

Make sure to keep your hands in the soapy solution until the glue seems to be coming off. You can pick off the glue with a nail filer afterward, but avoid using tissues or towels.

Lemon Juice

Since some skins are sensitive to soap, our aforementioned method may not be for them. If so, switch soap for lemon juice as its acidic content will carry out the same function.

Keep in mind not to add too much lemon juice to the water. For every one part of water, pour an equal amount of lemon juice. Proceed to soak your fingers in the mixture for about ten minutes.

Acetone

Acetone is one of your safest bets when removing super glue. While polish remover is the most effective, it’s also the most hazardous. You shouldn’t resort to acetone if you have eczema, either.

That’s because super glue may react to some of the chemicals present in acetone, causing a chemical burn. Remember then to stay away from acetone products that contain hydrogen peroxide.

Butter or Oil

Oily, buttery products are a more natural alternative to acetone that can safely remove super glue. Rubbing the grease from these products on your fingers will slowly get rid of the adhesive.

You may need to soak your hands in warm water beforehand. Afterward, massage olive oil or margarine into your hands until the glue is fully dissolved and you can peel it off.

Laundry Detergent

Similar to acetone, laundry detergent isn’t the recommended method for those with broken, injured, or dry skin. Since laundry soap is full of chemicals too, it needs to be diluted first.

Add about a fourth a cup of detergent into a bowl of warm water, then soak your fingers in that solution for a few minutes. Rub it off later so the glue comes off naturally.

A Pumice Stone

Only resort to pumice stones in case your sticky situation is quite dire. That’s because these stones are rather rough on the skin and using them to remove glue can irritate it.

To soften the surface of your pumice stone, you can soak it in mildly warm water for a while before using it. Rub in a circular motion as you go and if you feel any discomfort, stop and opt for a different approach.

Glue Removers

Why bother with common household items when you can simply get yourself a glue-removing product that’ll quickly and safely erase the sticky adhesive?

Some of the chemicals in glue removers may cause redness and irritation in those with sensitive skins, though. These products also emit quite a strong odor, but that can easily be washed off with soap.

How to Get Super Glue off Nails

On the other hand, if you get super glue on your nails, it can be easier to remove the adhesive then since you don’t have to worry about irritating your skin as much. The risk of a chemical burn is less as well.

That said, however, you do still need to get the super glue off your nails as fast as possible just in case. Try out one of our steps below to effectively clean your sticky fingernails.

Soak Nails in Soapy Water

A solution of soap and water is yet another great method of clearing out glue. You can never go wrong with soaking your nails in this solution for at least ten minutes before cleaning your hands.

Alternatives for soap can include vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or lemon juice. Natural and mineral oils are among the natural options you can choose from too.

Use Acetone or Nail Polish Remover

Unlike the acetone-based method above, you don’t want to soak your nails completely in diluted nail polish remover. Instead, use a soft towel, dip it in acetone, then gently apply it to each nail.

Slowly the glue will begin to come off so continue to scrape the product away in a circular motion. Make sure to use a moisturizing lotion once you’re done as acetone dries off your skin.

Mix Coconut Oil and Baking Soda

In case the glue is already on its way to drying off, it’s time to mix a homemade solution of coconut oil and baking soda to help you get the glue off your nails.

Remember to use equal amounts of each product and to stir them together until they form a thick paste. Let the mixture sit on your nail beds for ten minutes before wiping it off.

To Sum Up

We hope our guide has helped you figure out how to get super glue off fingers and nails. While this adhesive may seem difficult to get rid of, with our easy and simple techniques you’re sure to remove the glue right away.

Just make sure to not let the super glue sit on your skin for long to avoid any risks or. Remember also to go for the method that’s most suited for your skin type so you don’t irritate or harm yourself further.

Get more help if needed. Super glue can dry quite fast.