How to remove epoxy from glass: The best scratch-free methods

If you want to remove epoxy from glass, the safest way is to soften the epoxy first with a solvent or with heat. This makes removal much easier. When using heat, avoid applying excessive heat to the glass, as it could affect its surface. Use a heat source with adjustable temperature settings and wear heat-resistant gloves for protection. Attacking hardened epoxy directly with a razor may result in scratches because of the amount of force needed. Softening first is easier on both the glass and your hands.

Here are some supplies that you will need:

• acetone or nail polish remover
• heat gun or hair dryer
• razor blade or sharp putty knife
• glass cleaner
• paper towels

We’ll look at two different ways of softening the epoxy before scraping.

Let’s cover the solvent method first:

1. Soak a paper towel or cotton ball in acetone.
2. Place the towel or cotton directly on the epoxy and keep it in contact for about 15 minutes.
3. Begin scraping the epoxy with a razor blade.
4. If the epoxy will not come off with medium pressure, remoisten the towel and soak for another 15 minutes.
5. Once the epoxy is softened, use the razor at a low angle to the glass and scrape away as much epoxy as possible.
6. Use a towel and more acetone to wipe away any residue.
7. Clean the area with glass cleaner.

As an alternative, you can use heat to soften the epoxy:

1. Gently heat the epoxy with a heat gun for about 1 minute.
2. Try scraping the epoxy with a razor blade.
3. Reheat as needed. Alternate between heating and scraping until the epoxy has been removed.
4. Wipe away any residue with a towel and acetone.
5. Clean the area with glass cleaner.

So now you have seen that removing epoxy glue from glass is possible, but the goal is to stop epoxy from dripping or spilling in the first place. Here are two products that can be a big help in that regard.

First, spills and splashes can easily occur when mixing the epoxy components on a scrap piece of wood or cardboard. Imagine how much easier it would be to dispense the epoxy directly from the syringe, already mixed.

LePage Speed Set Instant Mix Epoxy does just that. The self-mixing nozzle blends the resin and hardener as it is dispensed, so you can apply the material directly to where it’s needed. This formula sets in just five minutes, enabling you to make quick repairs while minimizing curing time.

Another option is LePage Epoxy Gel. The syringe applicator accurately dispenses equal parts onto your mixing surface. The thicker gel consistency is unlikely to drip or splash while mixing and lends itself well to vertical or overhead applications. It stays put and sets in just 6 minutes.

Speed Set and Epoxy gel both bond firmly to metal, wood, glass, ceramics, and most plastics.