Acetone, also known as propanone, is the simplest and the smallest type of ketone. The solvent’s ability to break down polymers means it can remove a range of stubborn substances such as paint, varnish, and nail polish. Acetone can also be used to remove glue, including stronger varieties like superglue (cyanoacrylate).
Continue reading to learn more about acetone and why it’s so effective at removing hardened glue. You’ll also find a handy step-by-step guide on how to use acetone to remove glue from surfaces like glass.
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Removing glue from most surfaces
You can remove glue from most surfaces, but you’ll need to know which type it is so you can use the right solvent. Water-based glues such as Pritt Stick, for example, can usually be removed with water. That’s because this type of product contains polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, and propylene glycol – all of which are easily dissolved in water.
However, other glues, such as rubber cement, hot glue, cyanoacrylate, and impact glue can only be removed with the correct corresponding solvent or treatment. An appropriate solvent is able to remove hardened glue by dissolving or depolymerising it. For example, acetone can remove cyanoacrylate, but it can’t break down rubber cement or hot glue.
Why acetone is effective at removing glue
Acetone can dissolve various types of polymers and organic substances, including those in plastics, paints, lacquer, styrofoam, and, crucially, superglue.
But why does this happen? Well, it’s primarily due to the solvent’s polarity. As acetone has a similar polarity to various polymers, it’s able to weaken the hydrocarbon chains in the polymers and effectively break them down into their smaller component monomers.
Superglue products typically contain 100% ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (C6H7NO2), although some have custom formulas such as 91% ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate and 9% poly(methyl methacrylate).
Superglue hardens when exposed to even a small amount of moisture and begins to form a plastic mesh. While this makes it a great adhesive, it’s easy to find yourself in a sticky situation if you accidentally get some on your skin!
Fortunately, acetone can break down the molecular bonds in the mesh. Once the bonds are broken and the glue is dissolved, you should be able to simply wipe away the sticky residue.
Although acetone does a great job of removing superglue, it’s worth remembering that it can’t remove every type of glue (it only works on products that are soluble in acetone).
Step-by-step guide
The acetone removal method is relatively straightforward, but there are some important points to remember. Follow the steps below if you want to use acetone to remove traces of glue from porcelain or glass surfaces like windows:
- Wait for the glue to dry
Before you begin, make sure the glue has dried completely. This is crucial because if the glue is still wet, you’ll simply spread it across the surface you’re trying to clean!
- Protect yourself
Take adequate precautions to protect yourself from the fumes. Consider wearing a mask and ensure the work area is well-ventilated.
- Soften the glue
Soak a cotton wool ball in acetone (or an acetone-based product like nail varnish remover) and carefully dab it onto the affected surface. Allow the acetone to soften the adhesive.
- Wipe the glue away
When the glue has softened, simply wipe it away with a cloth or scrape it off (be careful not to damage the surface underneath).
- Repeat as needed
Repeat the above steps as many times as necessary until all of the glue is gone.
Although acetone is great at removing glue from most surfaces, you may want to think carefully before using it to treat delicate items like clothing, as there’s a risk it may discolour or damage the material.
Safety precautions with acetone
Acetone is generally safe, but it can be harmful if you don’t use or store it correctly. Exposure to acetone can potentially irritate your skin or air passage if you inhale the fumes. It’s also highly flammable and can easily ignite when exposed to heat or a direct flame. You should therefore take precautions to keep yourself and others safe.
Make sure your work area is properly ventilated and consider wearing protective equipment such as gloves, a face mask, and goggles. This is particularly important if you’re handling large amounts of acetone or there’s a risk you might come into contact with it. You should also remove any heat or ignition sources and ensure a fire extinguisher is readily available.
Risks of acetone on delicate surfaces and materials
While acetone is a very effective cleaning agent, it can potentially ruin delicate materials such as leather, varnished wood, and clothing.
You might therefore want to try alternative cleaning methods first such as warm soapy water. If you do decide to use acetone, you can minimise the risks by testing it on an inconspicuous area and only using a small amount.
Tips on safely removing acetone stains
Acetone itself doesn’t leave stains, but the substances it dissolves can sometimes leave a mark. Depending on the type of surface, you can either use diluted acetone or soap and water to remove these stains. In some cases, you might even need to retouch a surface, for example, by applying a new layer of varnish.
Summary
Acetone can remove hardened glue by weakening the molecular bonds in the polymers. To remove glue from glass and porcelain, wait for the glue to dry and then use a cotton ball to dab acetone onto the affected area. Once the glue has dissolved, simply wipe or scrape it away.
This cleaning method works on most materials, although it may damage delicate surfaces. Acetone can irritate the skin and airway so it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions.
You can read about some of the other uses of acetone here, or to buy high-quality acetone in various sizes, visit our online shop.
