Abstract: The present invention relates to light and heat reactive paint or polymer stripping compositions preferably employing biodegradable components such as conjugated terpenes and related polyenes in combination with an alcohol such as a phenyl substituted benzyl alcohol for use in removing polymeric materials from substrates, in particular, cured paint from hard and/or flexible surfaces. The compositions avoid the use of methylene chloride, phenol, corrosives and caustics, methanol, toluol or acetone. Compositions according to the present invention preferably have flash points above about 49.degree. C. (about 120.degree. F.) and a pH which is preferably neutral.Methods of stripping polymeric coatings from surfaces and methods of making these compositions are also described.