How to Remove Contact Cement

Contact cement is used for various home or office improvement projects whether small or large. Contact cement is an adhesive form that can glue two surfaces together securely. Using contact cement is an effective method for bonding two surfaces together that other types of adhesive cannot bond together. Below are the materials that you need along with the instructions on how to remove contact cement.

Removing Contact Cement on Soft Surfaces 

Step 1-Removing Adhesives

You can remove the large strips of dried contact cement adhesives by pulling it using your fingers or better yet with a pair of pliers. Although this method seems to be crude, it is a good start to removing dried contact cement on soft surfaces.

Step 2-Using Solvents

Remove the remaining contact cement that you failed to remove on Step 1 by using a small sponged dabbed with a commercial dry cleaning solvent. Apply the cleaning solvent on the contact cement that you want removed using light strokes. Soak the dry contact cement with the cleaning solvent and wipe in circular motion until you removed as much dried contact cement as much as you can.  

Step 3-Stain-Removal Solution  

You can make your own stain-removal solution to remove the stains left by the dried contact cement by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of mineral oil to one cup of Isoprophyl alcohol.  Apply your home-made stain removal solution using paper towels. Press the paper towel directly into the stains left by contact cement. Apply a generous amount of your home-made stain removal solution until you have removed as much stain as you can. Rinse the stain surface with cold water and allow the surface to dry. If there is still remaining contact cement all you have to do is repeat steps 1 to 3 until all the dried contact cement and its stains are removed.

Removing Contact Cement on Hard Surfaces

Step 1-Removing Stubborn Contact Cement

You can use mineral spirits or acetone to remove stubborn contact cement residues on hard surfaces. All you have to do is soak a sponge with acetone or mineral spirit and allow it to work for one hour. This method will soften the contact cement making it easier to scrape off or wiped away.

Step 2-Home-made Spot Cleaner for Contact Cement

Make a spot cleaning agent to remove dried contact cement by mixing 1/4 cup glycerin, 1/4 cup clear liquid detergent with two cups of water to be combined well in a capped bottle. This solution should then be applied to the contact cement stain using a soft-bristled brush and applied in a circular motion.

Always wear your safety mask when dealing with the various chemicals used in removing contact cement such as minerals spirits and acetone.