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How to Remove Hot Glue from Car Paint? 4 Solid Techniques

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If you are reading this post, it likely means that you are attempting to use the paintless dent repair technique on your vehicle. One common issue when performing PDR is not being able to remove the glue successfully.

Removing glue from car paint is not always the easiest process. There are many different ways to remove hot glue from your car’s paint, but you should always try to use methods that will not harm the area more than it already has been.

So, do you want to know how to remove hot glue from car paint? We have compiled a list of some of the best methods for removing PDR glue without harming your car’s paintwork. Furthermore, we throw in some pro tips that will make it easier for you to remove it completely.

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How to Remove Glue Using Rubbing Alcohol

A good way of getting the glue off your car’s paint is by using isopropyl alcohol. Yes, regular rubbing alcohol is known to be the best glue removal method. This is a safe method that will not harm your paintwork.

You can use this on the glue residue that is left over after you have used the hot glue gun during the PDR repair. You can also wash it off with soapy water after applying the alcohol, depending on how quickly you need to remove it from your car’s body.

However, before you start the removal process, you should make sure that you purchase the right alcohol type and some nitrile gloves to protect your hands. The alcohol can get into your eyes and on your skin, so it’s best to wear gloves.

To do this yourself, start by spraying some alcohol onto the area where the glue is located. Then rub over any affected area where you think there might be remaining glue residue. Wash off as soon as possible, so no dirt gets stuck in the moist area of adhesive that is left behind.

You can use a paper towel, cotton ball, or a wet rag to wipe the area clean. Repeat the process until the hot glue is completely removed. Use a heat gun or hairdryer if the glue residue left is still sticky.

Other Ways to Remove Hot Glue From Car Paint

Alcohol is also known to work in most car interiors and exteriors. Besides this method, there are a few more options that you can try.

Using a glue remover scraper tool

Another way of removing PDR glue from car paint without harming its surface is using plastic scraper tools for scraping away at the dried glue. First, you need to gently scrape the edges of the glue with a plastic scraper tool. This is to avoid any unnecessary scratches on your car paint.

You probably might want to spray some alcohol onto the surface before you start scraping if you are removing PDR glue off of dry surfaces. This will help remove that loose glue with ease. Do not use too much force when scraping. Try to scrape in a back and forth motion while applying gentle pressure instead.

Heating the surface area with a heat gun or hair dryer

Applying a small amount of heat to the glue can help remove it. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm up the glue, then use your scraper tools and scrape away at the softened glue gently.

You want to be careful with this method because you can end up damaging the paint with the hot temperature. If there is a lot of glue on your car, then it would be best to start with a soft solvent like hand cream or denatured alcohol.

Dish soap and warm water

Warm water with soap is an old-school method that people still use today. The dish soap helps to break down and lift the glue off of your car paint surface area.

Basically, you will soak a cloth with soapy water and wipe the area out to remove the excess glue residue. Readers found that adding a little bit of upholstery cleaner mix will help remove glue stain as well.

Things to avoid when removing PDR glue from a car

Now that you know the best practices of removing glue from a car, it is important to know what not to do so that you don’t damage the paint. Here are some of the things to avoid when you are trying to remove PDR glue residue:

Not wearing the proper gloves for protection

We found that nitrile gloves work best to protect your hands and the car’s clear coat as well. It works when you are trying to use acetone or another type of alcohol. Be careful when you are working with these types of chemicals.

Using a damaged plastic scraper tool

A damaged or dirty plastic scrapper is the second most common way to ruin your car’s paintwork when trying to remove the hot glue out. Be gentle when using this tool.

Applying rubbing alcohol on recently painted cars

Cars that have been painted recently should be given time to dry before you try to remove the glue. Damage can occur during this process if the car is not completely dry, so it’s important to wait a few hours, not just several minutes, before applying any solution. A few minutes is not enough.

Using alcohol when the body panel is too hot

You should avoid applying any solution on a hot panel in order to prevent permanent damage. Take your car inside and wait a few minutes until the car body panel cools off.

Trying to use nail polish remover

A nail polish remover or acetone contains chemicals that will eat away the car’s paintwork. This liquid will dissolve the spray-paint coat to the base layer, which means that the paintwork will be ruined. This is not a good option for removing hot glue from your car and should only be used if you have experience.

Using a razor blade to remove glue

A razor blade should only be used when you a trying to remove glue from your car’s glass or windshield. However, this is a method only recommended to be used by professionals that have experience removing the glue from car windows. DO NOT try to use it on your car body parts.

Can this method work to remove super glue as well?

Yes, super glue can be removed from your car by using the same techniques as removing PDR glue. This includes using a scrapper or a hair dryer to soften it so that it is easier to remove. Sometimes this chemical leaves a glue stain that can peel off the clear coat on your vehicle.

Try using wax or a glass cleaner first, these are considered a less invasive options, and they can help break down the glue. Don’t forget to wipe the area clean with a rag or cloth to remove any remaining residue.

Does hot glue damage car paint?

No, it is proven that when you use a high-quality hot glue, it does not cause any damage to a car’s paint. However, when your are using the wrong type of adhesive it can lead to scratches or peel’s on your car body panels.

How do you remove dried hot glue residue?

If you want to remove the glue that has been dried, the first thing you need to do is start heating up the glue with a hair dryer or a heating gun to soften the glue. Then you should soak the area with alcohol. Use a plastic scraper to lift the glue and continue to soak it with more rubbing alcohol mixture.

Be careful; you do not want to overheat the area, as this can cause the paint to peel off when you scrape the glue. Just try to soak it with the alcohol first so that the glue can come out easily.

Can I use acetone or a nail polish remover?

A nail polish remover or acetone is a great solution for removing excess glue from hard surfaces like wood or glass, but it can be damaging to your car’s paint job if done incorrectly.

We strongly suggest not to apply acetone directly to your car’s paint. You would probably end up removing paint and causing more damage than if you left the glue on your car.

How to remove hot glue from car windows?

You should always start to remove glue from your car windows by applying a generous amount of glass cleaner to the glue and scrubbing it off. If this does not work, try using white vinegar and rub it using a cotton swab or a clean rag.

Another invasive method to peel glue from car windows is using a razor blade. This is not the most recommended method because you can damage the glass. By the way, a very important thing to know about glue is that it can react differently with different surfaces.

Summary

Your best bet will be to use alcohol combined with a glue remover tool. Make sure that you scrape the surface in a gentle way. If you can’t remove the glue, then it is best to get professional help.

After you completely remove the glue from your car, we suggest that you apply wax to add that extra protection to your car. By applying a protective layer of wax or sealant when you finish removing glue residue, you can help protect your car from future damages.

Last Updated on: October 22, 2024

Hi, my name is John Snow and I am a car lover. With two decades under my belt fixing and driving cars, I'm always on the hunt for fresh, cutting-edge methods to give my ride a performance boost. Driven by my zeal to decode car problems, I'm on a mission to equip vehicle owners with accurate and handy tips. By doing so, they can fix their rides while saving both time and cash.

By John Snow