How to Remove Gorilla Glue from Hands: The Easiest Way
Gorilla glue is a brand of adhesives made of polyurethane. The chemical compound polyurethane is a polymer (several chains linked together) which consists of hydrocarbon (organic) units and carbamate (CH2No2-R).
The glue was initially used in Indonesia by furniture manufacturers. It was later imported to the USA and commercially sold since 1999.
Since then, the gorilla glue became widely popular as it has a wide range of uses in multiple industries.
Since it can be used as an adhesive on many solid materials such as wood, metal, glass, and ceramic, it is widely popular in furniture, toys, and household industries. Other variants of the glue can also be used in the construction field.
Uses of Gorilla Glue
Gorilla glue has a property of setting fast. The quick set mechanism of this super adhesive has a wide range of applications. This glue is manufactured in different forms such as foam, tape, and regular adhesive.
It is used in:
- Household repairs
- Construction purposes
- Ceramic and glass industries
- Toy companies
- Automobile companies
- Electronics
Its ability to resist heat and less after-set expansion ratio makes it an ideal adhesive. It is also waterproof and invisible (faint line) once it is set.
Different Types of Gorilla Glue
To enhance the feasibility of application, there are different variants of gorilla glue with their own unique features. They are:
White Gorilla Glue – Completely waterproof.
Clear Gorilla Glue – Transparent and non-foaming adhesive.
Gorilla Super Glue – With reinforced materials to make it extra tough, also known as Cyanoacrylate glue (CA glue).
Gorilla Spray Adhesive – For smooth and controlled application.
Gorilla Super Glue Gel – Similar to super glue but in gel form for a controlled and secure application.
Gorilla Tape – Can be used where standard tapes or duct tapes cannot work.
While working with an adhesive, it is apparent that it can get contacted with your body. Hands are the most frequently contacted with an adhesive and gorilla glue is no exception.
Gorilla glue is not a traditional tree gum which can be washed easily. You must take keen precautions to avoid direct contact with the body. If contacted, it can bond to the skin very strongly, and meager washing or scrubbing might not get rid of it.
How To Remove Gorilla Glue From Hands
Since the gorilla glue is made primarily of polyurethane compounds, it is ideal to remove with a solvent which breaks or dissolves the glue. Don’t remove it forcefully as it may cause tearing of the skin.
Acetone is an excellent chemical which can be used to remove gorilla glue from hands. It also does not cause any harm to the skin and evaporates quickly.
Other stuffs for removing gorilla glue are:
1. Liquid Soap
2. Scrubber/Pumice Stone
3. A mixture of washing soda (10%), liquid detergent (2 to 3%) and water (87 to 90%)
The method of removing the gorilla glue from your hands depends on the area and type of situation you are. If your fingers are stuck with the adhesive, scrubber or homemade mixture will not help you.
Using Acetone If Your Fingers Are Glued Together
Take a clean, dry bowl and fill it with acetone. If you are not sure of what acetone is or where it is available, you can use nail polish remover.
Note that some nail polish removers contain paint thinners which are a mixture of several chemicals which includes acetone as well. If you are allergic to other chemicals, use a nail polish remover which contains acetone only.
If the gorilla glue makes contact in other areas such as palm, elbow, or below the elbow area, you can use acetone as mentioned above or use the scrubbing method.
You can also use the homemade washing mixture to remove any residues.
Don’t overdo any of the procedures mentioned above. Prolonged contact with acetone may cause excessive dryness or flaky skin.
You may find slight residues even after a good wash. Ignore it as it will wear off along with the surface (the skin replacement cycle) and new skin will form.
Apply good moisturizer after removing the glue from the hands to retain the moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it okay to wash with water if gorilla glue contacts with skin?
The polyurethane will set faster when it reacts with water. If there is no alternative option to clean the adhesive, use plenty of water preferably under running water or a tap.
Q. Can I use acetone in other body parts if there is contact with gorilla glue?
Yes, you can, but it is not advisable to use it for private or sensitive parts like eyes, ears, and nose.
Q. What to do if I accidentally ingest the gorilla glue?
Seek medical advice immediately. The ingested gorilla glue will cause mechanical obstruction in your stomach which may lead to severe discomfort.
Q. Is gorilla glue safe to use?
The gorilla glue contains polyurethane which is harmful if inhaled. Long-term inhalation of gorilla glue may cause respiratory distress and will predispose asthma in non-asthmatic individuals. The polyurethane and other additives can be carcinogenic if used for a long time.
Q. What protective gear must be used while using gorilla glue?
Wear gloves to avoid accidental gluing of fingers and palms. Wear full sleeves shirt or apron, respirators (if you are asthmatic or allergic), eyeglasses and ear protection buds.
Conclusion
Gorilla glue has a wide range of uses because of its high adhesive nature and quick-set mechanism. It is perfect for indoor or outdoor usage. Make sure you have all the protective gears on you while using the glue.
Keep all the remedy ingredients in your toolkit so that you can use them immediately if it contacts with your body. Seek medical help if you accidentally ingest it or if it causes any respiratory disorders.
