How to Loosen Carpenter's Glue From Furniture

Whether you are repairing a piece of furniture or simply removing excess glue that has run from a glued joint, carpenter's glue needs to be removed carefully. Carpenter's glue dries to a clear finish, but it has a dramatically different texture from the finished wood surrounding it. Although wiping the glue with a cloth while it is still wet may seem like a good way to remove the glue, you can actually spread the glue and make it more difficult to remove from the furniture later.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-head screwdriver
• Fine-grained sandpaper
• Soft cloths

Instructions

1. Let the glue dry if it is still wet. The dry glue will be easier to remove.

2. Use the tip of a flat-head screwdriver to peel the edge of the glue away from the furniture's finish. Carefully peel away the glue. If the glue is in a thick layer, you may need to use the tip of the screwdriver to chip at the glue until it peels away.

3. Sand any remaining glue very lightly, using fine-grained sandpaper. Be very careful not to sand the finish of the wood furniture.

4. Dampen a soft cloth and wipe away any sanding residue. Dry the furniture with a dry cloth.

References

• "Reader's Digest Fix-It-Yourself Manual"; Reader's Digest; 1977
• Popular Mechanics: 5 Glue Tips: Make the Most of a Sticky Situation Read more: 5 Glue Tips: Make the Most of a Sticky Situation