Removing Construction Adhesive from Brick

Step 1 – Remove Softened Adhesive

If you are the one applying the adhesive to the brick and you make a mistake you can still remove it. Construction adhesive sets very quickly so you have to work fast. Prior to it drying; use a metal putty knife and scrape it off of the brick. Use a rag to remove any remaining residue. If parts of it dry before you can remove it the rest of the information here will work to remove it.

Step 2 – Soften the Construction Adhesive

Trying to scrape away or chisel hardened construction off brick can easily damage the brick regardless of its age. Older or weathered brick tends to be less sturdy than fresh brick. Damage will easily occur if the construction adhesive is on mortar. To prevent damage you will need to soften the adhesive. Not all construction adhesives are made the same but there are two ways to soften it in case one does not work. The first is to apply petroleum jelly to the hardened adhesive. Allow the petroleum jelly to sit on the adhesive for 30 minutes. Touch the adhesive with the end of a putty knife. If the adhesive dents then it is soft enough to be removed. If petroleum jelly does not appear to be working then try using heat. Use a normal hair dryer on its highest setting and place it close to the adhesive. Check to see if the adhesive has softened after a few minutes.

Step 3 – Chiseling

Once the construction adhesive has begun to soften you will have to work quickly because after a few minutes it will harden again as though it were just applied. One of the softening techniques will then have to be repeated order to remove it. Place the metal putty knife at a 45 degree angle against the adhesive and scrap it along the surface of the brick to remove the adhesive. Sometimes the construction adhesive will remain bonded to the brick despite the surface being soft. If this is the case then instead of scraping the adhesive off the brick use the metal putty knife as a makeshift chisel. Hold it at the same angle and gently tap it with a hammer. As you do this; move the metal putty knife along the path of the adhesive.

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