removing paper that's super glued to table

mafibisha

DIS Veteran
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Mar 9, 2002
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DH was super-gluing something on our kitchen table. He seemed to have if fully on another protective surface. I was right there too, and he was very careful.

But no. :( There are now two small pieces of paper - (about 3/4 inch X 1/16th inch) - that are now super-glued to our kitchen table. The table is wood finished.

Someone said to scrape it off with a one-sided razor-blade. Eeks. Don't want to damage the table, but will I have to?

Y'all have such great ideas so I hope you can help.

TIA
 
I would try soaking the paper in a tiny bit of solvent, try nail polish remover and then use a plastic spoon or something like a plastic pan scrapper that won't scratch or ding the table to get it off, soaking it alone may be enough to just wipe it also. I wouldn't just push it or scrape it without trying something to dissolve the glue first.

I wouldn't leave it too long and I wouldn't use a lot, just enough to loosen it because depending on the finish it may take that off if you leave it too long.
 
DH was super-gluing something on our kitchen table. He seemed to have if fully on another protective surface. I was right there too, and he was very careful.

But no. :( There are now two small pieces of paper - (about 3/4 inch X 1/16th inch) - that are now super-glued to our kitchen table. The table is wood finished.

Someone said to scrape it off with a one-sided razor-blade. Eeks. Don't want to damage the table, but will I have to?

Y'all have such great ideas so I hope you can help.

TIA
It's possible that the finish underneath those pieces of paper is already ruined. Super glue is an organic solvent and most finishes are also organic compounds. Chemists will tell you that "like dissolves like".

Begin by moistening the paper and allowing the water to soak in. Then use the side of an old credit card to remove as much of the paper as possible. Repeat if necessary.

Test some Goo Gone in an inconspicuous part of the table. Take a look underneath to see if some of the finish extends there. You will want to make sure that the Goo Gone doesn't harm the finish. If it doesn't hurt the wood, then use a Q-tip to gently apply Goo Gone to the Super Glue. Let it soak in for 1-2 minutes and then use the old credit card to gently scrape the loose glue free. Repeat as many times as needed to get the last bits of adhesive off of the table top. Wash the area well with soap and water when you are done.

As an alternative to Goo Gone, you could try using nail polish remover that contains acetone. I've also had reasonably good luck using a product called Sol-U-Mel for removing adhesive residues from wood with minimal damage.

But TBH, I'm afraid that the Super Glue probably already damaged the finish on the wood. Hopefully, it won't be too noticeable.
 
My go-to solvent is a product called "TECH" link is here

This takes permanent marker off of anything. While I realize that isn't what you are looking for specifically - but it would be the first thing I would try at my house, and I do have an oak table, I wouldn't have any hesitation using it on my table, although, I would probably "try" it on a hidden surface to check it out.
 
I would try soaking the paper in a tiny bit of solvent, try nail polish remover and then use a plastic spoon or something like a plastic pan scrapper that won't scratch or ding the table to get it off, soaking it alone may be enough to just wipe it also. I wouldn't just push it or scrape it without trying something to dissolve the glue first.

I wouldn't leave it too long and I wouldn't use a lot, just enough to loosen it because depending on the finish it may take that off if you leave it too long.

I was going to say use nail polish remover too. good luck
 
Nail polish remover does remove super glue but it may likely also damage the finish of the table. If you use this as above with GOO GONE use a Q Tip. GOO GONE I would think would be less likely to damage the finish but I do not think it will work on super but will remove the paper at least.... I would say try removing the paper and leaving the glue as you will likely be less happy with damaged wood rather then a few spots .
 
I was going to say use nail polish remover too. good luck

Yep. That's the most common powerful solvent in the house. I would put some on a Q-tip and dab the paper. Try to remove fast and wipe it down. The polish remover is likely to ruin your varnish if you leave it on for long. If you damage the surface of the table or the finish, try a fine grain sanding paper.
 
I've read boiling water will break down super glue, although I admit I've never tried it. Maybe try a bit of boiling water on a qtip or rag, dabbed on it, to see if it loosens (gently try chipping at it after the water sits a minute).
 
Nail polish remover will also completely remove the table finish. Ask me how I know. :rolleyes1
 
Heat up the adhesive with a hair dryer and that should loosen the hold. I have done it a million times without damaging anything.
 
Thanks, all!!

I will be trying some of these tomorrow and will let you know.

I'm hopeful!!! :hyper: Wish me luck! :worried:

:goodvibes
 
Try vegetable oil. Last school year (I'm a school nurse) I had a child superglue his fingers together (& get it on his face & in his ear) & the super glue company said that is what they recommend for getting it to release. Took about 30-40 minutes, but it did the job. I spent those 30-40 minutes having a discussion with the child on listening to the teacher (who told him not to open the tube of super glue).......
 












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