How to Remove Wood Glue

There are many different kinds of wood glue available. Some are solvent based and some are water based. Some of these include epoxies, polyurethane glues, polyvinyl alcohol adhesives (PVAs), hide glue and white or yellow wood glues. The following steps show you how to remove most wood glues.

Things You'll Need

• Rag
• Plastic straw
• Paint scraper or chisel
• Sandpaper
• Mineral spirits
• Hot water
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Wipe up any excess glue on the wood quickly before it dries with a slightly damp rag. You can use a plastic drinking straw, if you are trying to remove excess glue from the corner of a joint. To do this, slide the straw across the glue and along the joint to scoop it up.

2. Scrape any dried glue from the wood using a paint scraper, or utilize a 1/2- or 3/4-inch chisel to remove dried wood glue from corners such as along wood molding. You can also use low-grit sandpaper to remove any glue on flat, wooden surfaces or sandpaper sponges on curved surfaces.

3. Rub mineral spirits on the wood after you've stained it to help you detect any glue splotches you missed.

4. Run hot water sparingly on hard to sand spots, if removing water-soluble wood glues such as hide glue to remove the glue.

5. Use the low-grit sandpaper to remove the glue, and restain the portions you sanded.

Tips & Warnings

• Use gloves when working with polyurethane wood glue to keep it off the skin. Solvents don't remove polyurethane wood glue; if some does get on your skin, just let it wear off.

• If using a paint scraper to remove wood glue, take care not to cut into the wood. Wear gloves to protect your hands while scraping the wood.

• If you use too much hot water you may warp the wood, so use a small amount at a time. Peel away the glue after applying water a few times.