How Chemical Paint Stripper works? Vitarag Chemicals is a renowned manufacturer of PCR 01 Paint Stripper 1. Softening: The chemicals in the paint stripper penetrate through the layers of paint or varnish, softening them and breaking down the chemical bonds that hold the paint to the surface. 2. Reaction: The active ingredients in the paint stripper chemically react with the paint, causing it to swell or bubble up. 3. Removal: Once the paint has softened and bubbled, it can be scraped off or washed away with water or a solvent. Some paint strippers are designed to be rinsed off with water, while others require scraping with a putty knife or wire brush.