You’ll need to know how to remove epoxy glue from concrete if you’ve accidentally gotten it on this substrate. Epoxy adhesives are designed to last, so removing them can be a challenge. This guide tells you the best ways to remove epoxy from concrete floors and other surfaces.
Finishing floors is a popular use for epoxies on concrete, but sometimes the resin adheres where you don’t want it to. You need to remove your epoxy as gently as possible to avoid damaging your concrete.
When you remove epoxy from concrete, your procedure will vary depending on whether your adhesive has cured. The product information will often tell you that epoxy glues harden anywhere between one minute and several hours, but many products need longer to fully cure. That is definitely an advantage when you need to get epoxy off concrete.
You should learn how to remove epoxies from concrete before applying two-part adhesives
If you have been using a product like Loctite Epoxy Clear Multi-Purpose, you should remove it before the glue hardens. Uncured epoxy is softer than cured epoxy, which means it is easier to remove.
Select and test. You can use acetone or isopropyl alcohol, but test it on your substrate before applying it to your project. If you choose acetone, handle it carefully because it is highly flammable.
Apply and rub. Simply apply acetone or isopropyl alcohol to a cloth and rub the area concerned until the glue comes off.
How to remove epoxies from concrete: The best way is to wipe it away before it cures
If you notice your slip-up after your epoxy has cured, you can still remove the adhesive. Removing epoxy from concrete after it has cured is more difficult than the procedure described above, but it is by no means impossible.
- Select a solvent and/or blade. You have three options: you can cut away cured epoxy using a sharp blade; you can use paint thinner, denatured alcohol, or adhesive remover to soften the epoxy; or you can combine these methods.
- Work safely. If you use a knife, exercise caution and wear gloves to protect your hands. You should avoid skin contact with solvents and work in a well-ventilated area.
- Test first. If using a solvent, test it on the substrate before applying it to the entire project.
- Apply the solvent. You can dip a cloth in the solvent and rub at the adhesive until the epoxy yields.
You can also immerse the affected area in paint thinner to soften the epoxy. Just lay a rag sopping with paint thinner on the cured adhesive until the glue softens to remove epoxy from concrete with greater ease.