Child Item

How do I remove old glue without breaking this sculpture?

This is likely a mid-century timber sculpture that I want to restore. It actually has 3 component parts which are now rickety on account of the old glue crumbling. It was likely made in Africa, so who knows what kind of glue they used there mid-last century. How do i safely do this without damaging the piece, please?

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Craft and Hobbies

Repairing

Accepted answers

All comments

EricL

Hello @MaxBrenner

I propose using a Craftright 18mm Snap Off Knife to carefully cut the adhesive off, it may take a while, but the timber of the statue will remain fairly intact. The other option is to use a Trojan 300mm Mini Hack Saw. But please note that aggressive cutting could accidentally cut into the wood. Your goal is cut into the adhesive only and to go at a slow pace.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @Remarka6le for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Remarka6le

Hey @MaxBrenner ,

With sculptures like this the main thing is to soften the glue rather than attack it mechanically straight away. Mid-century adhesives could be anything from hide glue to old PVA, and each responds differently.

A safe first step is gentle heat and moisture. If the glue is animal-based (hide glue was very common), a little steam from a kettle or a warm damp cloth applied carefully can soften it enough that the joints start to give with a bit of wiggling. If it’s an old PVA or resin glue, a hair dryer on a low setting directed at the joint often helps it become brittle and crumble out when you gently pry with a thin spatula or palette knife.

Solvents are the last resort, but if you do need one, methylated spirits is often effective on shellac and hide glues, while acetone works on some PVAs. Always test with a cotton bud on a hidden spot first to make sure you don’t stain the timber.

Rather than a knife or saw, I’d lean towards a very thin artist’s palette knife or even dental tools. They let you slide into the glue line and lift without risking a deep cut into the wood. Go slowly, add a little warmth or moisture as you go, and the old glue should release without damage.

If it were mine, I’d start with a hair dryer and a thin palette knife. Nine times out of ten the old glue will let go once it’s warmed and weakened, and you’ll be able to separate the three parts cleanly for re-gluing.

Dave-1

Good Evening @MaxBrenner

Now thats an interesting restoration 🙂 I have a sinlgle segmant of a person thinking in the same style.

I am thinking of a coping saw Trojan 165mm Coping Saw.

I would also practice cutting in a straight line through something the same thickness as the statue until you are confident (My cuts generally curve off at an angle 🐵 I would also do a few passes of the glue, then twist the staff 90 degress and then repeat. Gradually cutting your way to the center then through it.

The last suggestion echoes @EricL 's aand that is to go slow and dont use a lot of force, let the blade do the work. Support the top and bottom of each segmant as you cut.

Crossing fingers 🙂

Dave

JacobZ

Hi @MaxBrenner,

Just a friendly reminder to wear gloves and long protective clothing when you are using utility knives as there is always some potential for lacerations.

It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Jacob

Child Item