Glue ends up on furniture all the time: packing a parcel, fixing small items, helping children with school projects. A drop that goes unnoticed dries, collects dust and spoils the look of the table top. The longer it sits, the harder it grips.
The household remedies are well known: acetone nail varnish remover and petroleum jelly left overnight. But acetone can strip varnish and paint along with the glue, and petroleum jelly is slow and often needs several attempts. A quicker, gentler option is described below.
What you will need
- WD-40 Multi-Use
- WD-40 Smart Straw for small spots and joints
- a plastic card or wooden spatula
- microfibre cloths
- a cotton rag and warm water with a drop of detergent
- furniture wax if needed
Important: Test the product on a hidden area first, especially on polished, waxed and antique surfaces. Do not use a knife, blade or metal scraper: they will scratch the wood.
Step 1
Assess the spot and remove the excess
Check whether the glue is still tacky or has dried into a crust. Carefully lift a thick blob with a plastic card held at an angle, without scratching the finish. Do not force off a thin film, or you may pull the varnish away with it.
Step 2
Apply WD-40 to the glue
Spray WD-40 Multi-Use so the spot is completely covered. For small marks, joints and carvings, WD-40 Smart Straw with its thin straw is easier: the product will not spread onto the surrounding area.
On vertical surfaces it is better to soak a cloth and press it onto the spot.
Step 3
Let it work
Wait a few minutes. During this time the product gets under the glue, softens it and weakens its grip on the surface. For an old thick layer or a strong adhesive, leave it for 10-15 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the glue
Work over the spot with the plastic card or wipe the glue away with microfibre, moving along the grain. Softened glue should come off in pieces or roll up. If some still clings, apply the product again and repeat.
Step 5
Clean and restore the surface
Wipe the area with a cotton rag dampened in warm water with a drop of detergent to remove any traces of glue and lubricant, then dry it.
If the surface was waxed, apply a thin coat of furniture wax and buff it to a shine.
Tip: Deal with fresh glue straight away: before it sets, a damp cloth is enough. To avoid repeating the job, cover the table with an old oilcloth when children sit down to do crafts.
What next
The same method removes tape marks, price labels and stickers from furniture, doors and frames. Keep WD-40 Multi-Use handy: it is just as useful for squeaky hinges and locks.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».