How to remove epoxy from metal the easy way

Given its quick drying time and immense bonding strength, you might be alarmed if you spill epoxy glue on a shiny metal surface. Let UniBond’s easy to follow guide show you it isn’t all that hard to remove.

Remove epoxy glue from metal: The lowdown

Epoxy glue is a real power player in your DIY line-up, with its extraordinary tough bonding strength and resistance to the elements making it ideal for many projects, indoors and outdoors. However, if accidentally spilled were it isn’t wanted – such as on a clean metal surface – that extraordinary bond can suddenly work against you.

In that eventuality, speed is good. If you can act before the epoxy has dried, removing it is a doddle. But even if it has already hardened, you can still remove it with relative ease and get that metal surface looking untouched once again.

How to remove epoxy glue from metal

If you have just spilled epoxy on metal, you can clean it without too much effort – but you’ll need to be quick. If you can act within the epoxy’s drying time (some, such as UniBond Repair Epoxy Plastic set really fast!) simply moisten a clean cloth with methylated spirit and use it to wipe away the glue.

It will take a little more effort if the epoxy has hardened, but with the following method you can still remove epoxy from metal in a matter of minutes:  

1. Remove. Use a sharp flat metal scraper (e.g. a scraper used to clean ceramic hobs) to gently scrape the epoxy off the metal.
2. Soften. Once the epoxy has been removed, use a clean cloth moistened in a solvent dissolver such as acetone to soften any residue. 
3. Clean. Wipe off any traces of epoxy residue and the solvent you used with a clean sponge and warm, soapy water.

Please wear gloves, safety spectacles and ensure good ventilation when working with solvents.

After you’ve removed epoxy from metal: Carry on with UniBond

With the spilled epoxy safely removed from your metal surface, it’s time to get back on track with your bonding project. UniBond Repair Epoxy Plastic and UniBond Repair Epoxy Wood are perfect for bonding respectively plastic and wood to metal.

Fast setting in just five minutes, these two-part epoxies come in twin-chamber syringes that ensure equal amounts of resin and hardener are dispensed in one go. Both epoxies can be drilled, painted and sanded, and are also water and extreme cold and heat resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use.