How to Dissolve Epoxy Glue

Removing epoxy glue can be a tough and time consuming job due to the sheer power and strength of the substance. Attempting to remove the glue sooner rather than later is advisable as the power of epoxy glue intensifies as time goes by. If you are faced with epoxy glue stubbornly etched into an area you do not want it to be, here's how to dissolve the glue and permanently remove it.

Step 1: Protect Yourself

Put protective gloves on before you attempt to dissolve the epoxy glue as you will be handling substances which are not kind to the skin. Also, make sure the room you are working in is well ventilated. Opening a window is advisable to stop you from breathing in the harsh fumes from the paint stripper.

Step 2: Clean the Affected Area

Before you apply the paint stripper, wipe the area clean with an old rag and some warm, soapy water to remove any dirt, debris and dust that may have collected on and around the epoxy glue. Failing to remove any dirt may result in the paint stripper not being as effective and the epoxy glue may be harder to remove.

Step 3: Apply the Paint Stripper

Take another clean, dry rag and soak it in the paint stripper. Do not be shy about using too much paint stripper as the epoxy glue needs to be thoroughly covered for it to dissolve properly. Do not make the mistake of rubbing the rag over the glue, instead hold the rag which has been drenched in paint stripper over the affected area and leave for approximately 1 minute. During this time, the glue should start to dissolve and by the time you remove the rag, the glue should be a mushy texture. If this is not the case, dip the rag back in the paint stripper and hold over the unwanted epoxy glue for another 60 seconds.

Step 4: Scrape Away the Epoxy Glue

Once the glue is a gummy texture, scrape it off with a scraper. If the glue is too sticky and you find you are just scraping it over a wider area and making the situation worse, you could try rubbing at the epoxy adhesive with the painter stripper strewn rag until it finally comes off. If the glue becomes stiff at any point, simply drench it in more paint stripper.

Step 5: Remove All Traces of Paint Stripper 

Once your surface is free of epoxy paint, you now must eliminate the paint stripper from the surface. If harsh and volatile substances like paint stripper are left on surfaces such as wood, it can damage and scar the object. Apply a household cleaning solution liberally to the surface and wipe off with another old rag. Repeat this process several times until you are happy the entire paint stripper has been removed.

Step 6: Sand Away Any Imperfections

The epoxy glue may have left small indentations in the surface of the object it was stuck on. If any marks and dimples have been caused, sanding them down with a piece of sandpaper will help to remove any imperfections.