How to Dissolve Polyurethane Glue

Polyurethane glue is a strong, resilient, waterproof substance and can bond a wide variety of substances. Due to its tensile resilient nature, you will need an organic solvent such as denatured alcohol or acetone to dissolve polyurethane glue. Heat application might be effective too.

Step 1 – Immediate Action

If you experience a polyurethane glue spill, take immediate action, as once it has dried up it is next to impossible to dissolve. No substance will be able to soften it.

Step 2 – Removing Any Wet Glue

Use paper towels or rags to remove any drying or still slightly wet glue that will easily come off. Make sure you wear gloves to avoid contact with hands.

Step 3 – Dissolving Polyurethane Glue with Denatured Alcohol

To dissolve the remaining polyurethane glue take a cotton swab and dip it in the denatured alcohol. Use the cotton swab to apply the alcohol on to the glue, making sure you do not stain the nearby surfaces. If you cannot find denatured alcohol, you can use acetone, which is commonly present in nail polish removers or you can use industrial cleaner. If you have none of these, use warm soapy water.

Step 4 – Removing the Dissolved Glue

It’s advisable to leave the glue soaked in alcohol for a few hours before you scrap it off. You can use a putty knife to scrape it off and rags to clean off any remaining bits. If there is still some remaining bit, use fine-grained sand paper to completely remove any polyurethane glue left behind.

Step 5 – What to Do in Case the Glue Hardens

As mentioned before once the glue has completely hardened it is next to impossible to remove it. Therefore, once the glue has hardened you will have to resort to mechanical measures, using the putty knife to scrape off as much of the glue as possible. The remaining polyurethane glue can be sanded or cut off. You might need to employ professional help in this case.

Step 6 – Dissolving Glue to Remove from Skin

If polyurethane glue dries on skin, causing your fingers to stick together, for instance, do not panic—and do not try to pull them apart. Keep your hand under luke warm water and apply soap, patiently work separating the fingers. Or you can use denatured alcohol or acetone, but remember that both the products dry the skin use a moisturizer afterward.

Step 7 – Taking Necessary Precautions

Whenever using such strong adhesives such as polyurethane glue, wear gloves to avoid contact with skin. Polyurethane glue is available in two forms; one requires a heating gun and the other is one-part liquid and is easily available in tubes. Be especially careful using the second kind; keep the tube capped when not in use to avoid spillage. When using the heating gun keep it away from the body as the heated glue can severely burn.