Epoxy is a handy product for numerous DIY projects, but spilling it on a textured or absorbent surface can be difficult to clean. Luckily, the sooner you can remove epoxy, the easier it will be to clear up any mistakes.
Household vinegar, acetone, isopropyl alcohol and paint thinner can all be used to remove epoxy. However, using a heat gun to soften tough epoxy and then scraping it away is the most efficient method.
Vinegar
Even the most persnickety woodworkers can’t avoid an accidental drip or smear of freshly mixed epoxy adhesive. When this happens, the first thing that should be done is to try and wipe up the epoxy before it sets. This can be done by dampening a cloth or paper towel with white vinegar that contains about 5 percent acetic acid. This will loosen the epoxy and can be washed off with soap and water.
If the epoxy has already cured, you’ll need a stronger solvent to remove it. A good choice is acetone. Apply a small amount of the solvent to a cotton ball or paper towel and rub it on the epoxy spot until it softens and can be easily removed from skin. This solvent is flammable so be careful and work in a well-ventilated area. If acetone isn’t available, Isopropyl alcohol can also be used.
If you are still having trouble removing the epoxy, using a heat gun can often help. You’ll need to wear thick work gloves, a mask and goggles when doing this. Heat the epoxy spot with the gun until it softens. Once it does, you can use a plastic scraper to remove it. If this doesn’t work, you can try a chemical solvent such as one containing MIBK (methyl isobutyl ketone) or acetone. Be warned that this type of solvent can permanently stain or dye fabrics and is flammable.
Acetone
If you’re a DIYer, there’s a good chance that you’ve accidentally gotten epoxy somewhere it shouldn’t be. Epoxy is useful for a wide variety of projects, but if you get it on a surface that’s not supposed to be coated with the adhesive, it can be difficult to remove without damaging the material it’s bonding to.
Fortunately, there are some easy and quick ways to remove epoxy from most hard surfaces. If you’re removing epoxy from wood or another soft material, you can try using a paint thinner that contains acetone to soften the epoxy. Soak a cloth in the solvent, then apply it to the area where you’ve made a mistake. If the epoxy is still stubborn, you can also try a stronger chemical adhesive remover (view an example on Amazon). Just remember to wear a face mask and work in a well-ventilated area when working with these types of chemicals.
On the other hand, if you’re dealing with a tougher type of surface such as concrete or plastic, you’ll probably need to use a heat gun to melt and loosen the epoxy so it can be scraped away. Wear leather work gloves and hold the heat gun several inches above the surface while moving it in small circles to avoid burning the surface. Once the epoxy is melted, you should be able to scrape it off fairly easily with a sharp knife or scraper tool.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Even the most careful DIYers can get a smear of epoxy on something it shouldn’t. It might ruin a piece of furniture, make your favorite pair of pants suddenly a little less comfortable, or just leave you with a sticky spot you need to get rid of fast. If the surface is a soft material like glass or plastic, it’s easy to clean with a paper towel soaked in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). It might take several passes to loosen the adhesive and remove it entirely. If this doesn’t work, you can try a stronger solvent such as denatured alcohol (the kind used to fuel camping stoves) or paint thinner.
If you’ve got cured epoxy on a hard surface like metal or wood, a heat gun can be used to soften the glue and make it easier to scrape off. This method can be a little risky, however, so it’s best to pull on some leather work gloves and operate in a well-ventilated area.
It’s also a good idea to work on old clothes you don’t care about if you plan on using any of these methods. These strong solvents can change the color or stain fabrics, and repeated contact with epoxy resin can cause you to develop a skin allergy that will prevent you from working with it again.
Heat Gun
Using a heat gun is one of the best ways to get rid of epoxy resin bubbles. The heat will melt the epoxy and the air will carry it away, making it much easier to remove. Heat guns can also be used on a variety of surfaces and don’t emit any fumes, which makes them safer for users.
A heat gun can be purchased at most home improvement stores and is very affordable. If you’re not sure how to use a heat gun, you can always ask a professional for help. They will be able to advise you on the correct temperature and time to use it. You should also wear gloves and eye protection to avoid any damage to your hands or the surface you’re working on.
Another method of removing epoxy is to use boiling water. However, this method isn’t recommended for all fabrics because it could discolor them or melt them. For this reason, it’s important to check the fabric’s material safety data sheet before you attempt any removal methods.
When dealing with uncured epoxy, several effective methods can help break its bond. Vinegar, acetone, and isopropyl alcohol are all viable options for softening and removing uncured epoxy. However, if the epoxy has fully cured, more intensive techniques such as temperature cycling may be necessary. This process gradually alters the epoxy’s molecular structure, facilitating separation of the bonded substrates.