Hot melt glue residue

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 11:41 am

Usually, I use dble sided tape to affix patterns for routing but, I was out. So, hot melt seemed a good alternative. Now it seems that, even after diligent attempts at removal with a putty knife and scraper, there remains some residue in the grain of my walnut. (evident after sanding)
Any hints at a chemical solution?

Thanks guys.

Gene

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 11:57 am

No experience here, but maybe try some laquer thinner?

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 12:46 pm

Again with the wife in the silk flower and interior design business I get a lot of exposure to hot melt glue.

Interestingly some solvents will melt the glue but in your case all that will do is force it deeper into the grain. Scrapping will remove it but sanding will melt it deeper into the grain. Use a cabinet scrapper and try to remove it.

If you have a plane you can plan it off but let me warn you something in the glue will cause the planner knives to get a nick sometimes.

My recommendation live and learn never use hot melt glue on an open grain wood that will be finished and seen.

One thing I have thought about but never attempted was to use a heat source holding the wood so gravity would cause the glue to come to the surface rather than sink lower and then using something to blot off the glue. Might work but there would be a delicate balance between softening the glue and scorching the wood.

How gamey are you to try????
Best to you

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 1:05 pm

Thanks for the responses. Think I'll try the heat:eek: Then the lacquer thinner.
Can't plane it off. It's already assembled:mad:
Sometimes stupidity and lack of forethought gets in my way.

kalynzoo · Post by **kalynzoo** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 1:28 pm

I've had my troubles with hot glue, and stay away from it with wood. Sanding with force will create heat which moves the glue into the grain. Solvents that work on the wax/glue will stain the wood. I would suggest scraping as much as possible, then using an oil finish that will not accentuate the glue stain. Danish oil, then a hand rubbed carnuba finish. Just a thought. Good luck

reible · Post by **reible** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 2:45 pm

Hi,

Another version of the heat idea is to put a piece of cloth over the wood then heat... It might be that the old glue will adhere to the fabric and result in having most or all of it cleaned out.

I would not go for it on your finished project right off, but rather if you have some scraps hot glue them up then and experiment on them... same for the finishes/solvents.

If you don't already own one go to a resale shop and get yourself an old iron they are great in the shop for all sorts of projects. If you get one of the older ones it may even serve as a weight...

Ed

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 3:35 pm

Thanks again for all your suggestions.
The lacquer thinner worked great. No heat needed.
At least I cant see the residue....yet.

Gotta get me some more dbl stick tape.

tom_k/mo · Post by **tom_k/mo** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 4:03 pm

Ed, I was thinking along the lines of you, but trying something similar to getting wax and crayon out, put a piece of brown paper bag on top of the wood and heat with an iron. It should melt the glue and the paper bag being more porus than the wood, it should wick itself into that. Worth a try...

reible · Post by **reible** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 5:54 pm

OK now I should write this down somewhere in case I ever have the problem. The problem is locating the sheet of paper when and if you need it again...

I've used the hot glue to "pot" electronics and sometimes wished I could get it back apart.... not so sure lacquer thinner would be the way to go for that....

Anyway I'm glad you came here and found someone to enlighten us so we all know.

Tom, yes the idea of the wax is what prompted me to post my idea and a brown bag and iron save an expensive walnut speaker cabinet for me years ago. If I think of it this summer I may give the hot glue/bag/cloth/iron a try just to see if it would work.

Ed

kalynzoo · Post by **kalynzoo** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 8:28 pm

Now that the lacquer thinner has worked for you, I thought I would mention one other idea....it has to do with beer:D