Removing glue from concrete is easier than you might think. While the combination of glue and a strong material like concrete sounds like a recipe for disaster, luckily there are a couple of simple solutions for removing adhesive from concrete.
Glue spills are a common occurrence during DIY or construction work. Depending on the type of glue, the surface, and how quickly you take action, clean-up can be relatively easy.
If you’re wondering how to remove glue from concrete, or if it’s even possible to remove dried super glue from concrete, there’s no need to worry. No matter how big the spill or how stubborn the stain, there’s always a way to remove most of the excess glue. As concrete is porous, some traces may remain, but at least you’ll be able to get rid of unsightly stains.
The approach you try will depend on whether or not the glue has cured. We recommend cleaning up the glue stain as soon as possible, as wet glue is easier to remove.
- Safety first. Wear gloves and make sure the area is well-ventilated.
- Test your chosen solvent. Apply a small amount of acetone or white spirit to the concrete surface, and check that it’s compatible.
- Apply the solvent to the glue stain. Use a cloth soaked in solvent to remove the glue.
- Clean up. Wipe the concrete surface with a damp cloth.
Dealing with a dried glue stain can require a little more time and elbow grease. Some adhesives are easier to remove than others. For example, mastic can often be removed with water, while other adhesives may require a combination of solvent and scraping.
- Safety first. Wear gloves and goggles and work in a well-ventilated area.
- Scrape or sand the stain. Try sandpaper or a hand scraper, or a power scraper for more difficult stains.
- Clean up the residue. Sweep up any bits of dried adhesive that you remove.
- Choose a solvent to apply to the remaining adhesive. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the glue to see which approach is recommended. Boiling water, white spirit, acetone and paint stripper are a few possible options.
- Test the solvent. Apply some of the chosen solvent to a small area to make sure it’s compatible.
- Leave the solvent to soften the adhesive. Wait for several minutes while the adhesive softens.
- Scrape the stain. Removing adhesive from concrete should be easier now.
- Clean up. Wash the concrete surface with soap and water.