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While epoxy's ability to make tight bonds between a variety of surfaces makes it a great solution for a wide range of repair projects, its two-part application makes it one of the messier adhesives to work with. Since epoxy often sets quickly once mixed, removing it from unintended surfaces and even your hands can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are simple methods for removing epoxy, whether you're removing it from wood, metal, or skin. Keep reading to learn the tricks to undoing this seemingly permanent glue.
What Is Epoxy?
Epoxy is an adhesive you can use to bond a variety of materials, including wood, glass, concrete, metal, and stone, making it one of the more versatile adhesives out there. (It can even be used to give old kitchen countertops a glossy update.) Plus, it's cheap, creates a durable bond, and is easier on the environment than other glues and adhesives. Epoxy comes in two separate parts, a resin and a hardener. You have to mix the two parts just before applying the adhesive. Once mixed, the hardener transforms the epoxy resin into a hard plastic substance that creates a bond between the two materials you're gluing together.
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Wearing disposable gloves is a good first line of defense when working on an epoxy project, but accidents can happen. If you do get some epoxy on your skin, remove it immediately before it cures using one of the following methods:
Safety Tip: While epoxy coming into contact with your skin isn't a major cause for alarm, the resin can be a skin irritant and cause an allergic reaction for some people. Consider wearing gloves while using epoxy if you're concerned about the glue coming into contact with your skin.
How to Remove Epoxy From Plastic or Glass
Epoxy might provide a quick fix for repairing broken plastic pieces or sealing a cracked window pane, but it can be a pain to remove excess glue from these surfaces. Follow the steps below to remove it:
How to Remove Epoxy From Concrete or Wood
Finishing a garage floor with epoxy paint is a popular use of the product, but sometimes the resin can get in places it's not supposed to go. Avoid using alcohol and paint thinners, which can damage or discolor wood finishes and cause pitting in concrete. Instead, try the methods below:
How to Remove Epoxy From Metal and Hard Surfaces
The above removal techniques using acetone or a heat gun will also work on errant epoxy that dripped on metal or other hard, nonporous surfaces, such as metal door jambs or your favorite toolbox. If acetone fails, try the methods below:
How to Remove Epoxy From Fabrics
If you've found a dollop of epoxy on your work clothes, there is a way to remove the epoxy without ruining the fabric. Acetone or paint thinners may discolor or dissolve fabrics, while abrasive methods like scraping could easily damage the delicate weave of the material. That leaves heating the epoxy as the easiest way to loosen and peel it away: Dip the fabric in a pot of boiling water for a few seconds at a time, then lift it out of the water with tongs to gently peel away the epoxy. (Since it will be hot, wear rubber kitchen gloves or use cooking utensils instead of your fingers.)
Fabrics such as cotton and linen won't be damaged by boiling water, but beware of melting synthetic fabrics or shrinking wool. For fabrics that cannot withstand heat, try rubbing with -- or soaking in -- vinegar before washing in cool water.
Epoxy Removal Tips