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Table of Contents

How to Remove Superglue From Countertops

Grace Alexander
Table of Contents

Superglue can be notoriously difficult to remove from countertops. Different methods may be used depending on the material of the counter and the amount of glue involved. The goal is glue removal without causing further damage to the countertop surface.

How to Remove Super Glue From Counter Tops

Superglue is a wonderful substance that can be used for hundreds of purposes. However, when superglue goes where it shouldn't, removal can be difficult. The method for getting glue off of your countertops after a fix-it mission gone awry will vary depending on what kind of material your counters are made of.

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Countertops

For small amounts of superglue smeared on a ceramic or porcelain tile surface, a few layers of paper toweling soaked with a 50/50 mixture of dish soap should soften the glue enough to allow you to remove it with a flat razor blade. Lay the soaked paper toweling over the affected area, leave for 15 to 20 minutes, then slide the razor blade under the softened edge of the superglue. The glue should lift away from the counter easily.

Granite or Marble Countertops

For granite or marble counters, acetone can be used to soften the glue. Use gloves and apply acetone-soaked paper toweling on top of the glue beads. Cover with a square of waxed paper, then again with plastic wrap taped down on all sides to prevent the acetone from evaporating. Leave the acetone on the glue for an hour, then use an old gift card or a dull metal utensil to slide under and scrape the glue away from the countertop. It should be soft and ball up, coming away completely. Wipe the counter with a cotton ball soaked in acetone, then with warm water to remove any traces.

Laminate Countertops

Using the dish soap method and a dull metal blade, such as a non-serrated butter knife, can allow you to remove the superglue without scratching the laminate surface. You may have to remove the glue in layers, scraping away softened glue and reapplying the soap-soaked paper toweling after each pass. If this doesn't work, a flat razor blade and the acetone method may be used, but you may end up scratching or staining the laminate.

Stainless Steel Countertops

Stainless steel is easily scratched. Using a cotton ball soaked in lighter fluid or denatured alcohol may work better than acetone and can dissolve the superglue enough to be removed with a plastic scraper, such as those utilized to remove ice from windshields.

Butcher Block Countertops

Removing superglue from wood can be difficult, as wood is more porous than other kinds of countertops. In most cases, it's best to simply slide a razor blade under the glue and shave it away from the wood, then sand lightly and use oil to reseason the affected area of the butcher block.

If you're unsure about using a particular method to remove superglue from your countertop, test the method on a hidden corner first. Choose the method that causes the least amount of scratching and staining. Once the superglue is removed, wash thoroughly with mild soap and warm water before allowing any contact with food.