Liquid Nails is a construction adhesive to commonly bond building materials like wood, metal, and drywall. While it is useful for home improvement projects, construction adhesive creates a challenging mess when removing the building materials or objects bonded.
So, how can you effectively remove Liquid Nails without damaging the surfaces and building materials it’s adhered to? One method for removing Liquid Nails involves using a softening material to break down the bonded residual adhesive.
Some options for softening materials include warm water, mineral spirits, petroleum jelly, and baby oil. The softening material applies to the residual adhesive and can sit for a few minutes to soften the material. Then, a surface, scrub, or scraper can remove the softened material. Another approach involves using a cut-out or music wire to continue sawing through the Liquid Nails layer by layer. This method requires moderate pressure and continuous sawing to prevent damage to the surface. You can find these in any local automotive parts stores.
Regardless of the method, wearing heavy safety gloves to cover the treated area and protect your hands from sharp objects bonded to the surface is essential. Covering the treated area with a light layer of the softening material is also recommended to prevent any residual adhesive from hardening and re-adhering to the surface.
In our guide, you can see that removing liquid nails requires patience and effort, but it can be done effectively and safely with the right tools and techniques. By the end, you’ll see several ways to get rid of this gunk and to stop it from re-adhering to surfaces you have cleaned. (Read Will Copper Nails Kill A Tree)
How To Separate Materials Bonded With Construction Adhesive
Tools you’ll need:
- Windshield cut-out wire (music and windshield cut-out wire) is available at most automotive parts stores.
- Wear heavy Safety gloves and handles for the wire.
- Safety goggles or a face shield
- Two flat-head screwdrivers to prize the adhesive.
- Wire cutters
Step-by-step guide:
- Cut a wire length about two to three feet longer than the breadth of the construction materials that need to be separated.
- Connect the handles to the wire if you’re using them. Use thick safety gloves to protect your hands if you are not using handles.
- Work the center of the wire beneath the edge of the material you remove, starting at one corner.
- Using the wire, saw back and forth while applying moderate pressure. The construction adhesive should bleed through this.
- When a few inches have been removed, prop open the space with screwdrivers. This aids in preventing adhesives from sticking again.
- As you saw, move the screwdrivers along with you.
- Scrape away any excess construction adhesive after separating a few inches.
- Apply a thin layer of baby oil or petroleum jelly, wait a few hours, and then scrape the adhesive if it is too challenging to remove.
- Repeat if required.
- To get rid of any residue, wipe your surface with mineral spirits.
NOTE: Avoid using baby oil or softening agents if the surface is painted. Baby oil stains quickly.
How to Remove Construction Adhesive and Liquid Nails
Removing Liquid Nails can be challenging, especially if you don’t have the right tools or technique. However, there are ways to remove this adhesive without causing damage to the surface of your wall or flooring.
One of the most effective methods is using a sharp blade or utility knife to cut through the adhesive. First, use a scraper or putty knife to loosen any excess glue from the surface and continue sawing. (Learn How To Remove Cover From Ceiling Light)
Once you’ve done that, continue sawing back and forth until all remnants of Liquid Nails have been removed. This is the closest way to removing construction adhesives using a windshield cut-out wire (also called music wire), yet more suited to smaller areas.
Another way to remove Liquid Nails is by applying heat directly to the adhesive using a heat gun. This method works best on surfaces to handle high temperatures, like metal or stone.
Remove liquid by heating the area where the glue is applied, then gently pry it off with a scraper tool. The final stage can include covering the remains in petroleum jelly or other softening material.
After working, scrape softened material or other softening material off the surface and wipe clean. Last, if none of these techniques work for you, try soaking rags in acetone or rubbing alcohol and place them over areas with Liquid Nails residue for several hours.
Once finished, scrape away any leftover glue with a putty knife, and remember that persistence pays off when trying to remove stubborn adhesives like liquid nails!
A light layer of oil can be a great way to remove stubborn glue, yet don’t use baby oil. After working your other softening material off the surface, baby oil leaves a stain. Cover the treated area with liquid nail or construction adhesive remover for a few hours.
With any method, be sure to wear heavy safety gloves. (Learn How To Remove Paint From A Bathtub)
Remove Construction Adhesives and Liquid Nail with Chemical Remover
Remove liquid nail from tile, granite, concrete, stone, laminate, fiberglass, wood, plastic, vinyl, furniture, brick, and other ceramic surfaces:
- Apply EZ Strip All-Purpose Remover
- Test a small area first.
- Wait, typically 1 hour, depending on the thickness of the material being removed.
- Cover treated area with plastic to keep the product working.
- Scrape softened material from the surface.
- Scrub and wipe clean with warm water.
Remove liquid nail from carpets or rugs:
- Test on an inconspicuous area
- Apply EZ Strip All-Purpose Remover
- Wait 30 minutes – 1 hour.
- Blot gently to remove with a clean, white cloth and warm water.
- Reapply as needed.
- Use caution not to over-saturate the area with EZ Strip
Remove liquid nail from chairs and upholstery.
Do not use on leather or synthetic fabrics:
- Test on an inconspicuous area
- Apply EZ Strip All-Purpose Remover
- Wait 30 minutes – 1 hour.
- Blot gently to remove with a clean, white cloth and warm water.
- Reapply as needed.
- Use caution not to over-saturate the area with EZ Strip
Liquid Nails Removal with Max Strip
- Apply MAX Strip All Purpose Remover to your liquid nail.
- Test a small area first.
- Wait typically 1 hour, depending on the removed material’s thickness.
- Cover treated area with plastic to keep the product wet and able to work.
- Scrape softened material from the surface.
- Scrub and wipe clean with warm water.
Remove liquid nail from the carpet or your rugs:
- Test on an inconspicuous area
- Apply All Purpose Remover
- Wait 30 minutes – 1 hour.
- Blot to remove with a clean, white cloth and warm water.
- Reapply as needed.
Use caution not to over-saturate the area with MAX Strip
Remove liquid nail from the furniture.
Not be suitable for synthetic fabrics or leather:
- Test on an inconspicuous area
- Apply MAX Strip All-Purpose Remover
- Wait 30 minutes – 1 hour.
- Blot gently to remove with a clean, white cloth and warm water.
- Reapply as needed.
Use caution not to over-saturate the area with MAX Strip. (Learn How To Remove Carpet Glue From Concrete)
Remove liquid nail from clothing.
Caution on synthetic fabrics or leather:
- Apply All Purpose Remover
- Wait 30 minutes – 1 hour.
- Blot stain with a clean, white cloth and warm water
