Abstract: A device for removing layers of paint from a surface including layers of paint which may comprise a base layer of oil paint. The paint is softened by radiation by means of at least one heating source. Immediately thereafter, the paint is removed mechanically from the surface. The apparatus comprises a carrier which may retain one or more sources of infrared radiation, a device for guided travel of the carrier in the horizontal plane along the painted surface and a device for guided travel of the carrier in the vertical plane along the painted surface.