Abstract: A composition useful as a paint remover, including alkylene carbonate such as propylene carbonate or ethylene carbonate, and an alcohol such as benzyl alcohol. Also, a process for removing paint, comprising: applying a composition containing alkylene carbonate and an alcohol to a painted surface for a time and under conditions effective to reduce adhesion between the top coats and the primer or undercoat of the paint. In another aspect, this paint remover includes dialkyl carbonate and an alcohol, optionally containing a glycol ether. In another aspect, the process includes applying a composition containing dialkyl carbonate and an alcohol. This paint remover may include a thickener, a surfactant, or a corrosion inhibitor.