Abstract: A di-phase stripping composition is disclosed wherein an aqueous phase having a non-aqueous solvent phase dispersed therein is employed to provide significantly improved effectiveness to remove a wide variety of organic coatings from substrates coated therewith. The aqueous phase preferably includes alkaline components and the organic solvent phase comprises a glycol phenol ether or ethoxylated furfuryl alcohol alone or in combination. Other additives can be used effectively to improve the stripping action such as surfactants, chelates and/or sequesterants and dispersants.