Car paint with its clear coat is tough, but sensitive to solvents. Super glue ends up on bodywork in various ways: it is used to fix badges and stickers, it drips during small repairs, and it leaves hard spots once trim is removed.
Popular home remedies are risky. Acetone nail polish remover softens glue quickly, but it can just as easily dull or strip the lacquer, especially on older or resprayed cars. Hot soapy water is safe but takes many rounds of rubbing. There is a gentler way.
What you will need
Important: Do not use acetone, nail polish remover, metal blades or abrasive pads on paintwork. Keep products away from brake discs, tyres and the area of windscreen swept by the wipers.
Step 1
Wash the area
Wash around the spot with car shampoo and dry it. Grit and road salt that settle on the body in winter will scratch the clear coat as you wipe, so a clean surface is essential.
Step 2
Apply the product to the glue
Shake the can and apply a small amount of WD-40 Multi-Use precisely onto the spot. For a drop of glue or a thin line, WD-40 Smart Straw with its narrow straw is easier. The glue should be fully covered, but do not soak the whole panel.
Step 3
Let it work
Do not start rubbing straight away. Wait a few minutes while the product works its way under the glue film and weakens its bond with the lacquer. On old, thick glue, apply a second coat and wait again.
Step 4
Remove the glue gently
Wipe the spot with a soft cloth without force, working from the edges towards the centre. Lift a thick drop that has started to loosen with a plastic scraper held at a low angle. If the glue still holds, reapply rather than rubbing harder.
Step 5
Final wash
Once the glue is gone, wash the area with car shampoo and warm water to remove any product and dirt, then dry with microfibre. Check the surface from different angles: if a dull patch remains, buff it with a mild polishing compound.
Tip: Avoid using super glue to fix badges or stickers: on bodywork it turns hard and brittle, and removing the trim later is far more difficult. Dedicated automotive double-sided tapes are made for the job.
What next
After treatment, apply a coat of wax to the spot to even out the paint protection before winter. The same method also removes adhesive left by stickers, number plate surrounds and old mouldings.
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».