How To Remove Liquid Nails

Liquid Nails manufactures a line of heavy-duty construction adhesives. The products can bind and seal a variety of surface types and materials and are used in everything from crafts to home improvement projects. The adhesive itself quickly hardens, becoming difficult to remove. Before you spend days chipping away at it, remember that applying heat to the adhesive will make the job a lot easier. If Liquid Nails comes in contact with the skin, immediately take steps to remove it.

Step 1

Remove Liquid Nails from a hard surface or other material by applying direct heat to the adhesive to soften it. Softened Liquid Nails releases its grip on the surface, making it easier to remove.

Step 2

Hold a scraper in one hand and a heat gun in the other. The heat gun should raise the temperature of the material to above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Scrape away the adhesive, while applying constant heat.

Step 3

Apply mineral spirits or petroleum jelly to the surface of the adhesive and let it sit for several hours as an alternative to the direct-heat method. If it has not softened after 24 hours, let it sit for two or three days before trying to remove it with a scraper.

Step 4

Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water if it comes in contact with latex-based Liquid Nails. Remove solvent-based Liquid Nails by applying petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to the affected area and wiping gently with a clean cloth. Then wash with soap and water. You may have to repeat the process until all of the Liquid Nails has been removed.