How to remove uncured and cured epoxy & glues
There are a variety of methods for removing epoxy adhesives; we’ve collected a few methods we prefer here.
Removing uncured epoxy: Uncured epoxy is removed similarly as you would clean spilled resin.
Option 1:
1) Follow all safety warnings on adhesives and solvents, and provide adequate ventilation.
2) Scrape as much material as possible from the surface using a stiff metal or plastic scraper.
a. Optional but helpful, warm the epoxy to lower its viscosity/making it thinner and more runny.
3) Clean the residue with lacquer thinner, acetone, or alcohol.
4) For Wood: After applying wood surfaces with epoxy, it's a good idea to brush the wet epoxy (in the direction of the grain) with a wire brush to improve adhesion. Allow solvents to dry before recoating
Source: http://www.westsystem.com/ss/clean-up-removing
Option 2:
You may also consider these adhesive and glue removing products too:
- MG Chemical High Purity Isopropyl Alcohol Large Wipes
- Quality Aerosols QUA01156 Industrial-Grade Citrus Adhesive Spray-On Remover
- Quality Aerosols Q8400-AA Industrial Strength Aggressive Spray-On Adhesive Remover
- Loctite 7360 Adhesive Remover Cleaner
- Permabond Superglue CA Solvent
Option 3:
Isopropyl alcohol or acetone: You can use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or acetone to remove any uncured epoxy adhesive. "Uncured" refers to the stage wherein the adhesive is not yet fully set, and is either still in its liquid or gel state, or could also be hard to the touch, but not yet fully set (typically epoxy takes 24 to 48 hours to fully cure or set).
Removing cured or dried epoxy
1) Follow all safety warnings on adhesives and solvents, and provide adequate ventilation.
2) Acquire a heat gun, a hand scraper tool, and sand paper or your preferred sanding/abrading tools.
3) Heat a small area of the cured epoxy (200°F or more) with the heat gun
a. Use a hand scraper tool to scrape off/remove the bulk of the epoxy adhesive.
b. Provide ventilation when heating epoxy.
4) Sand or abrade the surface, if needed, to remove the remaining material.
Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/8-tips-for-removing-epoxy-adhesive#b
Good Forum for additional topics on removing uncured epoxy adhesives: