HOW CHEMICAL PAINT STRIPPER WORK - Types of Chemical Paint Strippers 1. Solvent-Based Strippers: . Active Ingredients: Common solvents include methylene chloride (dichloromethane), toluene, acetone, and alcohols. . Mechanism: These solvents penetrate the paint layers, causing the paint to swell, soften, and lift from the substrate. Methylene chloride is especially effective because it can dissolve many types of paint quickly. 2. Caustic Strippers: . Active Ingredients: Sodium hydroxide (lye) or potassium hydroxide. . Mechanism: These strippers work by converting the paint into a soap-like substance through a process called saponification. This weakens the paint's adherence to the surface, making it easier to scrape off. 3. Biochemical Strippers: . Active Ingredients: Natural compounds like citric acid, lactic acid, or soy-based gels. . Mechanism: These work by softening the paint through prolonged exposure, allowing it to be scraped off or washed away. They are generally less toxic and more environmentally friendly.