Abstract: Stripping compositions for removing paints, varnishes, enamels and the like, from substrates comprising compositions of (a) an amide compound of the formula: ##STR1## and mixtures thereof, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl and phenyl; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; and mixtures of said amide compounds; and (b) a carbonate compound of the formula: ##STR2## and mixtures thereof, wherein R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl or R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 together form a divalent ethylene, propylene or butylene group of a cyclic carbonate.