How to Get Gorilla Glue Off Your Hands (Safely)
Got Gorilla Glue on your hands? Don't panic and don't reach for the nail polish remover. Here's the safe way to get it off, depending on which glue you used and how long ago – plus what to keep in the toolbox next time.
How do I get Gorilla Glue off my hands?
Wash it off straight away with warm soapy water while it's still wet. If it has started to set, scrub gently with a gritty hand cleaner, then moisturise. Once Original Gorilla Glue has fully cured it can't be dissolved – it wears off by itself within a few days. Gorilla don't recommend acetone, alcohol or other solvents on skin. For super glue, soak in warm soapy water and gently roll the skin apart – never pull.
- Glue still wetSoap and warm water, or a hand-cleaning wipe
- Starting to setGritty pumice hand cleaner, then moisturise
- Fully curedMoisturise and let it wear off over a few days
- Super glue on fingersSoak in warm soapy water, roll apart gently
- In eyes or on lipsDon't force apart – get medical help (NHS 111)
Which glue is on your hands?
Different Gorilla glues come off in different ways, so check the bottle first.
| Glue | What it is | While wet | Once set |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Gorilla Glue | Polyurethane – foams and expands as it cures | Soapy water, straight away | Gritty soap, then let it wear off |
| Gorilla Super Glue | Cyanoacrylate – sets in seconds | Soapy water, straight away | Soak in warm soapy water, roll apart |
| Gorilla Wood Glue | Water-based PVA | Rinses off with warm water | Rub or peel off after washing |
How to get Original Gorilla Glue off your hands
Original Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane glue. It reacts with moisture – including the moisture on your skin – so the faster you act, the easier it is.
- Act fast. Wipe off as much wet glue as you can with a dry paper towel or cloth, before it starts to foam.
- Wash with warm soapy water straight away. A hand-cleaning wipe works well if you're away from a sink.
- Use something gritty if it's started to set. A pumice hand cleaner like our Timco Heavy Duty Hand Cleaner or a gritty exfoliator helps lift partly-set glue. Scrub gently – don't break the skin.
- Dry your hands and moisturise. Lotion keeps the skin supple and helps any remaining glue come away.
- Let cured glue wear off. Fully set glue can't be dissolved. It will come off naturally within a few days and may leave a slight stain until it does.
How to get Gorilla Super Glue off your fingers
Super glue bonds in seconds, so it's common to stick fingers together. Patience works better than force.
- Don't pull. Never pull bonded skin apart – it can tear.
- Soak in warm soapy water for several minutes.
- Gently wiggle or roll the stuck skin while it soaks, so the water can work into the bond.
- Peel away the softened glue once it lets go, then wash and moisturise.
What not to do
- Don't use acetone, alcohol or solvents on Original Gorilla Glue – Gorilla advise against them on skin.
- Don't pull skin apart or pick at glue with blades, sandpaper or wire brushes.
- Don't scrub until sore. Cured glue will wear off on its own – there's no need to damage your skin.
- Eyes or lips? Don't force them apart. Rinse with warm water and get medical help straight away (NHS 111 or A&E).
Keep these to hand
The easiest glue to remove is the glue that never reaches your skin. Keep gloves on and wipes open while you work.
PreventionGrippy nitrile-coated gloves – Gorilla strongly recommend wearing gloves with Original Gorilla Glue.
Shop gloves
Wet glueHand-cleaning wipes with power solvents and skin conditioners – ideal for wiping wet glue off quickly.
Shop Big Wipes
Partly setSolvent-free hand cleaner with pumice and walnut scrub, plus moisturisers. Removes adhesive residue.
Shop hand cleaner
Tools & surfacesTextured wipes for wet and semi-cured glue, sealant, foam and paint on tools and surfaces.
Shop builders wipesWhich Gorilla glue should I use?
Picking the right glue for the job means less mess and a stronger bond.
Toughest jobsWaterproof polyurethane glue for wood, stone, metal, ceramic and more. Expands as it cures.
Shop Original
Quick fixesFast-setting, impact-tough super glue for small, precise repairs.
Shop Super Glue
WoodworkWater-resistant PVA wood glue – easy to clean up with water while wet.
Shop Wood GlueGorilla Glue on skin: FAQs
Does acetone or nail polish remover get Gorilla Glue off skin?
Not for Original Gorilla Glue. Gorilla advise against using alcohol, acetone or any other solvent on skin. Wash it off with soapy water while it's wet, use a gritty soap if it has started to set, and let cured glue wear off. Acetone-based nail polish remover is sometimes used on super glue, but Gorilla don't recommend it for general skin use – warm soapy water comes first.
How long does Gorilla Glue stay on your hands?
Once Original Gorilla Glue has fully cured on skin, it can take several days to wear off as your skin naturally renews. It may stain the skin slightly in the meantime. Keep your hands moisturised and it will come away on its own.
How do I get Gorilla Super Glue off my fingers?
Soak your fingers in a bowl of warm soapy water for several minutes, gently rolling or wiggling them so the water can get into the bond. Never pull bonded skin apart, as it can tear. After soaking, the glue should peel away.
Is Gorilla Glue dangerous on skin?
Getting a little on your hands is common and usually just a nuisance – it wears off within days. Avoid contact with your eyes and mouth, wear gloves when you use it, and if your skin becomes sore or irritated, get advice from a pharmacist or NHS 111.
What should I do if glue gets in my eye or on my lips?
Don't try to force your eyelids or lips apart. Rinse gently with warm water and get medical help straight away – call NHS 111 or go to A&E.
Does vinegar or lemon juice remove Gorilla Glue?
We wouldn't rely on them. Once Original Gorilla Glue has cured, nothing safe will dissolve it on skin – it has to wear off. A gritty hand cleaner such as our Timco Heavy Duty Hand Cleaner with pumice scrub and plenty of moisturiser is the quickest safe route.
How do I stop getting Gorilla Glue on my hands?
Wear gloves every time – Gorilla strongly recommend it. Keep a tub of hand-cleaning wipes open beside you so you can wipe off any wet glue straight away, and use only a thin layer: Original Gorilla Glue expands as it cures.
Shop Gorilla glues and clean-up kit
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