Abstract: A method of making a paint stripper comprising mixing a water soluble cellulose gum e.g. hydroxy ethyl cellulose or ethyl cellulose, with water and with a film forming polymer e.g. an acrylic polymer, vinyl acrylic polymer, or vinyl acetate polymer, vinyl acetate copolymer, and adding to the resulting emulsion a mixture of methylene chloride and a cellulose gum which is soluble therein, e.g. ethyl cellulose or hydroxy propyl cellulose.The invention is from another aspect a paint stripper comprising methylene chloride emulsified in the presence of a film forming polymer.