Abstract: Paint stripping compositions and a method of removing paint and the like from a substrate is disclosed. More particularly, a stripping composition comprised of a polymeric resin, a water insoluble organic plasticizer, and a water miscible organic solvent, is provided for use in penetrating, softening, loosening and lifting the paint from a painted substrate while laminating with the paint. The lamination process is expedited by inclusion of steam heat and removal of the resultant laminate is accomplished by peeling, or more preferred, by blasting with pressurized steam or water.