How to remove superglue from your fingers

Getting super glue on your fingers while DIY'ing happens a lot. The good news is while super glue bonds to skin quickly, it can be removed quite quickly. With the Bostik Super Glue Liquid and Super Glue gel, the bond may naturally loosen within the hour. But if it doesn’t here are some common house hold items that may help:

Baking Soda & Coconut Oil

Mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda to create a paste. Apply it to the affected area and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. The oil helps soften the glue, while the baking soda provides gentle exfoliation to help lift residue from the skin.

Margarine or Butter

Apply butter or margarine to the bonded area - as it softens, fingers will begin to peel apart from each other.

Olive Oil

Olive oil can help soften dried super glue and reduce friction between bonded fingers. Soak or rub the oil into the affected area and gently work your fingers apart over time.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice may help loosen super glue thanks to its mild acidity. Apply it to the affected skin using a cotton bud and gently rub the area. This can also help remove leftover glue residue from certain materials.

Peanut Butter

The natural oils in peanut butter may help weaken super glue bonds. Chunky peanut butter can also provide a mild abrasive effect to assist with removal.

Paint Thinners

Paint thinners may help remove cured glue from certain materials, but they should be used with caution. Always test compatibility first and follow safety instructions carefully.

Nail Polish Remover

If you’re trying to remove super glue from hard surfaces rather than skin, nail polish remover containing acetone may help break down the adhesive. Always test first on a small hidden area. Bostik recommends avoiding acetone directly on skin.

Bostik Super Glue Liquid is designed for fast, reliable repairs around the home, bonding in as little as 5 seconds without the need for clamps or heat. Its liquid formula is suited to small, clean breaks and includes a fine nozzle for precise application. It creates a strong bond across a wide range of non-porous materials including wood, rubber, metal, porcelain, plastic* and leather. 

For jobs that require more control, Bostik Super Glue Non-Drip Gel offers the same fast-setting performance in a thicker gel formula that’s easier to apply on vertical surfaces. The non-drip consistency helps reduce mess while delivering a strong bond on a variety of materials. 

*Not suitable for polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or PTFE materials."