Fixing a broken tile can be a tricky job, so before you get stuck, learn how to remove super glue from tiles. Read this guide for more information.
Got glue on a tile? If you spill super glue onto the surface of a tile, you should remove it straight away. A tissue or paper towel should do the trick. For larger spills of super glue, cover the glue with water to harden it and then remove it using a paint scraper and a solvent like acetone. However, if you missed it and the glue dries, there is still hope!
Does it make a difference if the tile is ceramic or porcelain? To a degree, yes. Porcelain tiles are less porous than ceramic, therefore they absorb less water. This could impact how you remove any glue from the surface.
If you have porcelain tiles, it is most likely that the glue can be removed by simply using an un-colored nail-polish remover, or pure acetone if you can get it. Just dab a small amount on the glue using a cloth or piece of kitchen towel and leave it for about 15 minutes until the glue softens, then wipe it off with a damp rag.
If the tiles are ceramic, or for materials of a more porous nature, it may be necessary to take a few extra steps to remove the glue. Try this:
- Clean the area and dry off thoroughly
- Using acetone, apply a generous amount of the liquid to the glue and leave to stand.
- Soak a piece of kitchen towel in acetone and place it over the patch. This will prevent evaporation before the glue has a chance to soften.
- Lay a piece of plastic wrap over the towel and seal around the edges. Leave for a few hours.
- Remove the wrap and paper towel and wipe away the residue. If necessary, use a paint scraper or a craft knife, but take care not to damage the surface.
After the glue has been treated with acetone, you can carefully remove it with a cloth or plastic spatula
They always say prevention is better than a cure, so when choosing the right adhesive for your project, consider the different types of super glue and applicators available. Super glue comes as a liquid or a gel and the key factors are:
- Liquid glue runs and is, therefore, good for horizontal surfaces and fine cracks
- Gels are non-drip and, as such, are best for vertical surfaces
If you need to fix a cracked floor tile, Loctite Super Glue Liquid will do the job perfectly. The advanced liquid formula allows the glue to run into the crack and set in seconds.
For a broken wall tile, Loctite Super Glue Gel should be your first choice. The gel will not run but will penetrate the crack, providing a quick, permanent fix.