How to remove epoxy from concrete with ease

Epoxy is one of the strongest glues on the market, making it an excellent choice for a whole host of DIY projects. Spill it on a smooth surface like concrete, however, and its supreme strength suddenly becomes its biggest drawback.

If this happens to you, help is at hand in the form of UniBond’s easy guide for undoing the potentially long-lasting effects of such an accident. Read on to discover the best way to remove epoxy from concrete floors and surfaces.

• The lowdown: How to get epoxy off concrete
• How to remove epoxy from concrete: Methods 
• After you’ve removed epoxy from concrete

The lowdown: How to get epoxy off concrete

An essential part of anybody’s DIY toolkit, epoxy is incredibly strong and extremely versatile. Because of its strength, if spilled on concrete you need to know the best way to remove it without causing any damage.

The most effective methods removing epoxy from concrete are contingent on if the glue has hardened or not. If you can get to it before it has cured, the job is easier. But don’t worry if it is set solid – you can still remove it and get your surface looking clean and untouched.

How to remove epoxy from concrete: Methods

Some epoxies, like UniBond’s All Purpose 1 Minute Epoxy, can cure in a matter of seconds, so you’ll need to work fast to remove it. Moisten a clean cloth with either acetone/nail polish remover, white vinegar or methylated spirit and use it to wipe away the epoxy before it has dried

If the epoxy has hardened it will be more difficult to get off – but it’s far from impossible. Simply use the following three methods:

• Acetone. Soak a clean cloth or rag with acetone/nail polish remover and press it down on the hardened epoxy for several minutes until it softens. If you can’t rub it away with the cloth, use a plastic scraper to gently remove it.
• Paint thinner. If you haven’t got any acetone/nail polish remover, paint thinner is a good alternative. Again, soak a a clean cloth or rag with it and hold down on the hardened epoxy, until it’s soft enough to scrape or wipe away.
• Heat gun. Protecting yourself with a mask, goggles and inflammable gloves, as well as long sleeves, set a heat gun to around 90 degrees Celsius and target the hardened epoxy. Once it starts to soften, you can then use a plastic scraper to remove it.

After you’ve removed epoxy from concrete

With the spilled epoxy safely removed from your concrete floor, it’s time to get back to gluing. With its easy to use dispenser, UniBond Repair All Purpose 5 Minute Epoxy provides a strong, durable and permanent repair which you can sand, paint or drill when set. And thanks to its waterproof quality and resistance to heat and frost, this epoxy works as good outdoors as it does inside.