Article
Read our guide to learn how to remove epoxy. It’s quick, easy, and safe.
More importantly, you know where to go to find the best lineup of epoxies for every need. Check out LePage epoxies today.
If you’re stumped on how to remove epoxy without damaging the surface, worry no further. It’s easier than you think if you just follow the right steps. You’ll find all the answers here.
Sometimes bad stuff happens to good DIYers. You’ve carefully used adhesives based on the manufacturer’s directions, but leftover spills have ruined the job… Or have they? Epoxy resin is a staple in the toolkit of any handyman, because it can be used on quite a variety of materials like concrete, plastic, and wood during renovations and installations.
But accidents happen and you may find yourself needing to remove cured epoxy. And, sometimes, poorer-grade epoxies may lose their grip over time, which means you’ll need to remove the hardened epoxy. Keep reading to find out how.
Removing uncured epoxy is much easier than doing so after it hardens. Make it a habit to inspect your work area and the object you glued, then clean up immediately. You’ll save yourself some time and elbow grease.
Whether the epoxy you want to remove is cured or uncured, the tools you need are simple and few:
Cured epoxy removal
- pair of gloves
- clean, dry, soft cloth
- adhesive remover or paint thinner
- ventilated area to work in
Uncured epoxy removal
- pair of gloves
- clean, dry, soft cloth
- acetone or isopropyl alcohol
- ventilated area to work in
Additional tools/supplies:
Scraper tool or putty knife
Trash can or bag to dispose of the removed epoxy
Please note: Whether you’re removing cured epoxy or removing uncured epoxy, it’s always a good idea to have leather or rubber gloves to protect your skin and safety goggles.
Getting unwanted epoxy off is a pretty simple job as long as you don’t rush. Gather all the tools you’ll need, and a ventilated area to work in, and you’re good to go.
Be careful to choose the right solvent for the job. Paint thinners and alcohol can damage that beautiful wood finish — so, instead, use acetone as the solvent. Always test a small spot to ensure the solvent won’t damage the surface.
- Gently rub the areas where epoxy needs to be removed with a clean, soft cloth dampened with an epoxy solvent, such as acetone.
- Keep the acetone in contact with the area to loosen the epoxy. Use enough acetone to soak into the surface a bit.
- Be careful not to damage the wood/concrete as you use your knife or scraping tool to gently and slowly scrape off the epoxy resin.
- There is no need to worry about any wet areas left by the acetone as it will evaporate on its own.
- Hard surfaces won’t soak up acetone-like liquids, so you’ll need a solvent like paint thinner or a chemical adhesive remover. When using these types of chemical epoxy solvents, make sure to wear a mask, safety glasses, and gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area.
- Apply with a rag or spray the solvent directly on the epoxy.
- Scrape away the epoxy, being careful not to scratch the surface you’re working on.
As with any job, using the best materials will definitely help you achieve superior results. Whether you’re starting a new project or have just scraped away the remnants of an old patch of epoxy, LePage has an excellent line of epoxy glues to choose from.
A star on the team is LePage Speed Set Epoxy. This two-part adhesive consists of an epoxy resin and a hardener. When mixed in equal volumes, it bonds metal, glass, ceramic, wood, many rigid plastics, china, tile, fiberglass, concrete, and stone. It’s a super versatile adhesive!
It features a 5-minute set time, is water resistant, and will not shrink or expand. It can even be tinted with earth pigments, cement, or sand to match surrounding materials.
With many of the same great qualities, LePage Gel Epoxy produces a tough, rigid, high-strength bond in 6 minutes. This formulation is ideal for vertical surfaces and overhead repairs where regular liquid epoxies may be prone to drip.
Both come in a convenient dual syringe which delivers equal parts of both components every time. That means no measuring or mixing!
Our epoxy lineup also includes LePage Marine Epoxy for times when moisture resistance is especially an issue. This formulation can be applied (and will cure) underwater.
Try LePage Epoxy Steel for repairing, filling, and rebuilding all metal and concrete surfaces. LePage Epoxy Steel does not conduct electricity and can be used for sealing electrical components as well.