Abstract: Relatively non-toxic and environmentally safe paint stripping compositions are disclosed for use in removing, for example, oil based alkyd and latex paints, varnishes, lacquers, shellacs, enamels, polyurethane and epoxy coatings from wood and metal surfaces at ambient temperatures. It has been unexpectedly found that C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 ether esters and carbonates of the form R--O--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --COOR.sub.1, wherein R and R.sub.1 are lower alkyl groups and n=0-2, used in combination with tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) increase the rate of paint removal relative to THFA alone. Other ingredients, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), gamma-butyrolactone (BLAC) may be added to improve the efficacy of the present invention without detracting from its other beneficial properties. Additives such as formic acid, surfactant, thickener, corrosion inhibitor, fragrance, and bittering agent may also be added.